Jaguars Deserve Heat for Handling of David Garrard, Quarterback Situation

This was not the first time that Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio chose to shock the NFL with a quarterback decision so close to the season.

In fact, the last time he did it, he did it in favor of David Garrard.

At the time, the move saved his job. What's more, he's still riding that wave, also known as a contract extension, into this season.

It is believed that, if Del Rio fails to capitalize on a weak AFC South this season, he'll be out of a job.

Justifiably so.

The coach hasn't had a winning season since 2007 and that was the last of the two postseason trips he's had as head coach in the last eight seasons.

This week, Del Rio has gone all in with another wild decision.

However, it hasn't come without criticism.

According to a tweet from ESPN's John Clayton, the decision saves the Jaguars nearly $9 million dollars and puts them close to $33 million under the cap.

They already have their franchise quarterback on the roster in first-round draft pick Blaine Gabbert and they can use all of their money to put pieces around him in the coming years.

Del Rio may or may not be the coach to make those moves, but he's taking a chance he thinks he needs to make it happen.

However, it's the timing of the move and the handling of Garrard throughout the preseason that's been the biggest problem.

During the preseason, current starting quarterback Luke McCown was taking snaps with the third team. Gabbert, who has not yet earned the starting job, is waiting in the wings and was receiving first and second-team snaps.

With less than a week to go before the season kicks off, the Jaguars have not done Garrard any favors by putting him on the open market at this stage.

There are teams with a need under center, but he won't be starting for anyone in Week 1.

The media didn't think too kindly of the timing, either. Sports Illustrated's Peter King tweeted:

"

Garrard went to Welcome Jags season-opening banquet at noon today, then got news from Del Rio, GM Smith, WWeaver. Tough business.

"

Jacksonville Jaguars legendary offensive tackle Tony Boselli expressed his displeasure in response:

"

@SI_PeterKing wrong way 2handle the situation. Knew n the morning u were cutting him, y make him go 2 luncheon & introduce him. Disappointed 

"

Florida Times-Union writer Vito Stellino has been openly angry with the timing of the decision, too:

"

I am reminded of famous Joseph Welch line to Joe McCarthy--Have you no sense of decency? Luncheon thing showed no sense of decency. 

"

Everyone understands this is a business, especially the aforementioned names. However, the timing has deservedly caused more of an issue than the move itself.

Running back Maurice Jones-Drew hasn't made any controversial comments just yet, but it is widely known how fond he is of his former quarterback. Should the Jaguars collapse early, it could get ugly around EverBank Field.

Jacksonville isn't going to make any new friends with this latest decision. The team already has enough issues generating fan interest as it is.

This cold and questionable decision isn't the solution to their problems.