FanPost

Foles isn't returning as QB1 for the Jaguars

I hate that my first post here is one that might be considered controversial. Unfortunately that is who I am. The one that is always going to play devil's advocate, even if I agree with your opinion. In this situation however, there is no playing devil’s advocate. I am just stating what everyone should understand as an inevitable reality. Nick Foles, barring catastrophe, will not be starting for the Jaguars again this season. I understand his contract and how much he is being paid. I also understand how well Gardner Minshew is playing right now and the position he has put himself in. Were it not for a drop by Westbrook and Lee not expecting a fast pitch, he would have had 4, let that sink in, FOUR, TD passes on Thursday night. If you are confused as to when this QB controversy began and ended, don’t be. I was confused at first too but it pretty much began at the end of the Texans game and ended during the Titans game. The controversy wasn't open very long. Despite the current and future arguments on social media, it's already over. Basically there are only two scenarios come Foles return; Jags are in the hunt or they are out of the hunt. Either way, Foles is not going to be given the reins back. Let's look at each situation and let's assume Foles return will be anywhere between week 11 and week 13. If we assume what we have seen from the Jaguars over the past 3 weeks holds true until then:

Scenario 1) You enter week 11 to 13 as a contender thanks to your passing attack and phenomenal defense and are begging for more from the rushing attack. If this is true, then you are riding the hot hand, Minshew. Foles eligible to return or not, you’re not about to derail your own momentum. Foles isn't about to offer you anything more on the field than he is already offering you holding the clipboard. The Jaguars would have to be ridiculously close to securing a playoff spot at the same time, Minshew playing awful, like Bortles awful, for Foles best chance to see the field again in this situation. It’s just basic logic here. You are not going to move away from the hot hand and the momentum. I understand the Jaguars went for 2 against the Texans and decided to run it instead of riding the hot hand then, but I seriously doubt in this situation they deviate from the hot hand and hand the reins over to a cold QB fresh off injury.

Scenario 2) You enter week 11 to 13 out of the playoff race or in a very unlikely to make it situation. Minshew has shown enough over the first 3 games to warrant just finishing out the season as QB 1 and gain more experience. If he goes out and has a great game against the Broncos next week, this will be even more true. Bottom line, no need to argue the point, if you are out of the playoff race come Foles return, Minshew has shown more than enough to just ride him out and give him more experience. He literally does not benefit from returning to the bench and the Jaguars gain nothing from returning to Foles.

Like the title says, I’m sorry but not sorry. This debate, this controversy ended almost as soon as it began. We lucked into Minshew. Even I doubted him. I still don't know how far he will take us or what he can be. Lets just rejoice in the fact that we have a QB with potential. We are excited about his next pass, we have forgotten about his weaker than desired arm. We are more enamored with his accuracy and decision making. I agree with the signing of Nick Foles, I am disappointed the Jags decided to bid against themselves. But this is irrelevant, the Jaguars may have lucked into a very, VERY freaking good QB that is extremely smart albeit slightly undersized (yet no passes batted at the line I can remember) and an arm that isn't as strong as you would like. He makes up for it with his decision making, his willingness to take a monster shot (see the missed TD pass to Lee). Minshew is the future in Jacksonville for the foreseeable future barring some sort of catastrophe.

Nick who?

Let the hate messages begin.

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