Shortly after declaring in February that his team needs to build aroundBlaine Gabbert, general manager David Caldwell insisted that the Jacksonville Jaguars will stage a "wide-open competition" at quarterback.
Gus Bradley's coaching staff has made good on that promise, splitting reps evenly between Gabbert and Chad Henne in organized team activities.
The difference between this season and last is that the contest is more than just lip service.
"I think it's a little more competition than last year," Henne said Wednesday, via the team's official website. "They're putting me in different spots, allowing me to get the 'one' reps and really allowing me to get involved with it.
"That's what I'm excited about," Henne added. "My job is to get better from last year and to prove to the guys I can be the leader and quarterback of this offense."
Henne said he doesn't expect the Jaguars to name a starter until the quarterbacks are "under the fire" of preseason action. We wouldn't be surprised to see Henne pull off an upset and start in the season opener. We're not alone in that sentiment.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
