Anyone else think Gardner has actually become somewhat underrated? Maybe it’s people not caring about Indy, but he’s having a decent season for a back up.

With how bad QB play is around the league (Fields, Wilson, Pickett, DeVito, Bryce, Mac, etc.) I’d wager a lot of teams would love someone who’s competent, tough, accurate, somewhat mobile and a leader like Minshew. He doesn’t have a big arm, he doesn’t have high end athletic traits, he’s short, etc., but the guy can play some football and help a good team stay above water.

His rookie season was great in my eyes. The stats were honestly really good. Say what you want, but that Jags team also wasn’t very good. Watching a guy like Bryce Young play, who I’ll admit is probably in an even worse situation than Minshew was in with the Jags, really puts things into perspective of how rare it is to have a QB who’s competent and not horrendous.

Is he a star? Absolutely not. Is he a franchise guy? Nah. Is he an extremely high end back up / bridge QB? Honestly yes.

Curious as to what everyone’s thoughts are. I know he’s been a topic of discussion in the past but it seems like he isn’t talked about anymore even though he’s winning some games for a decent Indy team and not looking bad in the process. Not advocating for him to be “the guy”, that’s Richardson based on tools and potential, but I think guys like Minshew are insanely valuable.

  • lowlifenebula@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    He’s another Fitzpatrick.

    He’s good enough to be on a good team and not super screw up, but he’s not putting a team on his back for an entire season.

    With luck, the name Minshew will be thrown around positively for another 15 years as he earns a ton of money as a great back up who can come in and help close out some games.

    • Shenanigangster@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      And then 10 years after that he’s one of the bright young coaches in the league.

      People forget he was supposed to intern for Saban at Alabama before Leach got him to transfer to Wazzu

    • DavidOrWalter@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      He’s good enough to be on a good team and not super screw up

      I don’t think he can do this. I think it is in his nature to try and play hero ball and will do it even when nothing about the game or that play dictates he has to do anything but execute it normally. This leads to turnovers.

      He’s just not very good, regardless of how oddly interesting he is as a person.