Gardner Minshew has been a pleasant surprise for the Jacksonville Jaguars. A 6th round pick of Washington State, he was expected to backup Nick Foles last year but was thrust into the lineup when Foles suffered an injury on the first drive of the first game. He would proceed to go 6-6 in 12 starts (played in 14 total games), throwing for over 3,200 yards and 21 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions.
His play was enough for the team to send Nick Foles off to Chicago and keep him as the starter.
Although he was named as the starter, the team was expected to be tanking in order to land the No. 1 pick in next year's draft to land Trevor Lawrence.
That idea can be thrown right out the window.
Gardner Minshew currently has the Jags sitting at 1-1 but his play has been inspiring. He threw for 3 touchdowns and only 1 incompletion in the Week 1 upset of the Colts and then on Sunday, he again had Jacksonville in a place to pull off a second consecutive upset, but he had a pass deflected at the line that led to an interception that sealed the game for the Titans.
The unexpected play of James Robinson has also helped. Robinson, through 2 games, has rushed for 164 yards and is averaging over 5 yards per carry.
It's only been two weeks but this team is responding to Minshew and it seems like they can win every game they play.
The Jaguars have 10 picks in next year's draft, including 7 in the first 4 rounds. Add more weapons around Minshew, bulk up the offensive line, and add more help on defense and this team can become instant competitors for the AFC South.
People continue to doubt, but I'm a believer in Minshew Mania. Give him a chance to succeed and watch him flourish.
PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES