This definitely came quicker than expected but it was only a matter of time before Blaine Gabbert would take over as the starter in Jacksonville. After Luke McCown’s 4 interception performance against the Jets, Coach Jack Del Rio pulled him out and put in the rookie from Missouri. After releasing David Garrard to save 9 million dollars, this is where the Jaguars are with their quarterback situation.
If this isn’t a desperation move by Del Rio, I don’t know what is. If they really believed Luke McCown could be a viable short-term solution, they would have allowed him to play deeper in the season. The AFC South seems to be wide open this year and with a strong running game the Jaguars have as good a shot as anyone in the division. Jacksonville’s record following the Jets’ loss is 1-1. It is way to early in the season to “give up” by playing your rookie QB who isn’t prepared to be the starter at the moment. However, Del Rio’s seat in Jacksonville is as hot as it’s ever been. Like Kubiak in Houston, he’s probably got to make the playoffs to keep his job.
So Jack Del Rio’s hopes are pinned on the right arm of Blaine Gabbert. The first test is this Sunday at Carolina against the Panthers and their rookie QB Cam Newton. Newton has been spectacular so far this year even though the Panthers have yet to win a game so far. In Cincinnati, rookie QB Andy Dalton posted a quarterback rating higher than a 100 in his first two games — making him the first QB to do so.
Even though we’ve only played 2 games this NFL season, the 2011 NFL Draft QB class has looked great. Let’s see if Blaine Gabbert can continue the trend..
