"No question about it, Jaguars players were stunned by what happened yesterday, even those who understand Garrard's flaws.

One week before the season opener, Garrard was still their starter and that the Jaguars released him was a stark reminder of how harsh their industry can be.

"I was taken back just a little bit," said Marcedes Lewis, one of eight "team leaders" told about the decision yesterday by Jack Del Rio. "Yeah, I mean, I don't know, I was just taken back by it. Obviously it's a decision that they were contemplating for a little bit. Finally figured it was best for the team."

Despite the shock, Lewis doesn't foresee problems amongst players.

"The locker room will be fine," Lewis said. "The locker room will react how the leaders reacted. Yeah, we're shocked that it happened right now but at the same time we're about winning ball games. If coach Del Rio and Gene feel like it was the right thing to do, then that's what the feeling is.""