Gus Bradley is standing by Blaine Gabbert as the starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fans are not really sure why he remains confident in the third-year quarterback, but he does and Gabbert will likely be under center for the remainder of the year. So as calls for Tim Tebow pour down or questions about a Josh Freeman trade continue to be brought up, Bradley is putting all thoughts of a Gabbert replacement to rest.
"I'm standing strong with Blaine. Maybe what we thought were his strengths, maybe we have to dig deeper and find out what they are. Hopefully, we can find out very soon," Bradley said, via Florida Times Union.
That statement is enough to twist the knife just a little harder in the hearts of Jaguar fans. Gabbert has yet to prove worthy of a starting position with the team in his three years at the position and Jacksonville cannot get any better because of it.
Sunday was met with another loss to the Indianapolis Colts as the Jaguars are not 0-4 on the year. Gabbert went 17-of-32 in passing for 179 yards and three interceptions as the team fell 37-3. While not all the blame can be placed on Gabbert, his history with Jacksonville does not speak in his favor. The Jaguars have lost 12 of their last 19 games by double digits and many fans want a change.
Right now, Jacksonville's only other option is Chad Henne and even he did not prove to do that well either. During the game against Indianapolis, a plane flew over the stadium carrying a banner saying, "Tebow, why not?" That is a very valid question, Jaguars fans. But will Tebow really do any better than Henne or Gabbert. The answer is no.
At best, Jacksonville must hope the team trades for Josh Freeman. He could end up being a slight upgrade from Gabbert. Tampa Bay will pretty much give up anything at this point to get rid of the quarterback. ESPN.com reports the Buccaneers are open to trading the quarterback or releasing him all together if he waives his right to get paid. That is not happening.
Jacksonville has never started a season 0-5. The team faces the St. Louis Rams next and that is no guaranteed win. If the Jaguars continue their winless streak, a trade for Freeman might be the only option.
