Cody Kessler takes the reins of the Jaguars offense

By David Levin | Nov 29, 2018

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 21: Cody Kessler #6 of the Jacksonville Jaguars drops back during the second half against the Houston Texans at TIAA Bank Field on October 21, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Cody Kessler will start under center for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday when they face the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field.

It’s a situation that had to happen. The Jacksonville Jaguars needed a change at quarterback, a spark on offense. In comes backup now named starter Cody Kessler with a chance to do something that has not been done in eight weeks – win a game for the home team on Sunday.

As good a teammate Blake Bortles has been here in Jacksonville, winning has been something that has eluded him and this franchise more often than not. And while 2017 showed the fifth-year player could perform well within the system, the 2018 campaign has been as bad if not worse than 2016 when Bortles seemed to be at his worst. Kessler now takes the reins of this offense with the hope to turn some of the misfortune around.

It all starts Sunday with a home game against the Indianapolis Colts.

"“As a competitor, I am excited. It is tough to get opportunities in this league. To have one, I am very excited,” Kessler said when he met the media on Wednesday for the first time."

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"“We have had a close quarterback room, so when things happen like that it is part of the business, but at the same time it is a little rough. Just moving forward on this side. It is a great opportunity for me this week. Hoping to get the guys to rally around me and turn this thing around. I am really looking forward to it.”"

While the Jaguars are not officially out of the playoff picture at 3-8, they are clinging to a very thin rope. That could change even if Jacksonville earns the victory on Sunday and beats a Colts team that has caught fire of late and has an offense that features a heavy dose of Andrew Luck. Kessler won’t be asked to win the game, but he will be asked to not lose it.

Adding to that pressure will the loss once again of Leonard Fournette due to suspension and the possibility of being without Jalen Ramsey, who has not practiced due to injury. Making matters a bit worse is the fact left guard Andrew Norwell will be out, meaning one more offensive lineman will be replaced on a very shaky unit.

Kessler still believes this is an offense that can put up numbers and be successful on Sunday.

"“We have some great guys on this team. There is a reason that every single player is here. You obviously want to have every guy out there that you can, but when you can’t, it is the same thing,” said.“Next man up and we have guys that are going to be ready, and whoever is out there, everyone is competing, and everyone is given an opportunity. I am excited. Everyone is here for a reason, and we are going to be ready to go.”"

Head coach Doug Marrone made the decision to change quarterbacks after the team’s 24-21 loss to Buffalo. He also fired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, a coach who had worked with him from his days at Syracuse and with the Bills.

Now, Kessler and now play caller Scott Milanovich {who coaches the quarterbacks] come into Sunday with a chance to give this team and city some much-needed hope.

"“It is still the same offense and a lot of the same reads and a lot of the same concepts. That makes it easier for me. You can’t really install a new offense in the middle of the season. It will be exciting to work with Scott. We have already met a lot this week and have been talking a lot about different game plan stuff. It will be exciting,” Kessler said."

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