QB Byron Leftwich regressed in several areas last season, leading to the dismissal of offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave. Leftwich is determined to make up for last year's woes by getting an early start with Musgrave's replacement, Carl Smith, and has been spending extra time at Alltel Stadium with Smith to get a better read on the Jaguars' new scheme. Smith is promising to play to his quarterback's strengths by emphasizing the vertical passing game, which is a better fit for Leftwich than the short throws favored by Musgrave. Smith also wants Leftwich to get back to being a pocket passer, which is what he was in college at Marshall and suits his lack of mobility and 245-pound frame. Leftwich is understandably excited by the switch in philosophy and can't wait for on-field work to begin. . . .
The team plans to keep backup QB David Garrard, which means he likely will depart as an unrestricted free agent next winter. The decision to keep Garrard for one more year is risky because he says he wants a chance to start, and the Jaguars will get nothing in return if he leaves in free agency. Del Rio, though, says he is convinced he can talk Garrard into staying.
3 years ago
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