Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Gene Smith recently addressed the first-half performance of rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert, the No. 10 overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Gabbert, after spending the first two games backing up Luke McCown, has started the last six games, completing 79 of 173 passes for 907 yards and five touchdowns with four interceptions.
But while there has been criticism of Gabbert in recent days and weeks, Smith said the experience of playing against the NFL’s top four-ranked defenses – Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Houston and Cincinnati – has been invaluable.
Smith said while Gabbert has thrown for fewer than 100 yards in his last two starts, he doesn’t worry that the rookie will lose confidence.
Gabbert's never going to hit full stride until the Jaguars surround him with better weapons. Dynasty league owners should remain patient with Gabbert, but he's unlikely to have any value in redraft leagues for the remainder of the 2011 season.
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