David Garrard: How His Recent Release Affects Jaguars Offense

There isn't a quarterback controversy anymore in Jacksonville.

With the release of David Garrard, the Jaguars have made the commitment to move toward the Blaine Gabbert era sooner than later.

Until the rookie from Missouri is ready to take his first regular season snap, Luke McCown will take over under center. McCown was a fourth round pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 2004 draft out of Louisiana Tech.

McCown looked sharp in his appearances in the preseason albeit mop up duty. He seemed comfortable in the offense designed by Dirk Koetter. Now is the challenge of doing something he hasn't done in some time-try lead an NFL team on a consistent basis.

With the departure of Garrard, as Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio stated in a story on Jacksonville.com http://jacksonville.com/sports/football/jaguars/2011-09-06/story/jaguars-release-quarterback-david-garrard, that after speaking with the team's general manager, Gene Smith, McCown gave the team the best opportunity to win.

"We understand the importance of the position," Del Rio said. "[Garrard] just couldn't get it going. We were hoping for some sign of life. For him to pick it up and get it going."

Garrard was injured in training camp and has had back issues in the past. Del Rio reiterated to the media that the decision was purely based on football and had nothing to do with the $8 million the 10-year veteran was scheduled to make this season.

Now the offense must continue with a new leader. But as the offense dictates, the game itself will center around the running of Maurice Jones-Drew, who is returning from a knee injury which sidelined him the remaining two games of the season.

The Jaguars drafted Garrard out of East Carolina in the fourth round in 2002.

Garrard, 33, played 86 games over 10 seasons with the Jaguars, passing for 16,003 yards. He threw 89 touchdowns and 54 interceptions while completing 1,406 passes in 2,281 attempts. His career quarterback rating was 85.8.

Garrard's play of the past four years since being named the starter has been average at best. While he was a 2009 Pro Bowl selection, he has a career record of 46-44. His agent, Al Irby said the news was certainly a shock to both him and Garrard.

"Been assured that the job was his this year," said Al. "That's why we're all shocked, and so was he. This had to be a last-minute decision, that's the only thing I can say. I don't think these guys would purposely tell me one thing and [do another]."

Now, the team can move forward while to tries to recover from losing a team favorite and one of the more popular team players ever. His involvement in the community will be missed. Playing a Tennessee team that is also starting a new quarterback in Matt Hasslebeck should prove be interesting.

If McCown proves he can direct an offense that at times last season looked sluggish, then the right decision was made. If he cannot move the ball in the air with the receivers he was given to work with, then the questions will persist if the Jaguars brass made the right call.

Del Rio and his team have a game to plan for with a division rival and a new leader to run its game plan.