In a turn of events similar to 2007, the Jaguars are making a last-minute change under center.
QB David Garrard nearly led the Jaguars to an AFC South title in 2010.
CAPTION
By Matt Detrich, The Indianapolis Star
FOXSports’ Jay Glazer was the first to report Jacksonville’s release of QB David Garrard just days before the regular-season opener and installation of Luke McCown as the new starter.
“The decision was pure football,” coach Jack Del Rio said at a press conference, saying money was no factor.
“He just wasn’t able to get it going in preseason.”
Rookie first-rounder Blaine Gabbert, who was recently demoted to third on the depth chart, would presumably back up McCown.
Garrard, who had actively embraced a mentoring role of Gabbert, was slowed by back problems in training camp and was outplayed by both McCown and the rookie.
Garrard passed for 216 yards, one INT and a 56.5 passer rating in the preseason. McCown had 133 yards and two TDs (125.5 rating) while Gabbert finished with 365 yards, a TD and an INT (64.3).
McCown tore an ACL last September while mopping up for Garrard in a 38-13 loss at San Diego.
A Pro Bowler in 2009, Garrard led the Jags to one playoff appearance. He has thrown for 16,003 yards, 89 TDs and 54 INTs (85.8 QB rating) since being taken in the fourth round of the 2002 draft. He was alternately awesome and awful in 2010 but had the team in the race for the AFC South crown before going on injured reserve after undergoing finger surgery last December.
“We thank him, we respect him,” said Del Rio.
Added GM Gene Smith: “He’s left a tremendous mark in this franchise.”
Garrard was set to make roughly $8 million in 2011.
“Thank you jaguar fans for an awesome ride! You are the best fans ever,” he tweeted. “You’ll always have a special place in my heart and my family’s heart!”
Ironically, the Jaguars surprisingly turned over the starting reins to Garrard on the eve of the 2007 season, cutting former starter Byron Leftwich in the process.
