It’s always refreshing to see an NFL player be honest, remaining self-aware and acknowledging where things stand. That’s the case for rookie Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew, thrust into action after Nick Foles went down with an injury. He’s as respectful as anyone could be of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, but he won’t be caught complaining about competing against Brees’ backup rather than the Hall of Famer himself.
“No, I’m glad he’s not playing, right? Geez,” Minshew laughed when asked if he was disappointed that Brees will miss their Week 6 kickoff with a hand injury. “No but I hope to meet him, that would be cool. He’s a great player. And Teddy Bridgewater’s been playing great as well, so not much slack there. So we gotta come out and be ready.”
The matchup between Minshew and Bridgewater is intriguing. They’re in very similar situations as backups given extended time in the starting job, and they’ve enjoyed similar levels of personal success (even if Bridgewater’s Saints have won more games than Minshew’s Jaguars). Bridgewater hasn’t been able to see Minshew play often, but he’s supportive of what the rookie’s going through.
“I’ve been just following the box scores and he’s been doing some great things,” Bridgewater said during his Wednesday media availability. “I’m excited for him getting his opportunity. If you know his background, it’s a fun story to follow and I wish him nothing but the best.”
