JACKSONVILLE — With former first-round pick Blaine Gabbert spraining his right ankle, can Chad Henne emerge as the man for the Jacksonville Jaguars?
Henne, who started ten games for the last-place Jaguars 2012-13, completed 53.9 percent of his passes, threw for 2,084 yards, 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. While Henne is far from a franchise quarterback, the clear lack of production and inability to stay healthy from Gabbert, makes the case for Henne being a transitional, stop-gap quarterback, must more appealing.
Gabbert, a third-year quarterback out of Missouri, has failed to assume the reins of the Jaguars franchise and prove himself as a franchise quarterback. While injuries have derailed his progress, to describe Gabbert as shaky, erratic and just plain bad would be too nice.
With a new coach in Gus Bradley, an aging running back in Maurice Jones-Drew at 28, and an unreliable and a potentially good—minus the off-field drama—wide receiver in Justin Blackmon, the Jags have the pieces to theoretically contend with the Tennessee Titans for third place behind division AFC South heavyweights Houston and Indianapolis.
Depending on how well Gabbert progresses thru camp, it would not surprise many outsiders if Henne is under center with the first team for Jacksonville’s exhibition opener against the in-state rival Miami Dolphins.
While Henne is not perfect, thanks to Gabbert and his fragility, he may be the best option for the Jaguars in 2013-14.
Robert D. Cobb is the Founder/CEO/Senior Editor-In-Chief Of The Inscriber : Digital Magazine, for questions, comments and concerns email me at robcobb@theinscriber.com follow me on Twitter @RC_TheInscriber and follow The Inscriber : Digital Magazine on Twitter at @TheInscriber