Garrard Riding High With Jags

Garrard Riding High With Jags

It's been long said that winning has a way of curing all that ills, and with each passing flick of his wrist the Jacksonville Jaguars new starting quarterback emerges as a perfect panacea for his team. Someone clearly nourished in the ways of poise, assuredness and execution.

Nearly six weeks to the day after being cast in the thought to be unenviable post of being the controversial heir-apparent to longtime mainstay Byron Leftwich, Garrard now finds himself serendipitously embraced by all.

And, mind you, it's all been far from happenstance, as evidenced by the Jags' 3-1 contender-status in the rugged AFC South and Garrard's leading role in it all. Even Leftwich diehards would have to concede Garrard rates as the most significant caretaker in the Jags still blossoming season.

But, let's be clear here. This is a tale more about brilliance than mere competence. For what the Jags need, David Garrard has been nearly perfect. Literally and figuratively.

Heading into this week's game against Houston, Garrard's 105.4 passer rating ranks fourth among all quarterbacks and his 848 passing yards and 66.7 completion percentage place him near the league leaders in both those categories also.

Even more impressively, Garrard has yet to throw an interception this season and has now gone 18 consecutive games, more than a full NFL season, without allowing a pick. Over that entire span, he's completed 284 of 451 passes for 3,371 yards, 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions, compiling a 93.4 passer rating.

"I believe David is our guy," Jags coach Del Rio said upon making the decision to name Garrard his starter.. "He's proven to be a playmaker for us. He can be a threat both throwing and running it. We believe he's really improved during this offseason, and I feel he's earned this opportunity."

And now Garrad's actions are making Del Rio's words seem like those of a prophet. “I really feel like this is a dream,” Garrard said earlier this season. “But I know it's not and I know I'm ready."

And now his teammates and all Jaguars fans are free to dream, knowing that their new quarterback is indeed ready for all.

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