After going on a 4-4 run as a starter, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew II will resume taking snaps as the team’s No. 2 quarterback this week as Nick Foles was renamed the team’s starter. While the competitor in him was disappointed about being named the backup again, Minshew told the media that he was grateful for his time on the field as he received a grand opportunity to learn a ton about the league.
Gardner Minshew says he was disappointed when told he wasn’t starting anymore but he is pleased about starting half of the season pic.twitter.com/HoJ7QGR7Xz
— John Reid (@JohnReid64) November 13, 2019
“I was disappointed a little bit, obviously, because everybody wants to be that guy in the huddle,” Minshew said Wednesday. “But if you had told me at the beginning of year that I’d get to play half a season and then be able to learn, I’d have said I would take that deal 100 percent. I got a lot of good experience and I’m also going to be able to learn from one of the best dudes in the business.”
Minshew continued by stating that the experience he received made him believe that he proved himself as a NFL quarerback, however, there are some things in which he will look to improve upon before he’s given another chance.
“I think I proved I can be a guy in this league for a long, long time,” Minshew added. “I think they believe that. And there’s other things we’re going to get better at so the next time I do get this opportunity, I’ll be ready and I’ll be better and we’re all going to progress together.”
Minshew not only proved that there is a place in the league for him, but he played well enough to make fans wonder if he’s a starter. During his stretch of eight starts he was named Pepsi Rookie of the Week six times and Rookie of the Month in September. Statistically, he finished his stint as a starter 188-of-307 (61.2%) for 2,285 yards, 13 touchdowns, four picks and a quarterback rating of 92.8.
For the Jags, they now should feel very comfortable if Foles sustains another injury and Minshew has to step in. Heading forward, it will also be interesting to see Minshew’s development in the offseason and preseason as he builds upon the starts he received this year.