NFL Notebook Week 9: MVP race, playoff picture, awards and more

By Zach Cohen | Nov 5, 2019

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hugs quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns after the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 win over Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Minshew Mania: The Return of Nick Foles

It seemed like there was a new popular Halloween costume this year, and no I’m not talking about Joaquin Phoenix knock-offs or anything like that. I’m talking about Gardner Minshew.

Indeed, Minshew Mania rolls on in the NFL. Ever since Minshew took over for an injured Nick Foles in the season opener, Minshew has done quite a lot besides becoming an instant icon:

13 passing touchdowns (t-8th most)
1.3 touchdown to interception rate (t-6th fewest)
2 game-winning drives

That’s not too shabby for a sixth-round rookie, especially since two of his picks came when trailing behind in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 26-3 loss to Houston. However, Minshew has only won four of nine games. He also leads the NFL in fumbles and has the 24th-best QBR.

Minshew hasn’t been great, but does he deserve to be the Jaguars’ starting quarterback? For now, it’s Minshew’s job.

Minshew hasn’t truly cost Jacksonville any games yet, so now that Foles is healthy, I say the Jags stick with Minshew until he individually warrants not being the starter any longer. While Foles has flashed awesomeness before, he’s also shown he might be nothing more than a game manager.

I believe Minshew’s upside and his personality are perfect for this young, scrappy Jacksonville team and, until he proves otherwise, Minshew has earned the starting nod over the older, more expensive Foles.

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