Jags Claim Stanzi

November 12, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Ricky Stanzi (12) throws a pass during the pre-game before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Despite Gabbert winning the starting job it is apparent that David Caldwell and Gus Bradley are still looking for competition at that position by claiming Ricky Stanzi after he was waived by Kansas City, giving the Jags 5 quarterbacks.  Stanzi 25 was a fifth-round draft pick in 2011 and has spent the last two seasons serving as a third string for the Kansas City Chiefs.  During his time in Kansas City Stanzi never appeared in a regular season game.

Now maybe i’m biased being a current University of Iowa student, but the best seasons that Iowa has had in the last few years were the three years Stanzi was the QB.  During that time Stanzi was the pride of the Hawkeyes posting a 26-9 record.  Stanzi also lead the Iowa Hawkeyes to a 2010 Insight Bowl over the University of Missouri and their quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

What Stanzi brings to the table is an impressive college resume, but has yet to be given the opportunity to succeed in the NFL.  Stanzi has appeared in some preseason games for the Chiefs the last two season and when his offensive line gives him time he has done pretty well.

He also brings likability and wins.  During the offseason many people called for the Jags to sign Tim Tebow, and while he is a Jacksonville native who would temporarily put fans in the stands.  Tebow was not the answer the Jags needed.  Well in my eyes Stanzi is actually a better option.

Ricky Stanzi does not have the strongest arm or the most accurate arm, and he certainly isn’t the fastest man alive.  He can also be obnoxiously inconsistent at times throwing 5 interceptions in college against Indiana in 2009 before playing a brilliant second half which lead to a 42-24 Iowa victory.  However what he can do is deliver a more accurate and quicker pass than Tim Tebow, is able to move around when he needs to buy more time or even run himself, and he can also do the most important thing of all WIN.  Stanzi is a competitor he does not hold the ball too long like Henne and he knows when and how to get out of the pocket, something Blaine Gabbert has struggled with in the past.

It may just be an optimistic pipe dream but I think we could see Stanzi make the final roster and maybe even see him on the field some by the end of this season.

-Mike Milder