Gabbert: "Growing pains? That's an excuse"
by Alfie Crow on Oct 31, 2011 11:00 AM EDT
in Jacksonville Jaguars News
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PrintIf there is one thing to like about Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert so far in his six games in the NFL, it's the fact that he doesn't make excuses for his poor play. Gabbert's play seemed to peak against the Cincinnati Bengals and has regressed since then. Yesterday against the Houston Texans, Gabbert had in my opinion his worst day in the NFL and it wasn't because of his two interceptions. Gabbert's patience in the pocket seemed to wain faster than normal after the shot he took to the ribs and he routinely threw behind his receivers as opposed to normally leading them too far. On a couple of plays as well, he predetermined where he was going.
"Growing pains?" Gabbert said to reporters after the game. "That's an excuse. I don't like to make excuses. This team doesn't like to make excuses. That just shows that you're a weak person. We don't make excuses here. We expect to perform at our best week in and week out regardless of the circumstances."
One of the big reasons for the Jaguars offensive failings have to fall on the shoulder's of rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert, and he seems fine accepting the blame. As I wrote last week about Gabbert, he's got a lot of issues that need to be worked out and likely won't get worked out during the season.
Gabbert has the talent you look for in a franchise quarterback. He's smart, he has a very good arm, he's got great size, and he's athletic. He's also got the type of competitive mentality that you look for from your quarterback. He does have some major issues, however.
Gabbert's footwork is piss poor, to be perfectly honest. While he's suffered from drops and has played behind a make shift offensive line for much of his games, he's still just flat out missing guys because of his footwork. That's going to happen, though. These are the kind of growing pains you're going to have to go through with a rookie quarterback. It's clear what Gabbert needs to work on. He throws off his back foot more often than he should, which causes his passes to sail. He's still getting used to dealing with NFL pressure, and he rushes some throws.
Part of the problem is the success of rookie quarterbacks on other teams. Cam Newton is lighting up stat sheets, Andy Dalton is winning football games, and in two starts Christian Ponder nearly beat the Green Bay Packers in a comeback and won his next start. The other rookie quarterbacks look good more often than they look bad. Gabbert on the other hand, has looked bad and can't even light up the stat sheet. With those others, two of which the Jaguars picked Gabbert over, having success it makes being patient that much more difficult.
The rush to declare Gabbert a bust already is silly, however. I recall pre and post-draft, many opining that Gabbert (or a rookie in general) quarterback shouldn't start and that he needed to sit for a season. Well, it worked out to where Gabbert is starting and learning on the job. If you were in the camp who felt like he needed to sit a year, aren't you getting exactly what you thought you would get?
As Mark Long of the AP said to me on twitter when I said writing off Gabbert now was ridiculous, "Shouldn't even think about the B(us) word until he gets better coaching, better receivers and intact O-line. Strange to see what is shaping up to be a project QB taken at No. 10. We're seeing why Car, Den, Cin, Ariz, SF & Tenn (teams seemingly w/ QB needs at the time) all passed on him. It seems a little like boom or bust. But again, can't judge until he gets better coaching/WRs."
Gabbert just turned 22 years old and left school as a redshirt sophomore. He's got plenty of room to grow. No one should be shocked by his struggles during the season. Yes, I realize I was one of the biggest advocates of drafting a quarterback and starting them right out of the gate, but nothing that's happened has changed my opinion on that. I expected Gabbert to struggle. You could see his footwork problems in training camp and in the preseason. I knew the possibility of the rookie stinking was greater than the chances of him having success, but I also didn't feel (still don't) this football team was making the playoffs no matter the quarterback.
The only thing that can really make it better is for Dirk Koetter to tailor the offense more to what Gabbert was comfortable with at Missouri, but even that isn't going to help much. The offense as a whole is still woefully undermanned at the play-maker positions outside of Maurice Jones-Drew. As bad as most of us thought the wide receivers were on the Jaguars, they're worse. Pair that with a rookie quarterback who's raw, mechanically, and it's a recipe for what you're getting right now.
"Speaking for all quarterbacks, we expect to come in here and succeed," Gabbert said after the game. "Of course there's going to be ups and downs. You gotta learn from them and get better."
There's no easy fix, however. We're just going to have to ride it out.
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Agree with all of this
On the plus side at least Gabbert is accepting blame, not rocking a fedora and blaming everyone but himself lol
"I love lamp"
The fedora was after a signature win...
Gabbert hasn’t had one of those yet.
