Gabbert was given enough time to make the throws he needs to (even if he got hit a couple times) and the receivers were given enough time to make their moves so that Gabbert could hit them.  That all comes from the offensive line being able to hold of a strong defense.  If I were Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo I would be immensely frustrated.

And that is called a block! Source: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

I criticized the O-line and GM Gene Smith last week because of a need that I saw as glaring: good offensive line depth.  I did not trust Smith’s assessment of his cherished draft picks and offseason pickups, mostly because I had yet to see them used and be effective.  Fortunately for us Jaguars fans, I was proven wrong.  The line looked strong, showed they can block for anybody ranging from Montell Owens to Rashad Jennings to Keith Toston, and they knew how to move effectively.

While the guys on the line weren’t all starters, I was especially impressed with their movement.  Finding an offensive line that can move like on unit is difficult and I felt that the group on the field had a cohesion that is hard to develop in such a short period of time.  Each player was individually adapting to the people on each side of them as well as the man bearing down on him.  It was a good show to watch.  If you’re able to go back and watch Friday’s game, take a peek at the footwork and movement, it’s pretty good.

I’ve gushed about Gabbert, made hyperbolic statements about Brad Meester, and I’ve stuck by Smith as he has rebuilt this team this offseason.  While questioning the actions of someone is ok, I was wrong and the I’m happy to say it.  The Jags don’t look like they’ll miss too much this year if Eugene Monroe battles concussions, Will Rackley isn’t up to form when he returns from injury, and if Britton is forced to abandon the right side again.  In fact, if the trend from last week continues I think we can expect some serious development and solid play from the Jagaurs.

In Gene We Trust,

- Luke N. Sims

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Gabbert’s final stat line: 13/16, 112 yards, two touchdowns, no picks.

All Aboard!

This was all orchestrated against a defense coached by ex-Giants defensive mastermind Steve Spagnuolo.  Spags is now coaching the Saints D, a defense that allowed only nine points per game in their previous two bouts.  The Jags lit it up for 27 points (taking advantage of some suspect penalties) and managed to best the Saints 27-24.

But the real story was Gabbert and his big arm.

Laurent Robinson didn’t catch a single pass in the game, but Gabbert didn’t need him as he abused the defense with tight end Colin Cloherty and new toy Justin Blackmon.  Blackmon had four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown; Cloherty had three for 35 yards and a TD as well.  The offense was snapping with Gabbert under center, eating up yards whenever he went back to throw.

A lot of criticism and very low standards have been placed on Gabbert, but it looks like the most critical of his play last year was himself and the highest standards that are being set are his.  The Saints defense is not an easy unit to move the ball against, but Gabbert looked like he could have done that for two more quarters had he stayed in the game.  Gabbert should find a few more people jumping onto his bandwagon with his performance.

The Blaine Train is boarding and it may get full by the end of the season.  Better jump on and sit down next to me.

- Luke N. Sims

Feel free to leave comments on here or visit us at Facebook or Twitter!

You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims