Talk all you want about how David Garrard became the Jaguars’ starting quarterback on Aug. 31, the day Jack Del Rio cut Byron Leftwich and, oh, by the way, elevated Garrard to No. 1.
The reality is that Garrard hadn’t become the Jaguars’ leader until right now.
This wasn’t just a win, a road win, a win in one of the toughest stadiums in the league. It was more. It was a revelation for Garrard, and for his teammates, who watched their quarterback carry them to a 23-14 victory over the Broncos. You could argue it was the greatest performance of his career.
Understand, this isn’t about numbers. It can’t be. Going 14-for-20 for 154 yards passing and one touchdown seems pedestrian on the surface, but the touchdown pass or the shifty scrambles or the third consecutive game without an interception are only small parts of the story. They matter. Of course, they matter. They’re just not as important as Garrard’s demeanor in the huddle or his confidence at the line of scrimmage as he shouted play changes above the din of a sellout crowd. Plenty of starting quarterbacks have wilted in such situations; only true leaders thrive.
There is a certain swagger to Garrard now. It is the sort of poise a team can harness. Running back Fred Taylor has encouraged Garrard to embrace those feelings and has seen a noticeable change in Garrard’s demeanor as he becomes more comfortable.
“He’s showing it more and more,” Taylor said, “even in the way he dresses.”
Taylor laughed then, but there was truth there. Garrard wore a dark blue suit to his news conference Sunday evening, a serious look with a bit of whimsy in the black pocket square that sprouted beside his lapel.
He was measured and composed, both in his attire and his attitude. Much was made of Garrard’s ability to run, but he has learned quickly that those skills are only effective in combination with other weapons. On Sunday, he found the perfect mix.
In case anyone was still wondering exactly what it is that Garrard brings that Leftwich didn’t, there was this: It was third-and-goal from the 3 early in the second quarter, the game scoreless. Garrard rolled to his right, then kept rolling, away from the rush, all of a sudden picking out a flash of a white jersey in the back of the end zone. It was Reggie Williams, and Garrard hit him squarely for the game’s first score.
