Patriots' Rob Ninkovich compares Blake Bortles to Ben Roethlisberger
After starting the season 2-0, the New England Patriots will host the Jacksonville Jaguars with the hopes of moving to 3-0. When they square off on Sunday, the quarterback on the other side will look similar to the Patriots' Week 1 opponent.
Defensive end Rob Ninkovich sees similarities between Blake Bortles and Ben Roethlisberger, mainly in their size and play style.
"They’re both big and athletic and can move out of the pocket,” Ninkovich said, via WEEI. “Every year we’re seeing guys who can move in the pocket, so you just have to be under control, do a great job of keeping your pass rush lane integrity and not getting kind of over the top and then where you can step up and dip in and dip out. So again, it’s a collective effort as defensive linemen, and we’ve got to continue to do a good job.”
Bortles and Roethlisberger are similar physically -- both are 6-foot-5 and between 204 and 245 pounds -- but they also have their differences. Roethlisberger has always been one of the toughest guys to get on the ground while Bortles has yet to reach that level.
For New England, facing Bortles should bode well after dealing with Roethlisberger in Week 1. The Jaguars' offense isn't nearly as electric as the Steelers' but they do have playmakers in Allen Robinson and T.J. Yeldon.
Bill Belichick has been impressed with Bortles thus far, so he knows what the Patriots can plan for on Sunday.
"Bortles has played well. He’s played well in every game," Belichick said. "Then, when they had to have it, that’s when they came through, set up the winning field. He gets the ball down the field inside, outside. He’s athletic, extends the play. I’ve been very impressed watching him."
(h/t WEEI)
