Del Rio to Garrard: "You should hold him off. It's up to you."
by Alfie Crow on Aug 27, 2011 9:00 AM EDT
in Jacksonville Jaguars Camp Battles
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PrintJacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio responded to a question about quarterback David Garrard starting the opening week against the Tennessee Titans by saying, "Yeah, David's our starter. That's what I said all spring." This of course, led to the declaration of the quarterback competition being over and the questioning if one ever even existed. The reality is, one existed and still exists. David Garrard has still got to hold off rookie Blaine Gabbert and he can slam that door shut with a good outing against the Buffalo Bills.
"I told him the truth: 'We drafted a very talented guy. It's your job to hold him off,'" Del Rio told Garrard after the draft. "That's the nature of the business. I can't pretend it's a certain way or make any promises."
Del Rio continued by saying, "But I told him, 'You should hold him off. It's up to you. You can do that by being at the top of your game.' This league is about competition. The minute you get there, you're challenged to keep your spot."
As I've said the whole time in training camp and preseason, David Garrard has to show the team he's better than Blaine Gabbert. As Del Rio said, it's his job to hold off the young gun. "If I do my job well, I don't have to worry about anything else. If I do that, and they still want me to move on? There are still 31 other teams out there," Garrard told Jarrett Bell of USA TODAY.
Entering the third preseason game, the quarterback competition has been relatively uneventful. Early on in camp Blaine Gabbert shockingly looked like he'd push Garrard for his starting position, then Garrard went down with a back injury and Gabbert got even more work with the first team and started the first pre-season game against the New England Patriots. While Gabbert didn't necessarily shine in the game, he flashed some things that showed why the team traded up to get him and looked surprisingly not lost for a guy who'd been in camp just two weeks.
Fast forward to preseason week 2, when David Garrard was back in action, and both quarterbacks kind of fell flat on their face. Garrard threw a bad interception, then two drives later missed tight end Marcedes Lewis on two throws that should have been easy touchdowns. With a rookie breathing down his neck, those are throws Garrard has got to make as a 10 year veteran. "We have the same system, we have the same quarterback, we have the same players. We should expect to play at a higher level. I expect us to play at a higher level and now would be a good time," Del Rio said earlier this week.
Luckily for Garrard, who left the quarterback door wide open, Blaine Gabbert didn't fare much better. Gabbert missed on his first throw down the seam to receiver Mike Thomas, skipping it short. The rest of the game however, was up and down for Gabbert and he looked exceedingly more uncomfortable and more like a rookie than he did the week previously. He made some nice throws and showed some escapability, but he also sailed some passes and left the pocket entirely too early at times. These of course are all things that should improve with more game time, but he may not be afforded that luxury until sometime in the 2011 season or even in 2012 if his play in the next two weeks doesn't take a drastic uptick.
"I can't ride the roller coaster," Garrard said about his inconsistency, which reared it's ugly head against the Falcons. "It's not always my fault, but that's how it reads in the paper."
As I mentioned before, the competition be it real or otherwise, can be put to bed against the Buffalo Bills. "I know that everybody is trying to anoint him already," Garrard told Bell. "That's what happens when you draft a first-round quarterback."
"Competition brings out the best in everybody. Blaine's pushing the hell out of him. But David's doing a great job of fending him off for now," said runningback Maurice Jones-Drew about the quarterback position.
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You make it sound like this is a recent statement from Del Rio
Come on Jaguars. Make this your year!
Lol, here we go... another QB battle round.
"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not! I like to be liked, I enjoy being liked, I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need to be liked...like my need to be praised." Michael Scott
so the blue "told Garrard after the draft" sounds recent?
What I’ve been noticing recently (past week and change) is how Garrard seems to be deflecting the blame or play the pity card. Not his fault, blaming Thomas on the end zone int, anoint him already, etc.
For one, if David is not the captain of the ship, then take the damn C off his jersey! i know the C is not the same as in hockey, but his statements recently are not those of a captain. Torry Holt for example when he was here was saying all the right things. Then as his looks diminished, he simply no commented til he was no longer a Jaguar.
