Blaine Gabbert: Why This Could Be His Last Season in Jaguars' Teal

Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

The sand is slipping through the hourglass.

No, this is not a soap opera, but it sure could be. The fact that Blaine Gabbert must take the reins of the Jaguars offense and make sure he does not let go could become a scary proposition in Jacksonville, especially with new head coach Mike Mularkey giving Gabbert more weapons and more opportunity to showcase his talents.

This is not Dirk Koetter's offense anymore.

But as we all know, Gabbert is still a work in progress. Could the jump to the NFL and the next level be too much for a quarterback who was one of the worst, if not the worst in the league last year?

Time will tell. But if Gabbert exhibits the same traits as last year, this could be a sign he is not ready to be the starter we all thought he could be.

Here are some other reasons why he could be replaced in Jacksonville after the 2012 season.

He Wasn't Shad Khan's Choice

Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

A new owner, a new coach and a new philosophy.

The only person still in the front office who was in on the choice in 2011 is general manager Gene Smith. And if Gabbert is not successful this season, could this be Smith's last year in Jacksonville?

With new faces at the table, there are other quarterbacks the team has in mind to run this offense.

Inconsistency

Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

He had more touchdowns than interceptions last season, but he also looked lost most of the season.

When he was able to feel comfortable in the offense, he threw well and showed off his cannon of an arm.

Which Gabbert will show up this season?

He also needs to learn to take a hit and throw in the pocket under pressure.

Matt Barkley

Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE

...or Landry Jones or a handful of other passers who will be eligible in the 2013 draft.

Could there be a passer who catches the team's fancy?

If this team is not winning games and is in line to choose one in the Top 5 picks of the NFL draft, could Khan make a splash by taking one and either trading Gabbert or releasing him?

More Options, Not Enough Effort

Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

Now that there are better receivers and a commitment to the offense, Gabbert has weapons to make it happen.

With Laurent Robinson, Lee Evans and Justin Blackmon (provided he signs), this could be an offense like Atlanta's.

But it all rests on Gabbert's ability to learn a third offense in three years, something that is not easily done in pro football.

Chad Henne Replaces Him as the Starter

Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

If this happens, all bets are off.

Henne is better than people think and if Gabbert falters, look for the veteran from Miami to come in and do a better job than fans think.

Could there be a quarterback controversy in Jacksonville? Not yet. But should Gabbert falter and show "rookie" mistakes, there will be in a blink of an eye.