Blaine Gabbert: Why His First Career Start Is Good for the Jaguars and the NFL

The kid with the blond hair and rocket arm will have a chance to prove he can win in the NFL.

Blaine Gabbert was named the starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars Wednesday morning by head coach Jack Del Rio.

It shouldn't come as a surprise to any fan who knows the state of affairs in Jacksonville. This town is waiting for a winner.

Twice in the last two seasons, the Jaguars (1-1 this season) have collapsed when they were headed to a playoff berth, and twice Del Rio has come under fire and had his job in jeopardy.

Truth be told, Del Rio probably should have been let go two seasons ago, but team owner Wayne Weaver has stuck with the nine-year veteran coach, much to the dismay of the fan base in Jacksonville.

Now, with the NFL opening after a lengthy lockout, little time for preparation and the need for some excitement on this team, the Jaguars turn to a 21-year-old who looks the part with a cannon arm, the right speech when he is in front of the camera and the desire to make it happen.

So, if he walks like a quarterback, talks like a quarterback and throws like a quarterback, will he in fact be the quarterback of the future for this team?

The Jaguars had their franchise quarterback in Mark Brunell and went to the AFC Championship game in 1996 and 1999. And then, when the team thought it was time, they hitched their ride to Byron Leftwich, who was supposed the be the next coming of the next big thing.

Only problem is his delivery was awful, and he clashed with Del Rio.

Somewhere in the middle of all this, a guy named David Garrard was drafted and won the hearts of the fan base for his desire and what he meant to the community. But one year where he threw 18 touchdowns and had only three interceptions made him look like the next coming of Ken Anderson.

Garrard never duplicated those numbers again and was average at best from then on, leaving the team no choice but to release him this preseason and start fresh. And with that, the fans' hopes for a winner may have been dashed if not for a good-looking kid who looks like he might be Boomer Esiason, Jim Kelly or any other great quarterback of the past.

If Gabbert is half of any of these players, then he is well worth the 10th pick in this past April's draft, and the hope that this team is moving in the right direction.

Jacksonville spent a slew of money to repair a defense that was leaking badly at the end of last season. Fans and the NFL can already see the changes in the run defense and better tackling by linebackers and the secondary.

But it is still hurting. Defensive end Aaron Kampman has not returned from an ACL injury and defensive back Derek Cox hurt himself in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans.

Two weeks ago, there was optimism with this team. Starter Luke McCown managed a good game in a and the 16-14 win over the Titans in the home opener. Maurice Jones-Drew was healthy and running like there was no tomorrow. Fans were at least excited.

Then after a 32-3 loss, the town fell to its knees. Another debacle and possible fracture season on the horizon.

Management had been having trouble selling tickets, which is still an issue. There are still rumors about the team moving to the west coast, and while the team spent those millions on key players to help big holes, the receiving corps is arguably the worst in the NFL.

But in the NFL, going from worst to first and first to worst (take that, Indianapolis) happens with the snap of a finger. The Jaguars are in purgatory and they need to decide which direction they will turn.

The NFL is also a breeding ground for upstart players like Gabbert who don't know any better and will come into the league green as ever and surprise everyone (like Cam Newton).

This is a great spot for Gabbert to be in. It is a great time to get behind the team. But it is also a great time to be concerned.

Cam Newton came into the league this year amid scrutiny and opposition and has lit the world on fire. He has great tools to be a great many things for the NFL. Gabbert is not as accomplished as Newton, but he has a great look, a good command of himself and poise that will serve him well in the future.

The only problem is that the future is now for this kid. The future comes against Carolina and then New Orleans. The future comes in the shadows of Brunell, Leftwich and Garrard.

But what this move has also done is put all of general manager Gene Smith and Del Rio's poker chips on the table. They have to win now or else. No more excuses. Win or leave town.

Jacksonville wants a winner. The NFL loves Weaver and his involvement in the league. Losses mean more comments on the small-town market team moving. Losses mean another coaching change (I like Brian Schottenheimer). Losses mean this team is right back where it started when it let Tom Coughlin go.

And for everyone, that is one big loss—for the NFL, the fans, the team and the city.