Mercedes Lewis Believes Gabbert Has Improved
By Mike Dyce
As quarterback starting jobs seem to dry up across the NFL as rookies come in and light the NFL up, there are still a couple quarterback competitions around. One in Jacksonville has former first round draft pick Blaine Gabbert competing with Chad Henne for the starting spot.
Gabbert has been inconsistent in his brief NFL career and needs to show that he can take a step forward in his development. His teammate and tight end Mercedes Lewis believes in him.
“I’m proud of him, regardless of what others may think. I know how hard it is for him, and I know he puts a lot of pressure on himself to be great,” Lewis said on NFL Network’s “Total Access.” “”It’s him and Chad Henne. They’re battling and the way he’s just stayed focused, put his head down and pinned his ears back, I think when it’s time to go and the season starts, he’ll be ready.”
While some quarterbacks thrive being thrown right into the fire like Andrew Luck and RG3, Gabbert had a harder time dealing with the pressure as a rookie.
“It’s been a little maturity there issue about just growing up and owning the offense and taking everybody under your wing and leading us where we want to go,” Lewis said. “So far this year from OTAs and quarterback school and being there, he’s taken that step forward.”