Twitter: BLByline Youtube: BLByline
I'm willing to drink the Kool-ade, but I'm hungry for the truth.
by Brian Levenson on Oct 31, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't be silly
With that beautiful hair, no way a hat goes on. Now if he had a signature cape, that’d be cool.
You are banned from Stampede Blue.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
I don't think you took me seriously. If you want it unbanned, email an admin. But, for now, your Stampede Blue privileges are done.
I dont trust guys with capes...
except Superman and Frank Costanza’s divorce lawyer.
Fidelis Ad Mortem
"Signature win"...LOL
Because playoff wins have David Garrard’s signature all over them. That’s what his carrer is defined by, signature playoff wins. When I think of January football, I think of Montana, Brady, and David Garrard.
Fidelis Ad Mortem
I thought I was the only one
I hate your couch....DON'T DRAFT ANDREW LUCK HE SOUNDS LIKE A MUPPET
by tiquanunderwear on Oct 31, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Wasn't Detroit in '08 after the playoffs of '07?
Don’t let what he actually said get in the way.
"The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is." Winston Churchill
by Conservative on Oct 31, 2011 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions
So every win after that playoff win is a signature win?
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Oct 31, 2011 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions
No, but every win after the signature win is "after a signature win".
"The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is." Winston Churchill
by Conservative on Oct 31, 2011 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of what he actually said getting in the way, he never said playoffs.
He said “signature win”. Detroit in 2008 was anything but a signature win, unless we’ve got some kind of crazy definition of what a “signature win” is.
Dense.
"The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is." Winston Churchill
by Conservative on Oct 31, 2011 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
What blew up in my face? What spin? I meant what I said. Brian said, “Gabbert hasn’t had one of those yet.” That implies that once a QB has had one, something changes – he becomes fedora eligible I guess.
Garrard did have one of those in the playoffs of ’07, and I assume, as did others, that the Pittsburgh game in ’07 was the signature win Brian was referring to. From that point forward, Garrard had one of those signature games that Gabbert has not yet had. It is really quite simple logic.
If me witnessing you bullying other posters and feeling the need to defend them by pointing it out is trolling, then we’ve got some kind of crazy definition of what “trolling” is. I just reflected your demeanor right back to you with the same words you used responding to your other readers. Are your words not the example I should be following?
"The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is." Winston Churchill
by Conservative on Oct 31, 2011 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Itsw refreshing to have a QB who steps up and takes the blame for a poor performance.
Fidelis Ad Mortem
I'd rather have a QB who plays better
that one who is constantly and consistently taking the blame for a poor performance.
Could a better picture been used though?
This one looks like he’s crying.
Take stock in your lives, but leave your livestock alone
Doesn't it seem like Alfie uses pictures...
where the subject always looks like he’s pushing out a duece?
Fidelis Ad Mortem
He's obviously watching himself on the jumbotron
That’s the same face Jags fans make when he’s under center
by JohnnyBiceps on Oct 31, 2011 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
There is no question, at 22, this guy is a born leader.
I don’t see this guy failing….I just don’t.
2 things I'd have done yesterday
1 – rifle the ball in Cuishing’s giblets, though they’re probably not really functional with all the steroid abuse
2 – rifle a pass in the back of Marcedes Lewis’ head
You are banned from Stampede Blue.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
I don't think you took me seriously. If you want it unbanned, email an admin. But, for now, your Stampede Blue privileges are done.
He wouldve had to be ...
more accurate than he had been all game to hit those 2 targets.
Fidelis Ad Mortem
Tell me how anyone would light up the stat sheet with these guys...
Mike Thomas
Jason Hill
Lewis
Cecil Shorts
Jarrett Dillard
and my favorite…….Brock Bolen out wide.
I like Blaine, but let's be honest
in much of the game, it could have been:
britt, fitzgerald, andre, and megatron, but it wouldn’t have mattered.
