Blaine Gabbert era likely over in Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Jaguars lost today. That's no surprise to anyone who's paid them any attention this season. The manner in which they lost, however, was nothing short of shocking.
The Jaguars played the AFC's top team, the Houston Texans, today, and they led much of the game. With just 8 minutes to go, the Jaguars held a 14 point lead, but it just didn't last.
Blaine Gabbert exited early in the game after a big hit from a defender. That's when Chad Henne came in and looked like the Jaguars' seasoned starting quarterback. He got off to a quick start, but cooled later in the game. Still, Chad Henne, yes that Chad Henne, threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns against a very good Texans defense.
The comical aspect of it all was Blaine Gabbert's status for returning to the game. First he was "probable" to return. Then he was downgraded to "questionable." By the time it was apparent Henne could hold his own, Gabbert was downgraded to "doubtful," and he never saw the field again.
No one likes to see a guy on their own team go down with an injury. Still, as a backup, you have to be ready to step up, because you may only get one or two chances in your career to do just what Chad Henne was able to do today.
The Jaguars are a franchise looking for answers, but if there was ever a moral victory in the NFL, this was it. Had the Jaguars played any other team in the league, they probably would have won. The Texans made some mistakes, but the Jaguars forced them into those mistakes. If Chad Henne isn't announced as the Jaguars' starter moving forward, I'd be incredibly surprised.
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I made a note early in the game that if Gabbert starts again for the Jaguars this season it would be a MAJOR error in judgement... the question that I have is what happens from here. I assume they'll be wise enough to stick with Chad Henne; but then what? Does Henne get a shot next year or do they address the position in the draft?
@checkdownNFL Considering the perceived lack of QB depth in the draft, I think the Jaguars stick with Henne so long as he looks somewhat solid over the rest of the season. The Chiefs have a weaker strength of schedule, so if the Jaguars tie with the Chiefs for the worst record, KC would get the first pick, and likely Geno Smith.
