A Jaguars fan makes the case for Nick Foles

Can newly acquired quarterback Nick Foles change the fortunes of the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback situation this coming season?

The Jaguars have been living in quarterback hell since 2007. Our last viable quarterback was David Garrard. The question is “Can Nick Foles save us from another 5-11 season?”

Controversy is raging on social media and sports sites concerning the Jaguars signing of Foles for different reasons. Some are happy to see Bortles ride off into the sunset while others question the abilities of Foles during his career as an NFL quarterback.

Let’s see if we can answer some of the questions. First, let’s look at the money.  According to The Sporting News, Foles will be the 11th highest paid quarterback in the NFL. His yearly salary is similar to Alex Smith ($23.5 million), Joe Flacco ($22.13 million), Russell Wilson ($21.9 million), and Ben Rothlesburger ($21.9 million).  Per sources, he could have gotten $20 million from the Philadelphia Eagles had he not opted out of his contract and became a free agent.

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In reading articles from various national writers, it was believed that a contract of $18 million (per year) would have been a fair offer. My take is that we may have overpaid him but not by a lot when looking at the market.  I must add that the Jaguars now have way too much money tied up in the quarterback position. This is the fault of management not, Foles.

Next, is he an upgrade from Blake Bortles? Foles has been described since his draft report as a big-armed pocket passer with a quick release. He is accurate, but not mobile. Bortles is described as a physical, mobile quarterback with accuracy and mechanical issues. The former first-round draft pick is capable of running and avoiding pressure. Foles will need protection.

I think many would agree that accuracy, ability to read the field and a strong arm make Foles a better choice than what the Jaguars had at the position.

What about leadership and the locker room? Both Bortles and Foles are considered good guys and are said to be popular with other players. The Jaguars locker room was a train wreck at times a year ago and Foles may bring the gravitas needed to change that culture. One of the reasons stated for overpaying Foles was to give him immediate respect from the team.

That was a comment that led me to believe that Bortles may have lost the confidence of at least a portion of the team.

Tom Coughlin, David Caldwell, and Doug Marrone were put on notice at the end of the 2018 season. Team owner Shad Kahn clearly gave them one year to clean up the mess they made. I am certain that they, as football experts, feel that Foles gives them the best chance to right the sinking ship.