I gotta say with the recent comments to the media that Garrard has made, I’m kinda disappointed in him. He could be a pro’s pro say the cliches like Brunell used to and find himself a nice backup job in the NFL and play for another 5 plus years.
You see what you want to see.
Garrard’s only human. A portion of this fanbase has been unfair to Garrard his entire time here, and you can’t deny that. Any human would get tired of that.
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Aug 27, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
What?
He’s a NFL starting QB, if he can’t handle pressure he can’t play.
"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not! I like to be liked, I enjoy being liked, I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need to be liked...like my need to be praised." Michael Scott
Since when is one day not “recent” enough? Sure he told Garrard that at draft time, but he just said it yesterday that is what he told him. Either way I think this QB battle talk is getting a little old, cant wait to watch the game today, finally some more Jag football!
by Demetrius82 on Aug 27, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I dont know if i necessarily like David's attitude about everything
It’s a lot of “everyone wants Gabbert, I can go somewhere else if they dont want me here, lots of times its not my fault.” Look, I love David and I always have, but I wish he would just shut up and work his ass off. He needs to be saying something like “Im going to win the job and prove everyone wrong and take this team to the playoffs”. Thats just my opinion.
David's time well end soon.
Sooner than later we all know Gabbert will be starting. David will be David he is just a avg QB. I’m fine with Gabbert not starting right away considering the lack of time due to the lockout. I can say in practice and in only 2 preseason games I’ve watched. Gabbert can make the throws that David can only dream about.
by jadams212510 on Aug 27, 2011 9:38 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
"If I do my job well, I don't have to worry about anything else. If I do that, and they still want me to move on? There are still 31 other teams out there,"
That was a strange remark. Is there a link to watch this interview? Im in no way doubting you Alfie, just wanted to check the right context before commenting on it.
"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not! I like to be liked, I enjoy being liked, I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need to be liked...like my need to be praised." Michael Scott
oh really david
How would you like to get traded to the raiders or some other black hole for quarterbacks? Be thankful you have a chance to be the starter on a competitive team
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Real fans don’t need a reason.
Is it finally time to draft a QB?
by TheTealDeal on Aug 27, 2011 9:58 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
One arguement ive always heard
He just needs tools and help around him and he’ll be better. Most teams don’t have tools around him.
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Real fans don’t need a reason.
Is it finally time to draft a QB?
by TheTealDeal on Aug 27, 2011 1:53 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think
many teams do, they just don’t have a QB. Ours didn’t have weapons, in the passing game, for a long time.
the jaguars are about right in the middle
The teams who need a starting qb are below us and are likely to have less tools than we do: star RB and TE.
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Real fans don’t need a reason.
Is it finally time to draft a QB?
by TheTealDeal on Aug 27, 2011 2:35 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
USA Today
There are still 31 other teams out there. Good luck revitalizing the Bengals, dillhole. What a stupid comment to make, Garrard.
I think this is a good, fair look at the QB situation so far.
Nicely done.
Twitter: BLByline Youtube: BLByline
I'm willing to drink the Kool-ade, but I'm hungry for the truth.
by Brian Levenson on Aug 27, 2011 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Its up to you..
Seems to be something that Garrard doesn’t handle very well..PRESSURE. Sure he’s a nice guy, but being that the quarterback is the usual voice of a team by default, he is somewhat responsible for the drop in interest and excitement in the team during his tenure here. Is it just me or does Dave just come off as a boring, non interesting, just making the rounds type of guy. He lacks the fire and intensity that we football fans crave for in our qb. That said, can’t wait for blaine to start.
by b: on Aug 27, 2011 10:34 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I want to say you are right
About Garrard but I dont know how biased I am being. Having a rookie in the waitimg has really made me a lot more judgemental of everything Garrard has dome lately. Personally I hope he plays great because no matter what he will be eventually gone.
by JagSoldier on Aug 27, 2011 12:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Nothing...
about Blaine’s personality excites me. I just want to see consistent good QB play when the offense takes the field and that’s what has been killing Garrard while he has been here, consistency. If he could’ve maintained the high level of play that he has put out at times, it wouldn’t be as bad for David. I have no problem with David, I just want what everyone else wants, better play.
