FSH: MORE FANTASY TALK

September 11th, 2009 9:37pm PST

A Big Arm with Big Hopes

Time to bounce back….

Following the 2008 season there were probably many folks who did not believe that David Garrard was a ready for primetime NFL quarterback despite his strong 2007 season. Well could that be any further from the truth?

Last season was not only one to forget for Garrard, but one the Jaguars would also love to forget as well. Finishing the season with a 5-11 record, one area of big concern for the Jags was the offense and it’s lack of production in the passing game (ranked 15th last season). The passing game only generated 15 touchdown passes (ranked tied for 24th) and averaged only 6.7 yards per pass (ranked tied for 19th). Upgrades are going to be a priority in 2009.

While Garrard’s ineffectiveness (13 interceptions) last season seemed to be a major cause for the offenses deficiencies, the truth of the matter is the real cause was up front. Garrard was a victim of his team’s bad luck. A decimated with injury offensive line and poor pass protection were the biggest culprits for the team’s offensive demise. Garrard was hit and hurried countless times last season and the line surrendered 42 sacks (ranked 25th).

With a new season on the horizon, the team is healthier and seems to be addressing many of these needs from last seasons’ debacle. In the offseason the team acquired veteran receiver Torry Holt, who they believe has something left. Holt will give Garrard that veteran leader and go-to receiver over the middle that he can look to in crunch time. The sudden emergence of wide receiver Troy Williamson (22-yards per catch this preseason) could give the offense that boost it needs to stretch the field. Joining the cause once again this season to help Garrard and the offense will be 6-foot six-inch tight end Marcedes Lewis who can beat the defense down the seams.

Just two years ago, Garrard ranked among the best passers with a 102.2 passer rating. This preseason he’s already shown glimpses of returning to that form with great accuracy (28 of 43 passing, 65 percent completion). Garrard also adds that extra dynamic of mobility rushing for 322 yards in 2008. In the offseason the team addressed their biggest concerns by drafting offensive lineman Eugene Monroe with the 8th overall draft pick. He’s still a work in progress, but his addition will give the line depth and plenty of size (Monroe is 6’5” and over 300-lbs).

2008 is now a distant memory for Jacksonville and quarterback David Garrard. With the 2009 season already underway, it’s time for big arms, to aim for big dreams and reach new heights. Garrard is going to be well overlooked in many fantasy drafts and will fall to the late rounds. With a late round pick he’s a great value QB2 and he’ll offer plenty of upside. (2009 Predictions: 285 of 440 passing, 3,315-yards passing, 24 touchdown passes, 9 interceptions, 205 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns)

By David Ortega


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