by CheapSeat on Oct 31, 2011 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Maybe it helps a little
But Gabbert can’t get the ball to people. open or not
So how does Fitzgerald or Johnson running open help him if he can’t get them the ball
Fitzgerald makes a lot of catches (most) without great “separation” (everyone’s favorite word these days), but that is because he is given the chance to go get the ball
Gabbert rarely puts receivers in position to go get the ball, and even when you see a guy drop a pass, he is usually throwing high or behind them and putting mustard on it
He just can’t hit a guy in stride and can’t throw people open consistently. It isn’t being hard on him to say that, it is the truth, and it has been the truth all season
Receivers are not great, but if you think his completion percentage is above 50% with one great number one, then you are deluding yourself
As I have said before, look at Steve Smith’s numbers from 2010 and 2009. They’re not great, and it is because he played with qbs that couldn’t get him the ball
Furthermore, people only confused Delhomme for a good quarterback in one of his seasons, and the rest of them – even with a productive steve smith – he was still a poor player
Receiver production depends overwhelmingly on quarterback play, and even when a bad qb has the ability to keep a guy involved, it doesn’t all of a sudden give him great numbers
Maybe we score an extra touchdown per game with a great receiver, but you can bet Blaine would be playing just as erratically
The issue is footwork and accuracy. A great receiver might mask that a little, but it sure as hell isn’t going to fix it, or make him a better player under pressure
by smy on Oct 31, 2011 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You consistently
ignore the dynamics of the QB position, the most difficult job in the game. The kid is 22 yrs. old. He came in throwing strikes only to have many passes dropped. He’s lost some confidence. Gabbert regressed even more against the Ravens and Texans but you simply do not give him any credit and ignore the fact that the last time this team had a 1000 yd. receiver was 2005. Guess who? Jimmy Smith. Gabbbert has done enough to show that he has potential, he just needs work. Not one HB screen was attempted yesterday. Koetter is not doing enough to deal with a young, struggling rookie. He called a run play on 2nd and 20 and [again] put Gabbert in a difficult situation. The offensive struggles are not because of Gabbert only.
I'd rather be golfing.
Yes I ignore the dynamics
Thanks for pointing that out
What you meant was: “You consistently disagree with me”
I didn’t ignore anything, I basically said the same things Alfie did in the article, and I have been saying them all season
It isn’t about being right. I am writing what I see.
Some things are obvious. You want Gabbert to be good, so do I. You expect him to get better, so do I. You see a terrible offensive team, while I see mediocre personnel with a struggling qb.
I absolutely have not ignored the fact that Smith was our last 1,000 yard receiver. I have written numerous times – NUMEROUS – that the team needs more talent on offense
I am not willing to write off Gabbert’s struggles (and he has really struggled) to bad receivers and a bad line
The line is average, the receivers were OK (not great, OK, read this carefully) the last two seasons, and not much has changed but the QB
We didn’t need Jimmy in 2007, when the wideouts were arguably worse
We need a number 1 guy. We need a guard. We need a DE. We need Jennings back. This is not a great offensive team. Not complete.
That doesn’t change the fact that Gabbert has major issues, and having a great receiver – even if he is productive – won’t save a guy with poor fundamentals. The OC called his play the biggest issue. That much is obvious. Call it what you want man, but you are blinding yourself if you think that I am being too harsh
I am just discussing the issues. I love the Jags, I come down to Jacksonville to see them play (expensive), I want Gabbert to be a great player. But right now, he is a big part of the problem.
If we are going to talk about the problems, the conversation has to start with him. Right?
Look
I don’t even want to fight with people about this
Gabbert has done some really nice things too. I want him to succeed. I am very concerned by his play, but he doesn’t have a lot of help.
I know it sounds like I am banging on him, but I just feel like it is OK to talk about the problems, especially when people seem to be looking everywhere else
Alfie wrote a good article. I agree that this was to be expected given the situation, to some extent. I do think that if he gets better at certain key fundamental things, the players around him will look a lot better than they do now.
Lageman just broke down the wide receivers on Jaguars All Access.
Shockingly, they struggled to get open/separation… like they have for 3-4 years. These players around him can only look so good to a point, because they’re not really that good.
Not arguing against that
They’re not really that good
Of course on a few throws
but “in much of the game,” his throws were too far behind to matter who he was throwing to. We all agree, but we have to admit his inaccuracy yesterday.
Really? Come on man
It has been a theme
And as the article states, it appears to be getting worse
Umm. a little off topic but
Are you putting Britt in the class with those other guys???
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Oct 31, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
His stand up guy persona
is going to get old QUICK if he doesn’t play better. I could get up at the podium and tell eveyone it’s my fault and I don’t make excuses for it. Yes, it’s nice that he’s a good dude. However, he can’t get by for much longer by just saying the right things and practicing hard.
So when does the schtick
get old? I’m not calling for his head, btw. Just saying he needs to show something to go along with that good, stand-up attitude.
Who isn’t saying he needs to show something?
Guess he should be more like Garrard then. Suck and blame everyone else for sucking.
Christ man.
