GARDNER MINSHEW NAMED STARTING QB VS CHARGERS

David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire

Minshew Mania is back, for now. 

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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On Monday afternoon, Jaguars’ head coach Doug Marrone announced that rookie Gardner Minshew would be the team’s starting QB against the Chargers next week. 

After a disastrous first half for Nick Foles, Gardner Minshew took over at QB to start the third quarter of the Jaguars’ loss to the Bucs. Minshew had his ups and downs in the second half, but the team played much better with the fiery rookie. They scored 11 second-half points, and the defense took care of business, allowing just 3 points after the break. 

One of the biggest reasons for the switch, according to head coach Doug Marrone, is Minshew's ability to extend plays and escape the pocket. With the offensive line struggling to keep Foles upright, Minshew will bring the ability to beat opposing pass rushes with his legs. 

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The story of the Jaguars 2019 season has been filled with twists and turns. From Telvin Smith and Jalen Ramsey going awol — to Nick Foles suffering a broken collarbone in the first week of the regular season —to Gardner Minshew taking America by storm — to the most recent four-game losing streak, there has been no lack of storylines in Duval. 

But for the rest of 2019, Gardner Minshew should be the guy for the Jags at QB. And according to Doug Marrone, that's the plan. The rookie sixth-round pick has had some wonderful highs and heartbreaking lows in his first year with the Jaguars. The rest of the 2019 season should be his audition for the future. There's no point in trotting Nick Foles back out there this season.

These games will help determine if Minshew can be viewed as a franchise quarterback moving forward, or just another guy. They will likely have an impact on whether or not the Jaguars use one of their picks in the first few rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft on another QB.

There’s not much to be excited about in Duval right now. The “franchise lifting” $88 million QB has failed in epic fashion. The football triumvirate of Tom Coughlin, Doug Marrone, and Dave Caldwell is likely on its last legs. A defense that was expected to be elite is FAR from it. 

But fans can take solace in the idea that Gardner Minshew could be the man to lead this franchise back from the abyss. 

Buckle up, Duval. ​

Follow Jordan de Lugo on Twitter for all the latest Jaguars news and analysis.