Escapability
Mobility is nice but often one of the most underrated attributes of a great quarterback is “escapability.” One doesn’t necessarily have to be mobile in such situations, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. There may be none better in the NFL at this particular trait than Rodgers. In essence escapability centers around being able to elude pressure from inside the pocket, sensing where the open lane is and slipping through it to keep the play alive.
Rodgers showcased that ability once again versus the Giants in the wild card round. Twice it appeared New York had him dead to rights. Instead Rodgers dances around, slips off to the left and strikes for the go-ahead touchdown.
Trubisky doesn’t quite have the same polish as Rodgers, but the instincts and elusiveness are definitely there. In this clip he’s under duress almost immediately from the Stanford defense. He moves around, still managing to take glances down the field. A rusher then has him cornered but Trubisky gives him the slip, sees the open lane and takes off for eight yards on a scramble. Turning sacks into big positive plays is what escapability is all about.
Nothing frustrates a defense more than a quarterback who looks like he’s sacked, only to wriggle free. Rodgers is great at it. Trubisky is good and getting better.