There what is? The alternative?
Yeah, there it is. The alternative we had previous. Play like crap, blame it on everyone else. I’ll take play like crap and blame yourself every time.
there it is
= exactly what I was going to say. My first thought when I first read Blaine’s quote was “Garrard never knew it was his fault until the end.”
I didn't imply that you said
he didn’t need to show something. Shall I confirm that I am in line with your article, before commenting?
Where did I say he should be more like Garrard?
What are you complaining about when you complain that he blames himself? What else should he do? The only alternative is to blame someone else.
I'm complaining that he stunk yesterday
I have every right to complain. Know why? Because I’m a fan and that’s what you do when your offense looks like that. Should I just be content witha stand-up attitude? Give me a break.
Yes Gabbert is saying the right things. Yes, it is refreshing to hear it. However, it will get old if he doesn’t produce soon.
His alternative is to play better, then he doesn’t have to say ANYTHING.
That’s fine. Complain he stunk.
Complaining that he stinks and blames himself however is completely nonsensical. Why will saying the right things get old? What else is he supposed to say?
Yeah he stunk
Everyone new he was not ready to start, yet there he is. What stinks is the decision to through him out there ill prepared.
Take stock in your lives, but leave your livestock alone
couldnt agree more
He is in no way ready to be a NFL QB. Not now and most likely not even next year. Im not saying he wont be great one day, but it certainly wont be for some time. he is a long way away.
The unfortunate part is the Jags dont have a choice. We should try and find a vet next year to work in front of him why he learns how to play at this level.
Yesterday, he frankly looked worse than Tebloow……
So, to summarize:
JDR gets 9 years.
Gabbert gets a truncated season.
Okay, sounds like we are all being reasonable, carry on.
Fidelis Ad Mortem
by JPQ! on Oct 31, 2011 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Seriously
People are screaming patience with JDR after 9 god damn years but already demanding results from Gabbert after 6 games. Love the logic our fans have
"I love lamp"
Del Rio has been successful at times
And has earned some loyalty
You don’t have to agree, but the logic is pretty clear
And I would argue that far more people would either like to see him fired or don’t care, so I don’t even really know where you got that argument
Some people are willing to be patient with him. I personally like the guy, but change is going to come eventually. I don’t think it is fair to fire him based on this season, with a qb that really can’t play yet. How can they possibly win consistently?
Gabbert is a highly touted rookie who was made out to be NFL ready and our best option at quarterback but a large contingent of people
That was a predictable response to a rookie qb. People had their optimism goggles on throughout the preseason, and seemingly ignored the guy’s issues
Now people are disappointed with a lack of discernible progress in his development
For me, at least, it isn’t about the wins and losses. It isn’t about the bad interceptions.
I am patient, and can live with these things, even if I don’t like them.
The issue is that outside of some lovely throws, he has done very little to inspire confidence in his ability to perform at this level
Someone said something about Manning’s struggles his rookie year, but he was nearly 60& complete with almost 4,000 yards passing and 26 tds. He threw a bunch of picks, but the ability was obvious, and he was productive
Blaine has some great workout numbers, a prototypical frame, and a nice arm. But he has not been productive, was not all that productive last season at mizzou, and looks awful under pressure
The last thing is the biggest concern, because you can’t play qb off your back foot. And you can’t short arm throws. And you can’t bail the pocket early and not look downfield (guys were open yesterday, bye the way, and he just didn’t throw it)
These are things that can be changed in principle, but it is more about him gaining control of his actions in a game than coaching: I guarantee the coaches are harping on not doing these things and teaching him what to do, but the issue is that when the lights go on, teaching can sometimes go out the window
We are stuck with him, but it is fair for fans to be concerned; don’t tear him apart, he doesn’t suck necessarily, and he doesn’t have a lot around him
But there are some very serious, critical deficiencies right now that are not as easy to pass off as, say, misreading a disguised coverage or trusting your arm too much.
A completion percentage under 50 in 6 games is a cause for concern. six games is nearly half a season. So it isn’t like an insignificant sample size. Surely he can’t be called a bust yet, but it is fair to wonder if he will be able to take the next step. Quarterbacks are not easy to find, and a lot of talented people have failed to pan out in the league.
Cautious optimism is what I would encourage, but some people have a tough time with that.
Del Rio is a sub. 500 coach who’s made the playoffs twice in 9 years. To say he’s “been successful at times” as very, very generous.
