Is it really breaking news that Blaine Gabbert has been named the starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars as they prepare for Sunday's game at Carolina?
Mayock: The right move
NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock says that Blaine Gabbert is tough enough to take a beating as a rookie and come back next season playing at a higher level. **More ...**
The Jags abruptly cut their starting quarterback two weeks ago so first-round pick Blaine Gabbert could play quickly and avoid any potential issues with a quarterback controversy or divided locker room. It was obvious to anyone remotely paying attention that this day was coming fast.
Luke McCown barely played in the preseason and the franchise had very little invested in him. And McCown is not very good right now, which the Jags already knew. So now, with three total scores through two games (including a field goal), the Jaguars made a switch that everyone knew was inevitable after they moved up to draft Gabbert with the 10th overall pick and then cut David Garrard right before the season.
With Andy Dalton having some success already in Cincinnati and Cam Newton looking like an all-pro for Carolina, the timing and culture around the league was also right to make a move like this. With McCown and the Jags imploding against the Jets on Sunday, there is nowhere to go but up.
Follow Jason La Canfora on Twitter @JasonLaCanfora