Minshew Mania returns: Jaguars bench Nick Foles, announce Gardner Minshew to start
Given the economics of the NFL and the quarterback’s recent history, it made sense when Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone announced almost a month ago that he was re-installing Nick Foles as the team’s starting quarterback after Foles had recovered from a broken collarbone suffered in the season opener.
The Jaguars had signed Foles to a four-year, $88 million contract ($50 million guaranteed) during free agency, and Philadelphia Eagles get weepy when Foles is mentioned after leading the Eagles to their first-ever Super Bowl win in 2017 and to another playoff win in 2018.
But Foles’ magic, apparently, didn’t follow him to Jacksonville.
Benched for rookie
On Sunday Jacksonville hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Jaguars were down 25-0 at the half. Foles was 7-for-14 for 93 yards and an interception. Coming out of the break, he was benched for rookie Gardner Minshew, who had started the eight games Foles missed due to his injury.
Minshew didn’t bring the Jaguars back, but they did at least score 11 second-half points.
That was apparently enough to take the job from Foles.
Marrone told reporters on Monday that Minshew will start this week against the Los Angeles Chargers, and cited Minshew’s mobility and elusiveness as a primary reason.
“We’re not able to give [Foles] a clean pocket,” Marrone said, via Michael DiRocco of ESPN.
Jacksonville was 4-4 in Minshew’s first eight starts. The team is 0-4 in Foles’ four starts.
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