The Jaguars Sign Henne – What It Means for Blaine Gabbert, Offense

Chad Henne, quarterback from the Miami Dolphins, has agreed to a two year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jags, looking for help in the passing game, with new offensive weapons and a quarterback that can get the job done, looked to Henne to push Blaine Gabbert and ensure that the offense will not suffer any drop-off if Gabbert goes down or needs to be replaced.

This is a good move for the Jags, especially following the disappointment of the passing game in 2011.  Henne should light a fire under Blaine Gabbert, the quarterback drafted number 10 overall last year and ensure that he plays his best in order to keep his starting spot.  Chad Henne is a gifted passer who struck out a couple too many times in Miami.  While playing for the Dolphins last year, Henne was able to complete 57% of his throws before going down with injury after starting four games.  Through his career, Henne has passed for 7,114 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 37 interceptions.

While the touchdown/interception ratio of Chad Henne isn’t much worse than Blaine Gabbert’s, Henne has starting experience in his short NFL career.  Taken in the second round of 2008, Henne started his first game in his second season, now having 31 total.  Not only has Henne proven that he can play at the NFL level, but he also knows how to be competitive.

Sure, a 13-18 record is nothing to boast about, but he has proven that he can take the Dolphins and match Tom Brady’s explosive offense. He racked up 416 yards in that week one game.  Henne has the arm to play.

Does he have the arm to surpass Blaine Gabbert?  That’s a good question.  I suppose that is something that Mike Mularkey and Co. will have to evaluate.  I think he definitely has the arm to push Gabbert.  And if Gabbert falters, I trust that Henne has the arm to be a more than servicable replacement.

– Luke N. Sims