With the first week of the NFL season behind us, let’s borrow a concept every fan knows: pocket presence. Some have it (see the list below) and some don’t (see: Russell Wilson). The ability of a quarterback to read the field, sense pressure, and deliver the right play at the right time has a lot in common with what you should expect from your engineer or consultant on a major project.
Situational Awareness – Mahomes Magic
Patrick Mahomes isn’t just athletic—he has a sixth sense for when to stand in, when to roll out, and when to throw the ball away. Likewise, a strong consultant knows when to stand firm with a contractor on critical waterproofing details, and when to pivot to keep the project moving. They don’t panic when the “pass rush” of scheduling pressure or cost concerns comes at them.
Timing – The Burrow Clock
Joe Burrow is known for his quick release. He gets the ball out on time, keeping his offense on schedule. If your consultant drags their feet on submittals, field reports, or returning calls, you’re essentially watching your project get sacked. A consultant with a good internal clock will anticipate the pressure, act quickly, and keep your jobsite advancing instead of stalling.
Blindside Protection – Jalen Hurts’ Left Tackle
Every quarterback relies on protection. Jalen Hurts looks to Jordan Mailata to guard his blindside so he can execute. Similarly, a consultant relies on their admin or assistant project manager. If the support team isn’t organized—tracking RFIs, coordinating testing, managing reports—then your project is exposed to mistakes and oversights. A consultant is only as good as the people guarding their back.
Reading the Field – Josh Allen’s Big Arm
Josh Allen thrives because he can read a defense and take what’s given—sometimes firing a rocket downfield, sometimes checking down. A seasoned building envelope professional knows when to test, when to trust, and when to dig deeper. They know when to call for adhesion tests, leak detection, or pull tests, and when a simpler solution will do. They read the building, anticipate issues, and reference standards like ASTM, ACI, and ASCE when the time is right.
The Takeaway
Think of your project like a two-minute drill. You need leadership, quick decision-making, and people who don’t crumble under pressure. A consultant with good pocket presence doesn’t just design details—they deliver results under heat, protect your blindside, and move the ball down the field toward project completion.
So as you watch Mahomes, Burrow, Hurts, or Allen this fall, ask yourself: Does my consultant have the same kind of pocket presence on your project team?
Principal
Duffy Engineering
