When looking at the national perception surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020, fans would be hard-pressed to find an analyst high on the team. A big reason for that is the personnel they have on offense as many aren’t high on either quarterback Gardner Minshew II or the personnel around him.
Despite all of the negative feedback, however, it appears that at least one national analyst isn’t quite ready to count the Jags’ offense out. That analyst’s name is NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, who singled out Minshew and receiver D.J. Chark as the best duo in the AFC South Friday on “Good Morning Football.”
Garafolo makes some great points about Minshew’s numbers being better than those of 2019 first overall pick and Rookie of the Year, Kyler Murray, in certain areas. As mentioned, the Arizona rookie had a lower quarterback rating (Murray’s was 87.4, Minshew’s 91.2), threw for one less touchdown (Minshew had 21), and threw double the amount of picks (Murray had six to Minshew’s 12). However, with him not getting more of a national spotlight playing in Jacksonville, his achievements have been heavily overlooked just like fellow 2019 draftee Josh Allen, who quietly went to the Pro Bowl and truly earned the nomination.
As for Chark, he was the Jags’ most improved player and his bond with Minshew was pretty fun to watch. In fact, their connection was so strong that Chark linked up with Minshew for four touchdowns within the first five games of the season. Additionally, all but two of Chark’s receptions came from Minshew during that period and the two linked up for 25 receptions and 443 receiving yards. So yeah, Garafolo is right to single out the pairing.
Now, with a year under their belts and a coordinator in Jay Gruden who most feel will be an upgrade over John DeFilippo, it will be interesting to see if Chark and Minshew take another step. If they do, the Jags could prove a lot of their doubters wrong and reach the .500 mark this season or maybe even better.
