I definitely don't think Leftwich is starting QB material, but this leaves the Jags very thin at QB. Garrard isn't the answer and I've never heard of his backup. If Garrard gets hurt, their season is nuked. At least with Leftwich and Garrard they had depth. I'm thinking this may be Del Rio's last season in Jacksonville because Garrard will eventually implode. I guess this is good news for the Texans. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20536045/ Jags give up on Leftwich, plan to part ways Jacksonville turns to longtime backup Garrard days before Week 1 begins JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville Jaguars are parting ways with quarterback Byron Leftwich after four frustrating, injury-filled seasons. Coach Jack Del Rio said Friday the team plans to trade or release the former first-round draft pick. Del Rio also named mobile backup David Garrard his starter heading into next week’s season opener, believing Garrard gives the team a better chance to win. Garrard outplayed Leftwich in the preseason, completing 36 of 47 passes for 456 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a score. But his numbers came primarily against second-team defenses. Story continues below ↓advertisement “It’s bittersweet news,” said Garrard, who has started 18 games in five years as a backup in Jacksonville. “I’m definitely shocked. I didn’t see this happening. I’m beyond shocked. I really feel like this is a dream, but I know it’s not and I know I’m ready.” Leftwich, who missed 10 games last season because of an ankle injury, was 19-of-38 passing for 226 yards and a touchdown in three preseason games. He misfired on several passes, badly overthrew Dennis Northcutt on two deep routes against Green Bay and continued to show messy mechanics with his feet and throwing motion. Making the decision easier, Leftwich hasn’t played a full season since being the seventh overall selection in the 2003 draft. But the former Marshall star felt he was in the best shape of his life following ankle surgery and a rigid offseason conditioning program. Del Rio seemed to agree, naming Leftwich his starter in February and backing him every day since — until now. Leftwich was in the final year of his contract, so releasing him would not cost the team anything extra against the salary cap in 2007. But it would leave the Jags with little room for injury at that position. Third-string Quinn Gray, who played well in the preseason finale after missing most of camp because of a sprained ankle, will move into the No. 2 spot. Leftwich has completed nearly 59 percent of his passes for 9,042 yards, with 51 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. He started 13 games as a rookie, then missed two games in 2004 with an injured left knee. He missed five games the following year because of his oft-injured left ankle. He returned to the starting lineup in the playoffs, but played poorly in a loss. Garrard, 10-8 as a starter, has completed 58 percent of his passes for 3,543 yards, with 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. “I’m sure it will be tough for a lot of guys,” Garrard said. “The timing of it was really weird. ... It was tough for me, too. But I’ve been given the opportunity to lead this team and I want to make sure I do it.”
I was never a big fan of Leftwich, but I am suprised that they are getting rid of him. Seems like they should have just benched him in case Garrard goes down.
This is really about money -- they had to get rid of him before the start of week one to avoid paying him a bunch of cash.
I think Atlanta is going to give up the 2 2nd round picks that the Texans traded and grab Leftwich...
I realize they're desperate for a QB but Leftwich?? That guy hasn't proven anything at all. His throwing mechanics are horrendous and his motion is slow that he practically telegraphs every pass. Not to mention the horrible lack of mobility. You'd be better off using one of those 2nd rounders and drafting a QB. At least there's the possibility that the drafted QB won't suck unlike Leftwich who we already know is terrible. Leftwich = Carr Numero Dos. Only Leftwich played for a halfway decent team.
He should be an OK backup for some team but why didn't the Jags keep him? If you ask me, Del Rio messed up huge by not having a backup plan (no pun intended). Right now, both of our QBs are better than Garrard. Without going team by team, my guess is several teams have better backup QBs than Garrard. Del Rio will be an assistant coach next season. This is his make or break year and it's broken already.
I think they're pretty big on they're 3rd stringer (now backup I guess), Quinn Gray. He started week 17 last year and played pretty well, and I remember the analysts saying how much they liked him.
I think this will be a mistake. I'm probably in the minority, but I believe Leftwich is very underrated. My guess is that he catches on with another franchise and has a very good career. Of course, he has to stay healthy for that to happen.
I like the guy but he the slowest football player I seen on the professional ranks LOL I think Atl would not be good cause they use to a mobile QB and Leftwich is anything but that Rocket River
