But “Jaws” saw some good things coming out of Gabbert.  Certainly his footwork needs a little help.  His pocket presence could use a kickstart as well.  Jaws however notes the arm strength of Gabbert and recognizes him as a player that could translate into a very good passer.

Like most Jaguars fans, I agree with Jaws that Gabbert has the physical tools to become a better passer in the NFL.  Can Gabbert get to a point where he is no longer listed in the high twenties?

It is common for Jaguars fans and news outlets to speculate that if Gabbert brings his game up to even average NFL quarterback levels (around 16th in the league for touchdown percentage, passing yards, completion percentage, etc…) then the Jaguars could be very successful because their running attack would benefit and their defense would have more of a fighting chance.  I agree with the assessment.

So, can the positives outlined by Jaws translate into a movement up the charts for Gabbert?  Can he move from #29 to #16+? I think he can.  I lot of people will be hesitant to proclaim that they think Gabbert has the ability to make that leap.  Call me biased or call me an optimist but it seems probable that Gabbert will make that jump – if only because the people above him aren’t that good.

Seriously, raise your hand if you think Sexy Rexy is a better quarterback than Blaine Gabbert. Source: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

We know Gabbert didn’t have a full offseason last year.  We know Gabbert wasn’t expected to start in his first season.  We know that Gabbert is young and needs time to develop.  But that jump up 13 spots isn’t too difficult.  There are quarterbacks ahead of Gabbert in passing yards and completion percentage like Colt McCoy, Curtis Painter, Tarvaris Jackson, Christian Ponder, Rex Grossman, and John Skelton.  Do we really think that all of those players could beat out Gabbert?  I find it hard to believe they’ll do it twice.

The Jaguars have made an investment in Gabbert because of his potential, not his current ability.  They know he can jump from #29 to something somewhat higher.  The list isn’t as impressive as people think it is.  When looking at the clips played by Jaws, all we really need is Gabbert to stand up and we have a much better chance.

- Luke N. Sims

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1. I think Del Rio’s fate is sealed and his tombstone will read, “Had Nine Lives. Used them all.” I thought that the tumultuous nature of the last year for Jacksonville would favor Del Rio surviving for one final “show me” year, but I can’t imagine that scenario happening anymore. Wayne Weaver has already stood before the Jaguars fans more than once to give Del Rio the “playoffs or bust” ultimatum following a disappointing season and he won’t be putting them through that again. I do believe that Jack has a lot of the right ideas and has put together a cohesive football team that believes in his message. He is a good leader. But eventually, you gotta deliver the goods. No doubt, Jack has had to deal with unfortunate circumstances (Leftwich not panning out, years without legitimate receiving threats, the 2008 Draft, all of the damage Shack Harris did, the Lockout, the Garrard situation this preseason, Blaine Gabbert’s rookie inconsistency), but successful leaders find a way to achieve their objectives in spite of difficult circumstances, rather than relying on the circumstances as an excuse for why they didn’t succeed. We all know the numbers – the Jaguars have been to the playoffs twice in Del Rio’s nine seasons, they have one playoff win, and he’s a sub-.500 head coach with 69 wins and 72 losses. It just seems like when the Jaguars fall apart the worst in the games they should win or have to win. There have been too many farces that, regardless of talent level of the players on the field, are the product of sub-par coaching – penalties, poor clock management, general lack of awareness, sloppy executive of the fundamentals. I’m also unconvinced that he and his staff are great at developing draft picks – sure, we’ve had bad drafting in years past, but how many players seem like their talent and potential have been maximized by working with this coaching staff? He’s a likeable guy and I think he’s brought some great character and passion to this football team, but it’s time to move on and I expect Wayne Weaver to do so immediately following the season. (more…)

Source: coltmccoyfans.org

After last week’s must win game against the Colts, the Jacksonville Jaguars head up north to play against the Cleveland Browns. We can safely agree that  the Colts are the worst football team in the entire NFL and the Jaguars may now be playing the second worst team. Cleveland is on a three game losing streak, haven’t scored a touchdown at home since October 2nd against the Titans and last week they got beaten by the St Louis Rams at home. They can’t run the ball and can’t defend the run either. Sounds like an easy victory for the visitors right? Well, not so fast.

The biggest reason not to be overconfident about this game is that these two teams look very similar. Both teams have a Top 10 overall defense. Both teams have a young QB with growing pains. Both teams have issues with scoring this season. Both teams have a play maker on offense (for the Jaguars Maurice Jones-Drew, for the Browns Joshua Cribbs). And both teams are standing 3-6 after 9 games. I say Cleveland is on a very similar talent level with Jacksonville, so this game could be another one of those barometer games. This time we will get the answer to the question can they beat a team which in my opinion very close to them talent wise on the road?  Well let’s see the match ups. (more…)