JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 19: Gardner Minshew #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at TIAA Bank Field on September 19, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
The Jacksonville Jaguars appear to be in good hands with rookie Gardner Minshew II under center after the Week 1 injury to Nick Foles.
Gardner Minshew has the look. He has the swag. He also has some ability as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Minshew had to jump into game action back in Week 1 when Jacksonville Jaguars fans saw Nick Foles go down with a broken collarbone. The team went 0-2 through the first two weeks but Minshew was a bright spot in the defeats.
Tonight is no different as Minshew has started the game against the Tennessee Titans going 5/6 for 78 yards and two touchdowns. The first one came after a mind-boggling turnover by the Titans special teams unit to create a short field for the Jaguars. But a touchdown is a touchdown and Minshew is on pace for a record night.
It is still early but NFL fans tuning in have to admit that Minshew is a legitimate replacement for Foles. The Jaguars have been seeking anyone better than Blake Bortles and Minshew can be that guy. If he keeps this up the team may be shopping around Foles when the trade deadline approaches. There are plenty of desperate teams out there dealing with injuries to star quarterbacks.
Having two talented quarterbacks on the roster is something new in Jacksonville and Minshew is perhaps one of the best surprises in franchise history. Is that too bold of a statement so early in one’s career?
I don’t think so. Bad quarterbacks can’t make the throws he has already made both tonight and in the first two weeks of the season. He may finish the night with five or six touchdowns and Minshew Mania will be in full effect in Florida and all over the nation.
So much for the annual Jaguars-Titans Thursday night game being a snoozer.