Chargers vs. Jaguars: Why Blaine Gabbert Must Step Up, Prove His Worth

When the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to select quarterback Blaine Gabbert with the 10th pick in the 2011 NFL draft, they probably weren't expecting him to play this season. But if they did think he was going to be forced into game action, they must have thought they would get more than they have from the Missouri product.

So far this season the 3-8 Jaguars rank dead-last in the NFL in passing offense, averaging an abysmal 131.3 yards per game through the air. A lot of the blame for the team's offensive ineptitude has to go to its rookie quarterback.

Gabbert has played in 10 games and has completed 128 of 264 passes (48.5 percent) for 1,371 yards, with six touchdowns and six interceptions. His passer rating of 62.2 ranks dead last in the NFL.

If Gabbert wants to be taken seriously as a real franchise quarterback at this level, he needs to start completing a much higher percentage of his passes. Tonight will give him an opportunity to do that against a Chargers secondary that has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. 

Even though the Jaguars don't have much to offer at receiver, Gabbert still needs to put the ball where his guys can make catches. He hasn't done that thus far.

With head coach Jack Del Rio gone, the rookie signal-caller has to prove to whoever the next coach is that he can handle the reads, progressions and throws that he will be asked to make. If he can't do that the Jags could look to add a solid veteran this offseason to compete for the starting job heading into next year.

If Gabbert doesn't want the headache of dealing with a quarterback controversy swirling around him he needs to start stepping things up and producing.