Leftwich still searching for work
Former Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich is still looking for work and he says he's lost 25 pounds through his training regimen in South Florida.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jun/24/leftwich-stuck-in-limbo/?page=1
Leftwich's situation is pretty interesting and definitely worth getting into. I've called and left messages and texted Leftwich several times since he was released. But he never replies. Part of that is Leftwich doesn't want to say anything about the team or the city that would be deemed controversial. So in a way, he's being classy about this.
Not to stir up another Leftwich vs. David Garrard debate, but I've always wondered how Byron would've played had he been the starter in last year's season opener. Would he have struggled as badly as he did in the preseason? After all, Byron was kind of known as a "gamer."
Anyway, I will say that I've always thought Byron was a good, honorable man. Almost every day in the locker room, we'd go back and forth critiquing movies - or second-guessing the ending to "The Departed" or some other flick out there.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jun/24/leftwich-stuck-in-limbo/?page=1
Leftwich's situation is pretty interesting and definitely worth getting into. I've called and left messages and texted Leftwich several times since he was released. But he never replies. Part of that is Leftwich doesn't want to say anything about the team or the city that would be deemed controversial. So in a way, he's being classy about this.
Not to stir up another Leftwich vs. David Garrard debate, but I've always wondered how Byron would've played had he been the starter in last year's season opener. Would he have struggled as badly as he did in the preseason? After all, Byron was kind of known as a "gamer."
Anyway, I will say that I've always thought Byron was a good, honorable man. Almost every day in the locker room, we'd go back and forth critiquing movies - or second-guessing the ending to "The Departed" or some other flick out there.
posted by Michael C. Wright at
9:31 AM
7 Comments:
I'm glad that he has decided to get into real football shape. Hopefully he can get his career on track. He had his moments here in Jax and I wish him the best. With that being said the Jaguars made the right choice and should have pulled the trigger sooner!
You're probably right about that.
I just wonder though if he would've been any good in the Jags' new offense. I know he had chances to show what he could do in the preseason. But that's a little different than real-game action.
That being said, David Garrard has absolutely played his butt off. Even with all the pub he's recently gotten, Garrard is still one of the most underrated QBs in the league.
Two things speak loudly here:
1. Why is he now losing weight? It was obvious to the fans that Byron was out of shape. Now that he does not have a job he feels like he has to work to get in shape. That is an absolute shame.
2. Byron still does not have a job. The jaguars saw something and got rid of him. The same with the Falcons. QB's are scarce out there. If someone really felt that Byron had game then they would bring him in. You have got to wonder about his attitude.
Bottom line - Leftwich has to show that he can stay healthy. I think everyone agrees that he's got a great grasp of the game, and that he has shown some real skill on occasion, but he consistently missed time when he had the starting job with the Jags. You can't build a winning team around a guy who can't stay on the field. Unfortunately, I think he's in a situation where teams don't want to take a chance on him, and until someone does, he's not going to be able to change that perception (if he even can).
I didn't see it at the time, but in retrospect there's no question the Jags made the best decision.
I don't think he would have performed better had he played the opener last year. The players around him weren't much different. Add to that his short contract, unhappiness with his situation, and unimpressive camp - and the choice made itself.
No matter what, Leftwich will always be one of my favorites, He was and still is a classy guy and I wish the best for him. I'm sorry that it did'nt work out for him in Jacksonville, but maybe he can take off somewhere else and prove people wrong! Best of luck Byron!
I make no reservations in saying that when Leftwich was on, he was as good of a passer as any in the league. His poise is exceptional, and his toughness is unmatched. Before getting hurt midway through the 2006 season he was playing great.
I have no doubt that, if he had stayed healthy, he would have become a very good quarterback for the Jaguars. Assuming nothing has changed in his confidence and game instincts with being less involved over the past two years, I am confident that in the right situation he can still become a stud. He's a fantastic thrower with great instincts and field vision. Those are rare.
I'm sure he'll land a job somewhere, hopefully it's a legitimate shot to become the starter, too.
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