I think some of you misinterpret Garrard's comment about "31 other teams"
In my opinion he was talking in “what ifs” …
He wasn’t stating that if he lost his starting job he wants to try out for another team’s starting QB job. To me he was saying that if the Jags wanting him to “move on” as in they cut him or traded him after Gabbert won the starting position that he still wanted to play and have opportunities.
Not all pro ballers are great public speakers… did you read how Reggie Wayne sounded when talking about Kerry Collins? How ignorant he sounded. Garrard isn’t on that low level, but I also don’t see him winning any debates either…
Get a grip folks, Garrard isn’t going anywhere. He’ll start this season at the very least and I believe he’ll do well so long as the O-line can get it together and keep him off the ground. He showed what he was made of last season winning games and completing passes as well as playing injured in his throwing hand.
Last season was a shame since he ended up worse for wear at the end of the season while Mojo played hurt the entire time. We’ve got healthy players to start the season, let’s keep it that way. Division title where we come…
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!!!
moving on shouldn't be an option
If he truly wants to be the starting QB for the Jacksonville Jaguars. If he wants to retire as a Jaguar. Hold off the incumbent! Brett Favre did it for a few years.
He said
if he does his job and STILL gets cut, he knows he can perform for someone else. All he is really getting at is, there is no pressure. He just has to play ball.
You defend him way too much..
Of couse he thinks he can still work for another team, it would be a huge fail if he didn’t think like that. The point is that he is declared the starter on this team and still SAYING something like that is completely unnecessary, makes you question his committmnt to this team and the situation… like he got tired of all negativity around him and then coming with this “whatever” attitude.
Again, i’m not in favor of any player at this point, i’m in favor of our team… if they say Luke is the QB most capable of making us win games, so be it. With this i’m trying to point out this has nothing to do with Garrard/Gabber situation.
"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not! I like to be liked, I enjoy being liked, I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need to be liked...like my need to be praised." Michael Scott
Defend him?
You attack him too much. You act like he said something bad about the team. All he saying is he’ll be alright regardless of what happens.
The fans want wins.
And this shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Especially David. He got his job by taking someone else’s job. Thats how the biz works.
The Teal and Black are comin' back!
by arthardie on Aug 27, 2011 11:16 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Thanks for the link Nuke..
That sure doesn’t sound like Garrard, i interpretate that what he said too much as a “whatever” attitude from him. Anyway, there are a couple of teams desperate to take him as a starting QB as the 49ers, Redskins and the Bengals.
I don’t have anything against Garrard, but i don’t like this attitude this toward my team, it kinda pissed me off.
"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not! I like to be liked, I enjoy being liked, I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need to be liked...like my need to be praised." Michael Scott
BCC needs edit button :)
"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not! I like to be liked, I enjoy being liked, I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need to be liked...like my need to be praised." Michael Scott
For good measure...
let’s put Luke McCown in the first quarter with first team. That will really mix things up. Everyone is giving Luke GLOWING reviews, and if this article is right, Garrard and Gabbert probably need some more push… I think if McCown shows he can hang with the big guys, this will give them that push they need. I’m not pro-anyone at QB. I’m just pro-winning.
ROCK, FLAG and EAGLE!!
" I’m not pro-anyone at QB. I’m just pro-winning."
Should be every fan’s ultimate goal
Sean
Pax Armis Acquiritur
All you trolls can't bring
Down David and his warlock powers.
Winning Duh
Respect My Authoritah
by duuuvaaalll on Aug 27, 2011 1:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
But everyone knows
Warlocks don’t come from the Vatican, Paladins do.
