As it pertains to the Jaguars’ future, the difference between Chad Henne and Blaine Gabbert is bigger than Henne’s excellent mustache.
Henne’s ability to get the ball downfield is the biggest tangible difference, and the reason the Jaguars looked competent in beating the Titans.
According to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com, the numbers point to the difference.
Henne completed seven passes at least 15 yards downfield against the Titans. Since relieving an injured Gabbert two weeks ago, Henne has completed 12-of-17 such deep balls, for 418 yards and two touchdowns. Gabbert didn’t reach those numbers until his sixth game this season.
Henne’s completed 57.1 percent of his deep balls to Gabbert’s 40.4 percent, with two touchdowns and no picks to Gabbert’s three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Granted, the Jaguars aren’t a setting where many quarterbacks are going to flourish, but the dramatic difference with Henne under center underscores the fact Gabbert doesn’t appear to be anyone’s answer.