Or you could say that going to the playoffs twice and being in the hunt multiple times
Is having success at times
But, as usual, you had to pick at me. Maybe it is just a difference of opinions, but I think “been successful at times” is just fine
So, to summarize:
JDR gets 9 years.
Gabbert gets a truncated season.
Okay, sounds like we are all being reasonable, carry on.
Fidelis Ad Mortem
I didn't excuse JDR
I’m also not calling for Gabbert to be benched, partly because McCown re-confirmed his awfulness yesterday.
I just want some performance from the QB position.
I agree
Make things better by actions not words.
Jaguars fan from day 1
You need an editor, Alf?
“he routinely threw behind his receivers as opposed to normally leading them to far”
" I expected Gabbert to struggled."
This reminds me of Gabbert.
Point out the bad, and ignore the good.
Wether or not it read that way, it doesn’t now. Let it go.
I'd rather be golfing.
Patience
We need to be patient. I see a young QB that has a whole lot of promise. Yes he may look better with more skilled WR at this point but he has what he has and a good coordinator would know that and put the plays in that can be made. Yes his accuracy is questionable but that O-Line is not consistant. Before I questioned his true quality after 6 games I would question whether we are coaching him the right way. I still say we surround him with a WR Coach as QB Coach that Carson Palmer walked away from and a WR Coach that was a Quality Asst. (???) and a Coordinator that says he has never had a Rookie QB. I think we need to look long term, Let Gabbert gain experience and get him the right Coaching in the off season.
Experience
Do Either have experience with a Rookie QB?
How the hell is Mike Sheppard a QB coach anyway???
He played WR in college, he was a head coach at a few schools – where he compiled a 25-68 career record, then he was an OC in San Diego, Buffalo, and New Orleans, and a WR coach in Cincinnatti…what qualifies him to shape the play of young (or even old) QBs???
Fidelis Ad Mortem
WRs
It’s like everyone forgot that Steve Smith is an absolute beast of a wide receiver. Swap Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert and we’re having roughly the same conversations, just Cam is getting creamed and having drops while Blaine tosses bombs to Steve Smith while the DB is three steps back trying desperately to tackle him.
by hjdevnull on Oct 31, 2011 12:25 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Except Blaine can't throw accurately and Cam can
Come on man
Get outta here. Where was Steve Smith when Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore were the quarterbacks
O yea, he had like 500 yards receiving last season
Newton is much, much better in the pocket. Don’t exaggerate the offensive line’s struggles, Gabbert has had plenty of time on plenty of throws.
Newton is a better player right now
In 5 years, who knows?
Right now, calling it anything other than what it is is just plain silly
Let's not forget that Gabbert would also be standing upright.
The Panthers have an incredible pass blocking line. Seriously, Newton gets at least 4 seconds per pass play.
Twitter: BLByline Youtube: BLByline
I'm willing to drink the Kool-ade, but I'm hungry for the truth.
by Brian Levenson on Oct 31, 2011 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
He isn't exactly getting killed in Jacksonville
But yes, the Panthers have a very good line
That still doesn’t alter the major issue, which is that Newton has better fundamentals and is more accurate
When Gabbert has time, he still struggles
Coaching
Our best coaches are on Defense. Duffner is a very good LB Coach Cullen is excellent on the D-Line and Undlin is a quality Secondary Coach. Offensive staff is a mess. Mel Tucker has done a great job with all the new faces on a short notice. same cannot be said on offense.
What time is JDR being fired? Anyone know?
by CoachCowherPlease on Oct 31, 2011 12:27 PM EDT reply actions
End of the year
I hate your couch....DON'T DRAFT ANDREW LUCK HE SOUNDS LIKE A MUPPET
by tiquanunderwear on Oct 31, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
He never developed
I hate your couch....DON'T DRAFT ANDREW LUCK HE SOUNDS LIKE A MUPPET
by tiquanunderwear on Oct 31, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
If he developed he'd still be our starting QB
BFIB
by tiquanunderwear on Oct 31, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
If he maintained his abilities he'd
still be our QB.
He wasn’t a great QB, but he was better than we’re getting from the rookie now. Anyone who doesn’t think so is just hating.
Long term we just have to hope that Gabbert improves with this in-game experience and an offseason of coaching.
Ok
It is the receivers then?
Who were the receivers in 2007?
The TEs were better?
Hahaha, based on what/who?
So Lewis is a bum now because he can’t get it going with Gabbert. Jesus, people have short memories and interesting perspectives on player quality
I am shocked by that. Leftwich played better. Bottom line.
the problem is obvious
Gabbert is not playing at FULL CONSISTENCY
Section 442, RIP
"You think you know, but you don't know."
