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This is not a controversy.
There always seem to be Quarterback Controversies in football. Who plays at the most important position on the field is usually the most important element of a team's success.
There have been some real controversies in Jacksonville before:
- 1995: Who should start? Steve Beuerlein or Mark Brunell?
- 2003: Should Byron Leftwich play instead of a healthy Mark Brunell?
- 2007: Byron Leftwich or David Garrard?
- 2011: Garrard, McCown, or Gabbert?
These debates had fans, writers and players on opposite sides of the fence. These differences of opinion can usually split locker rooms and fan bases in half.
The NFL network has already called this year's situation a Quarterback Controversy, but does anybody really care about the Jaguars' QB competition this year?
Chad Henne or Blaine Gabbert?
I'm not saying people don't have opinions on the subject, because they do. ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski said this on his QB Countdown show about Chad Henne:
He's the best quarterback on the Jaguars roster and should be the opening day starter in 2013.
This is from a guy that swore on national television in response to Henne's play in 2011.
Former Jaguars Head Coach Mike Mularkey has weighed in:
Former Jaguars HC Mike Mularkey told Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan he would start Chad Henne over Blaine Gabbert.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 12, 2013
After all, Henne did win one game for Mularkey last year.
On the other side of the fence, Matt Williamson has Gabbert listed as the team's starter when he ranked the AFC South's quarterbacks.
Rick Ballou thinks Gabbert should be named the starter now:
I hope Gus Bradley names Blaine Gabbert as starter after practice on Th. Let the players know. #jaguars
— Rick Ballou (@Ballou1010xl) June 12, 2013
Fans generally seem to think that starting Gabbert makes the most sense this year.
Some people say that Henne is a better QB and you have to put the best player on the field. Some point to Alex Smith as an example of someone that took a few years to develop. Of course he was quickly replaced when the 49ers thought they had somebody better.
What do I think?
I think Gabbert should start to give him one last chance to show he can play in the league. I think Henne has already showed what he is and it's not good enough. But do I really care?
No.
I'm just as interested in who wins the LG competition the LB competitions and the CB competition. What I really want at QB is for the Jaguars to draft a new one next year.
I can not imagine a scenario where Jaguars fans or players are passionate about this issue. Can you imagine fans wearing "Team Blaine" or "Team Chad" T-shirts? I mean except for those who really think Blaine is extraordinarily handsome.
There are just so many more "controversies" that really engage people:
- Orange Juice: Pulp or No Pulp?
- Coke or Pepsi?
- Team Beard or Team Shave?
So just smile when the national media talks about the Quarterback Controversy in Jacksonville this season. It will just show that the media continues to try to make any story fit into their own narrative.
Is there a QB battle this sesaon? Yeah. A QB competition? Sure.
A QB Controversy? Meh.