Minshew Mania is going strong at the half season mark. Yes, rookie quarterback Garnder Minshew‘s performance so far has been admirable. Especially considering Minshew’s status as a sixth round draft pick. Couple Minshew’s acumen on the field with his natural swagger and you get a large segment of the Jacksonville Jaguars fan base calling for Minshew to remain the starter even after Nick Foles is eligible to return. Speculation from fans and analysts is going strong, but head coach Doug Marrone remains focused on the next opponent.
What is Doug Marrone going to do with Minshew & Foles when the time comes to pick a starter?
His full thoughts today: pic.twitter.com/sNt2SOtrjn
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyTV) October 27, 2019
Minshew Mania Going Strong While Foles Gets Healthier
Marrone Is Focused
As you can see from the above tweet, Marrone is focused on the next opponent. He mentioned that he doesn’t have the time to worry about the looming decision when Foles is healthy. He also made it pretty clear he doesn’t need to spend time on the decision until the bye week. The Jags play the Houston Texans in London next week before their bye. Foles will be eligible to return to play the week after the bye against the Indianapolis Colts. The team is entering an important stretch of the schedule just as Foles gets healthy. But Minshew is playing well and that can’t be ignored.
Minshew Proving His Worth
Nobody expected Minshew to do as well as he has through the first eight games. The rookie has shown some signs of youth, but has done very well overall. Through eight games, Minshew has thrown for 1,976 yards with 13 touchdowns and two interceptions. Those are stellar numbers for a rookie quarterback. Minshew’s biggest issue at this point is ball security. He’s had nine fumbles to this point, but luckily most of them haven’t swung momentum greatly. Minshew is playing well enough to remain the starter even when Foles is ready to return. It’s not an easy decision, but the rookie has already gained chemistry with the offense that Foles would have to work to build starting in Week 11.
What Does Foles Offer That Minshew Doesn’t?
When it comes down to it, there seem to be two areas where Foles has the advantage over Minshew. Those are arm strength and experience. Two very important qualities in NFL quarterbacks.
Foles displayed his arm strength is his lone touchdown pass of the season (coincidentally the same play he was injured on). Foles threw a beautiful 35-yard pass to D.J. Chark in the corner of the endzone for a score. Minshew is talented, but the end of the Carolina game proved that his deep ball needs work. Foles is also a Super Bowl MVP. He has experience playing in high stakes games and coming out victorious. But the NFL is a “What have you done for me lately?” kind of league. Foles hasn’t played a full 16-game season since entering the league in 2012. Some of that is due to being a backup, but Foles has, of course, had his fair share of injuries.
What Does Minshew Offer That Foles Doesn’t?
Besides the obvious swagger, Minshew’s game has one major difference when you compare it to Foles. That difference is Minshew’s ability to work outside of the pocket. Foles is largely a pocket passer but Minshew is comfortable with escaping the pocket and extending the play if it collapses. He’s comfortable throwing on the run as well as picking up yardage on his feet. After the Jaguars victory over the New York Jets, Minshew has 201 rushing yards on the season. Foles has 367 in his career. Minshew is playing well enough to give the Jaguars coaching staff pause before inserting Foles back into the starting lineup.
The Last Word
We’re three weeks away from Foles’ potential return on November 17th. Minshew has one more game with the offense before Marrone is faced with an important decision. Do you stick with the hot rookie and trust in Minshew Mania, or do you re-insert the veteran with an $88 million contract? Whatever the decision is, there will be a split fan base. This, however, is a good problem. Jacksonville is one season removed from having Blake Bortles under center. Both Minshew and Foles are better options and the future could be bright for Jacksonville.