Not true
He is playing at BAD FULL CONSISTENCY.
You can't reason with unreasonable people.
If you ain't first, you're last.
Exactly.
Consistent inconsistency is better than consistent awfulness.
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Oct 31, 2011 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Keep Defense
Keep the Defensive staff and go out and get the QB & WR coach for Blaine and the correct Coordinator. I am not at all thrilled with the coaches on the hot seat at this point.
I like what Tucker is doing
but when the coaching staff is changed, usually the new coach brings in a staff he trust, that is as long as we get a coach who has some experience, if not, god help us
by CoachCowherPlease on Oct 31, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Unless we name Tucker Head Coach
He keeps the Staff he wants and brings in a top Offensive Coordinator
Like Alfie said
Gabbert is fine, we all knew starting him was not going to be all pretty. He is doing his best being forced to play in a system he doesn’t know with no weapons to throw to. All the rookies everyone is saying are better than BG are having their offenses tailored to what they do best and feel comfortable with, so until we spread it out and let him play the game the way he does well, which made him a top prospect, he will continue to struggle until he gets an offseason with an actual coach to work with him. The kid is used to playing to win, not playing not to lose! Take the cuffs off of him and see how he does, even with this sorry recieving core, he will do much better….
If you had our line blocking for you, wouldn’t you be a little timid too?
by CoachCowherPlease on Oct 31, 2011 12:36 PM EDT reply actions
Take the cuffs off?
He threw 30 times
He threw 42 times in NO
Taking the cuffs off is not a recipe for success. If he can’t succeed in a simplistic, limited offense with a lot of shotgun (what he did in college) then what makes you think giving him more thrwos will make him better?
Should he throw it 50 times? Should we abandon the formation that gets more of our best players on the field?
I just do not understand this. You are exactly right in saying we should have expected him to struggle. Many people seemed to have quite different expectations, but that is neither here nor there
People need to just call it what it is: He isn’t ready. “Taking off the cuffs” will not profit anyone, least of all him. He needs to learn how to throw accurately on short passes and deal with pressure before any cuffs come off
Come on man, the line is not that bad. Gabbert has given up as many sacks as the line has.
Conversation I just had
Friend “All of Jags QBs are terrible, Leftwich, Garrard and now Gabbert”
Me “Gabbert is just raw, he needs help and time”
Friend “Why did you draft a project QB and then start him so soon”
Me “idk Jack Del Rio though McCown was going to last longer”
Friend “Wait did Del Rio draft Leftwich too?”
Me “Yea”
Friend “….but seriously you guys should probably fire him already”
"I love lamp"
I see a 3 game winning streak coming after the bye
Jags 5-6.
Count on it.
When you go on the road after a great emotional monday night win, a loss is expected. We actually played better than I thought we would
3 game win streak coming.
Mark my words.
That may honestly be enough to beat the ponies.
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Nov 1, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I can see that too
but I don’t wanna say “Count on it” lol
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Oct 31, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
At this point I would rather trade loses for draft spots!
by CoachCowherPlease on Oct 31, 2011 1:01 PM EDT reply actions
Please use the reply button
It’ll make it easier to follow your comments
BFIB
by tiquanunderwear on Oct 31, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Dalton is winning games because of a good defense, good running game, and having good receivers.
If we can get Gabbert just one playmaker to throw to, it would relieve some pressure off of him. Too early to tell yet
Jennings at the 30, at the 20, at the 10. TOUCHDOWN RASHAD JENNINGS!!
We have a good defense and a good running game too
He has one receiver that has been really productive, and once again, you have to get the guys the ball
But yes, it is too early to tell
Not too early to say he wasn’t ready to play
Grown Mans Game
He is two years removed from High School. He was put into an extreme difficult position that even a Veteran QB would struggle. He has never played in a pro system and did not have the OTA’s and off-season to develop. Give him time and SUPPORT
This is his fourth year out of high school (redshirt year and two true seasons), and every other rookie QB faced the same uphill situation that he faced. The difference is that Gabbert is underperforming on every level.
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Oct 31, 2011 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm with Mark Long.