Move on
Maybe thats exactly what the Jags should do. I hear all the talk about winning x amount of games if garrard starts and y amount if gabbert starts. Truth is, no one knows the outcome and its impossible to predict the many variables that will factor into either quarterbacks wins vs losses. To me it all comes down to the mula and Garrard should not be kept at that expense. Sorry but i’d save money, cut garrard, and start Luke then blaine. Now hate me for it..
by b: on Aug 27, 2011 11:47 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Garrard's new quote: "HE TOOK OUR JOB!"
"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not! I like to be liked, I enjoy being liked, I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need to be liked...like my need to be praised." Michael Scott
Overly Analyzed
IMO. David knows he’s fighting off Gabbert and his time is short. He’s been here for almost 10 years. I don’t think fans should be so quick to get butt-hurt about his stating there are 31 other teams out there. After being so classy with Blaine this “offseason,” most fans don’t even want to give him a chance to show us anything. Is it really such a big deal that he’s mentioning he’s prepared for it? Sure he could have handled that better, but lets cut him a little slack.
Let's be honest.
We aren’t wining the Super Bowl with David Garrad this year and every year he gets older the odds get lesser and lesser. Make the change now, let Blaine start his development. The odds of a Super Bowl under him are much greater.
Speculation is fun.
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Aug 27, 2011 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not sure
if his odds get lesser and lesser. His ceiling may not be as high as Gabbert’s, but I don’t think Garrard has reached his either. He’s improved every year since 08.
I'll take my chances that we've seen the best of him...
if for no other reason than his health.
@foryourhandicap
Just look at his play
he’s gotten better every year. Look at his stats. Look at the wins. Look at his play on the field. He is still improving. Think about this. Peyton Manning had twice as many bad games last year as Garrard. And they had virtually the same winning percentage(Despite having a much worse defense) when you discount the games Garrard didn’t play at least a half. And they also had about the same QB rating last year. Not saying Garrard is as good as Peyton. But I think we need to put things in perspective.
False, False, False, False, False, False
Peyton had as many bad games as Garrard? I assume your talking ints in game, which is extremely misleading seeing how Peyton throws much more TDs. But throwing stats out the window, even if Peyton has a “bad” game, he will still bring you back into the games and alot of times win it for you.. Garrard, not so much. Plus, I wouldn’t say the Colts have a much better defense.
And your comparing David Garrard to Peyton freekking Manning, who really needs to keep things in perspective? smh.
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Aug 27, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Like I said
I wasn’t saying Garrard is as good as Peyton. But comparing the 2 shouldn’t be considered blasphemy when the proof is in front of you.
And in his 3 game window in the middle of the season when he started throwing a bunch of int’s, they didn’t win any of those games. Yeah he threw for a bunch of yards and TD’s after against easy soft prevent coverages, but that’s all it was. Stat padding.
It is blasphemy when your comparing..
One of the best ever in history to an average guy right now.
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Aug 27, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions
His play has been up and down
but you’re totally discounting the injuries he’s compiled recently. He’s a rapidly aging 32
I'm not discounting it as much as
I’m not counting on him being injured again. He has been getting banged up some, but it’s not like he’s gonna suffer from last years injuries. And it’s not like he’s any more injury prone than Aaron Rodgers.
a forearm, a concussion and a finger in 1 season
Rodgers only injury was a concussion. I know it’s not the intent, but he’s not Manning and he’s not Rodgers. He’s a bridge quarterback, nothing more. And we’re rapidly approaching the end of the bridge and for some reason, people think we’ve been great since 2007. I’ll take a 26 year old qb with concussions over a 32 year old qb who has gotten the crap kicked out of him quite a bit for 4 years.
Well for one
Rodgers had 2 concussions. And Garrard’s forearm didn’t slow him down.
And duh I would take a 26 year old QB with concussions over a beaten 32 year old QB. And I would take Gabbert over Garrard too. But for now, let’s not act like Garrard is trash or going downhill. His body might be getting older, so is Peyton’s, but Garrard is getting better with more experience and more weapons around him. And until his arrow stops pointing up, it’s pointing up. Remember the QB position is more about what’s between the ears rather than how fast a QB can throw the ball.
