ESPN - Jags QBs just can't avoid controversy in 21-13 victory over Packers - NFL
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- David Garrard had all the right answers.
Byron Leftwich kept having to answer the same old questions.
And the Jaguars' quarterback situation? It's seemingly as murky as ever.
Garrard shined and Leftwich stumbled Thursday night in Jacksonville's come-from-behind 21-13 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Garrard, who started 10 games last season, again upstaged the once-heralded franchise quarterback to leave Jaguars fans wondering if coach Jack Del Rio made the right decision when he named Leftwich the starter in February.
"It's a little frustrating not being able to go into the season as the starter," Garrard said after finishing 6-of-7 for 97 yards, a TD, and the highest possible QB rating for a game at 158.3. "As long as I can do my job and when my number's called, perform at the same level. That's what I'm here for."
But Garrard couldn't contain a wry smile when asked if the consistency issues that dogged him last year may be gone for good and complimented new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter for his improvement.
"I've grown from early years to where I wasn't familiar with the system or I'd have a great day and have a bad day," Garrard said. "They didn't change things much when Dirk got here, so it's allowed me to just play fast and play comfortable. And I think that's where consistency comes in."
Del Rio was impressed, as well.
"David did a really nice job," he said.
Garrard started last season after Leftwich was benched and couldn't shake a nagging left ankle injury that needed surgery in November. After winning five of seven starts, Garrard stumbled down the stretch, losing the final three games as the Jaguars missed the playoffs at 8-8.
But Del Rio wasted little time naming a healthy Leftwich the starter early in the offseason to avoid the continued controversy.
"I deal with it like I always deal with it," said Leftwich, who missed open receivers multiple times in finishing 6-of-16 for 67 yards. "It wouldn't be me if it wasn't done this way. Let's just be honest. We're going to be OK. There's no time for us to panic, y'all."
Leftwich failed to lead the first team offense into the red zone despite getting into Packers territory four times in six drives. He said the criticism isn't unfair.
"It ain't unfair. It's not just happening to me. It happens around this league. It don't just happen to me," Leftwich said. "It's part of playing quarterback in this league, man. It's just part of it."