Quote:I recall how this plan backfired with Byron. Remember how Brunell was preparing to play the season, and then week three they opted to pull him for Byron. It was tough for the rook at first because he hadn't been getting the snaps. It was similar with Gabbert because he wasn't announced the starter until after the final Preseason game. If there's any chance that Bortles might have to play before mid-season, then the earlier they make the move the better so he can get the starter reps.

 

You are wrong on a few points.

 

In 2003, the team was 0-3 with Brunell. He was playing bad and injured his elbow against Indianapolis. And I doubt playing Leftwich as a rookie had any impact on his career. So I am not sure how it "backfired".

 

And Gabbert wasn't named the starter after the final preseason game. Luke McCown was. McCown was brutally awful aganst the Jets and got yanked. Del Rio was desperate to save his job and named Gabbert the starter.

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