Gabbert has definitely sucked but better coaching may be what’s needed. Plus, Koetter’s play calling has come into question before, I’ll bring it up again. Not one HB screen was called yesterday. He doesn’t seem to mix it up. I keep saying they need to dink and dunk more. Why have a jittery rookie QB constantly drop back, searching for receivers on mid to long routes that almost never get open? Koetter is not tailoring this offense for Gabbert. The lack of any screen passes yesterday is astonishing, considering that in the past the offense lived off them. MJD has 85 yds. receiving right now. Last year, he had over 300 yds. in 14 games. Gabbert made a couple nice throws yesterday out of a 5-wide set with quick outs. He has shown accuracy. Most of his completions have been nice throws into tight coverage. I don’t believe Gabbert is due the entire blame. Considering the lack of talent on offense and the things they’re doing with what they have, I have to question Gene Smith and Dirk Koetter.
I'd rather be golfing.
Koetter not doing well, Gene not so sure about.
Koetter hasn’t been calling the best plays and it always seems questionable (Bolen as a WR, last week Dillard wasn’t in as much of the game plan as Shorts, etc.). But I feel Gene has done an Okay job, injuries seem to be affecting what he envisioned for the OL.
by kungfuman104 on Oct 31, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
This team hasn't had a consistent receiving threat,
before the “GM” title, or after. The WR corp. has been an ongoing issue. The defensive improvements came in FA. I had high hopes for MSW coming back, but his quick slant yesterday was awful. He was covered like a blanket. He didn’t even cut, he made a turn that resembled a car on a road. And Koetter, calling HB blast to the right guard on 2nd and 20, deep in your own territory. That was beautiful, put a struggling QB in 3rd and very long. If he called one HB screen yesterday, that would’ve been the time.
I'd rather be golfing.
The idea of dinking and dunking is that at least the receivers will be open.
Yesterday, the Jaguars couldn’t even dink and dunk their way to success due to the absolute lack of separation and Gabbert’s inaccuracy. I don’t think anything short of the triple option and never passing at all would’ve worked yesterday; that’s how bad the entire passing offense looked.
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Oct 31, 2011 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
This may sound crazy.
But I say, keep throwing until it works. Gabbert made two tough throws yesterday. Quick outs from a 5-wide set. I know Gabbert is no Tom Brady, but, more often than not you’ll see Brady with an empty backfield and 5-wide. It’s sort of like playing the lottery. Why have two or three mediocre (at best) receivers run two or three routes, when you can have 4 or 5. The odds of someone getting open are much better.
I'd rather be golfing.
Haha, it may be a little crazy.
With our receivers, I can’t imagine looking at them and thinking, “Man, I wish there were even more of them on the field.”
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Oct 31, 2011 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I mean, slant passes are like the ultimate dink and dunk route,
and Gabbert couldn’t even complete those.
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Oct 31, 2011 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
He can make those throws.
Yesterday was not a good example but when he settles down he can be very accurate. This is why it’s so frustrating. Koetter is putting him in odd positions. When the QB is off, or is constantly being rushed, call a screen play. Not one was called yesterday. Garrard lived off screen passes and he was much more aware than Gabbert is now.
I'd rather be golfing.
People were mad when the offense was really limited
Then people were mad when they threw it 42 times
No one was mad when the Jags won
Now people are mad again even though the playcalling was balanced and fair. Gabbert threw it on 1st down 11/20 times or something
He is being put in positions that NFL QBs have to succeed in. I don’t get it: Do they “take the cuffs off” or should they manage him more to keep him out of “odd positions”
Or, does it just not matter right now. He is what he is. If it is gonna change it is gonna take time. Not playcalling. Not coaching. Time and learning experience.
Right now the offense has to be focused on Jones-Drew. He is basically all we have got, and Gabbert has to show he can manage a game before he can be expected to win them.
Either the light is going to go on, and he will play better and more confidently, or he will struggle. The only one who can control that is Gabbert; he has to grow up as a passer. This isn’t about plays, it is about fundamentals.
Its a sad day
When you can’t trust your wide recievers to catch the ball, the offensive line to block, your star RB to never fumble, your quarterback to make good decisions, or any offensive coach to give offense the best chance of winning or developing it.
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Real fans don’t need a reason.
"Real G's move in silence like lasagna.." lol
by TheTealDeal on Oct 31, 2011 3:02 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Or your probowler TE to help the QB out
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Real fans don’t need a reason.
"Real G's move in silence like lasagna.." lol
by TheTealDeal on Oct 31, 2011 3:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
As bad as Gabbert has looked,
these are valid points that get overshadowed by his lack of refinements.
I'd rather be golfing.
I quit reading comments because...
