Hey Dan! The Jaguars pick Lefty for '07

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich (7) passes as he is pressured by Tennessee Titans defenders Kyle Vanden Bosch (93) and Albert Haynesworth (92) in the third quarter of the Jaguars‘ 31-28 win on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Russell)

By Dan Hicken First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Hello Hey Dan fans, I thought I would just add my two cents and then some to today's announcement today that Byron Leftwich will be the team's starting quarterback this year.

Jack Del Rio made the announcement from Indianapolis today. He said the club plans on retaining both David Garrard and Quinn Gray as well, meaning the Jags won't sign a Jeff Garcia or trade for a David Carr, and I wouldn't expect them to use a high draft pick on a quarterback either.

Look, Leftwich has to be the guy. I believe it will be a highly unpopular pick, and Byron will have to find a way to get fans in his corner by winning. David Garrard had his shot and lost the last three games of the season. In the end Leftwich is the better passer. Dirk Koetter has been brought in to bring a vertical passing game, and Leftwich will be the most effective of the three. Leftwich also has one year left on his contract, a deal that pays him 5.2 million this season. The Jags will probably be in no hurry to sign him. Let him sink or swim this '07 season and then make your decision. My biggest concern with Leftwich has always been can he stay healthy?Remember he has started 44 games in his career in 4 seasons. That means there are 20 other games that he has missed for a variety of reasons. He's missed parts of the last two seasons too.

The other part of the struggle for Leftwich will be the receivers. They simply have to get better. And once again we will be watching this Jags offense knowing that if they can score three touchdowns a game, they will win the majority of their games because of their defense.

Edited by: Dan Hicken Sports Director Biography | E-mail | Hey Dan! Blog | (904)633-8806	Created: 2/22/2007 5:40:38 PM Updated: 2/23/2007 12:47:41 PM Suggest News Tips & Story Leads Submit Video & Pictures