Blake Bortles and A Day of Hockey 1/1/14

Blake Bortles led his team to a huge upset in the Fiesta Bowl tonight. Blake Bortles had 4 total TD, had a career high in rushing yards, and finally received national attention.

Blake Bortles is not a top 10 pick.

Bortles looked like the operator of a crafty and talented offense. He made some great throws and reads when running the football, but he did not look like a franchise QB. Bortles threw 2 INT and 2 of his TD’s were screen passes to Rannell Hall, where Hall deserved most of the credit. Many plays were designed roll outs where Bortles didn’t have to make much of a read on the defense. He overthrew a number of receivers and rarely looked like a solid pocket passer.

I believe Bortles could be a project and become a quality NFL QB, he has the physical skills and is talented enough. But a top 10 pick is excessive, Bortles isn’t ready to start in the NFL and may never be a star.

On a day filled with marquee bowl games, hockey still managed to find a place in the national spotlight. The Winter Classic broke attendance records and finished with an exciting shoot out. Even more importantly, the US Men’s team for the Sochi Olympics was announced. This tournament turned many on to the game of hockey 4 years ago and could further that this year. Mixing an already exciting game with patriotism is a recipe for success and will give sports’ fans some excitement right after the Super Bowl. Tune in to the US games and you will not be disappointed, and maybe you’ll find that hockey deserves some more of your attention even after the Olympics are over.