… I can only hear the Hampster Dance in my head now… No idea why…. maybe it’s the hampsters spinning round and round and round on their little exercise wheel and getting nowhere..
Go ahead, click HERE
Sean
Pax Armis Acquiritur
Footwork, Footwork, Footwork
His accuracy will improve a lot when he makes stepping up and stepping into throws habits. You have to remember he had no pocket in college, he got the snap, made his read and got the ball out quickly, footwork is kind of irrelevant in a spread offense, especially when you have a ridiculously strong arm. The unfortunate thing is, those habits are something you can really create during an off-season, when your not concerned about playing football games and just working on yourself.
The thing that I really like is that he seems to be getting the mental aspect of the game. From everything I have read, the coaches believe he really fully understands whats going on out there. And he looks in control of the offense. That is the hardest part, imo, about being a good QB in the league and he seems to do well with it. I also love his competitiveness. Mechanics, when not arm related, can always be fixed with repetitions, like I said before, those things need to become 2nd nature to him before we will see him start to live up to that potential.
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Oct 31, 2011 3:38 PM EDT reply actions
I agree, mostly
You are of course absolutely right about the difficulty of the transition
Which is why many of us though he needed to sit from the get go, and what some people were identifying as major issues early on
I do not agree that the remedy is as simple as repetition. Spread QBs often struggle to adapt to the NFL because they become creatures of habit in their formative quarterbacking years
It is the great crime committed against the mobile, strong armed QB by college coaches in the interest of winning games; they are not prepared for the NFL
Gabbert has it all, including the intelligence. But accuracy, footwork, and especially reaction to pressure and functioning within a pocket are not easily coached into a player who has thrived without them for his whole playing career.
That is why people are always concerned about spread qbs in the NFL, and the arm is not enough to counter it. Kyle Boller was big, fast, smart, and had a hell of an arm
He couldn’t play in the NFL though. Neither could David Carr. Neither could Joey Harrington.
I am not saying Gabbert is those guys, but a lot of supremely talented, intelligent players of high character have failed to make it at NFL qb. Gabbert has to overcome his college instincts, and there is no guarantee he can.
It isn’t so simple as repetition.
I think it is though
Like I said in my post, I think he is getting the most difficult part down which is the mental part of it, I don’t think any of those guys you mention had that aspect to their game, they were talented but I don’t think they ever made a good decision in their careers combined.
There is a difference between a spread QB and a QB that played in the spread. I think Gabbert is the latter, he isn’t built like a spread QB, and none of his abilities are limited like a spread QB.
His college instincts will fade as he practices and takes more reps, its not like its something he has done his entire life.
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Oct 31, 2011 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow
I disagree there
Carr and Harrington were def. seen as cerebral guys
To say they never made a good decision (while I am sure you were exaggerating for effect) is extreme
Gabbert makes good decisions most of the time. That’s a good thing. No argument. But coaching does NOT solve technical issues as a rule, especially the critical ones
You can say they will fade, but that is a total guess
Many players haven’t been able to shed them
That’s why scouting is a guessing game to a large extent
I hope you’re right. I am just saying, dealing with pressure is something you don’t teach. It is something you can or can’t do. Gabbert has to do it, but it isn’t about learning. It is about will and awareness of himself under pressure.
We will see if he can do it.
So
we are assuming no development whatsoever, he will always do the same things. I think I get it now.
Dealing with pressure is about learning to play in a pocket, which he didn’t do in college.
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Oct 31, 2011 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
No they weren't
I think your reaching now.
Your right, technical issues are only fixed with reps and practice.
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Oct 31, 2011 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Poor Pick
Gabbert looks more and more like a poor pick by Gene. You speak of fixing his accuracy, footwork issue…and perhaps it can be fixed, although many have downgraded QB picks for their inaccuracy, saying they can’t be fixed. But what is worse is that he gives evidence of a lack of courgage in the pocket. This is a mental issue that can’t be fixed! He shies away from contact, and in the pocket with pressure in his face will not follow through on his throws…this is deadly bad for NFL QB!
Lack of courage
that guy that played a game with bruised ribs and a shuffling O-line? What a punk! Trade him!
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Oct 31, 2011 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions
No one is calling him a bust. But
Other rookie QBs are having more success. You owe it to yourself as a fan to take the blinders off and enjoy an objective view. Asserting justifications for the success of Dalton/Newton/Ponder isn’t going to cut it – The Jaguars are a decent team minus the QB position – this is something that will hopefully change with Gabs progression.
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