Let's Be Real Teal
Bottom line is that as much as I’ve always stuck up for Garrard when everyone including my friends talked trash about him , he is inconsistent and hasn’t taken this team and his opportunity as the starter to the next level ……… He hasn’t and I don’t think he ever will ….. back in ‘07 he did have a pretty good year but that’s back in ’07 , we play in a " what have you done for me lately league " ……… Gabbert is rite on his toes and is a rising young gun , we will see what happens this year …… GO JAGS !!!
L F J
Garrard cries “It’s not always my fault” what a baby. Is that what Mary tells him?
Suck it up, play better, or lose your job, don’t talk about who’s fault it is, raise your level of play.
Yep, you never defend him..
"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not! I like to be liked, I enjoy being liked, I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need to be liked...like my need to be praised." Michael Scott
I do defend people
on the team from time to time. But not too much. And when I think the comments about him or anyone else on the team are wrong.
Don't make it personal man
Yeah his wife famously talked to the coach at a birthday party last year, but let’s not turn this into a hate fest
I feel like I'm back in a college poetry class...
Everyone is creating complex and contrasting ideas about the meaning of some words that are literally just pulled out of someone’s butt.
Chill people. Right now Garrard is starting for the Jags. If the team fires him, there are 31 other teams, and he will go play for someone else. If he can keep his starting job here, he’s clearly not gonna cut and run for no reason.
Twitter: BLByline Youtube: BLByline
I'm willing to drink the Kool-ade, but I'm hungry for the truth.
by Brian Levenson on Aug 27, 2011 2:39 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
I wish we had a "Like" button on here...
Sometimes there is no riddle or twist.
Unless it’s M. Knight Shamalan, of course.
Its actually kind of funny
How spoiled at QB we look.
David Garrard isn’t the best QB in the NFL, but he’s better than about half of the starting QBs out there.
And now we have probably the highest rated rookie QB out there. We should be so lucky to have these guys.
by SexonvilleShaguars on Aug 27, 2011 2:46 PM EDT reply actions
Let's not forget
we might have the best 3rd string QB in the league. I haven’t checked around the league, but can anyone think of anyone better? Mallett comes to mind, but as of right now, I think McCown is better.
I think is McCown is better than..
Alex Smith, Jason Campbell, Andy Dalton, Rex Grossman, Tarvaris Jackson.
"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not! I like to be liked, I enjoy being liked, I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need to be liked...like my need to be praised." Michael Scott
Seriously.
If I didn’t think we were gonna cut Garrard at the end of this year, I would totally trade McCown. As it is however, I expect him to be crucial for us next year.
You could make one
if featured him some. Little late for that now, but that would have been a decision you would have made in the off season.
Feature him how?
You mean like start him at QB for 3 years? Something like that?
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Aug 27, 2011 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Wouldn't say Cambell
but the rest I agree with
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Aug 27, 2011 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I think you're wrong
Let’s see McCown against first string and against a defense that hasn’t called off the dogs as happened in San Diego last year.
I sometimes wonder if Garrard has like 3 or 4 profiles on this site..
or at least have 3 or 4 people related to him because honestly, there shouldn’t be this much hysterical support for an average QB.
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Aug 27, 2011 3:57 PM EDT reply actions
It's not hysterical support.
It’s the rational reaction to the unjustified level of hysterical criticism he gets.
Any opinion is mainstream as long as it’s your opinion, right? Even the tea party thinks it’s mainstream.
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Aug 27, 2011 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
What in the world are you talking about?
What does mainstream even…. nevermind. It is hysterical support when you start laying out doomsday scenarios about how the Jags will go 0-16 without him and comparing him all-time greats.
He gets the criticism he earns, he is an average, inconsistent QB that can’t throw the ball deep, that is reality.
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Aug 28, 2011 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions
There is not a single person saying the Jags will go 0-16 or that David is a HOF player.
Nice hyperbole though.
I like to watch.
by MoveThoseChains on Aug 28, 2011 3:34 AM EDT up reply actions
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