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David Garrard News & Rumors

David Garrard's agent appears way off base
October 19
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"The world of sports is full of clowns. Agent Al Irby just moved up on the list. Irby, who represents former Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, claims the organization cut his client because it knew about a herniated-disk injury and withheld that knowledge. Garrard is planning on having surgery to correct the issue. Here's an excerpt of Irby's email to Times-Union reporter Tania Ganguli. "At $500,000 per game, they knew he would be down 4-6 weeks. They didn't want to pay that bill. Now you know the difference between a first-class organization like Indy, and a sorry organization like the Jags. Indy gave their QB a contract even though he couldn't play all season. … David was told his back"
Agent accuses Jaguars of shirking bill by cutting David Garrard
October 18
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Two Sundays ago, former Jaguars quarterback David Garrard spent the day watching football games lying on his back in his living room with his feet straight up in the air. The pain he felt in his leg was too unbearable for him to do anything else. On his wife's suggestion, he went to the emergency room, where he received an anti-inflammatory shot and painkillers to help. But Garrard realized then that this, combined with numbness in his calf, wasn't any normal leg problem. Shortly thereafter an MRI revealed a herniated disk that would need surgery. Garrard, whom the Jaguars released Sept. 6, will have surgery soon to repair the disk, he hopes this week. It will sideline Garrard for four to"
Timelines for Blaine Gabbert and Jack Del Rio don't exactly mesh
October 4
Jacksonville Times-Union
 columnist Chet Fussman
"Whether Blaine Gabbert turns out to be the next Peyton Manning, Ryan Leaf or somewhere in between, it's hard not to see the disconnect between the rookie quarterback's development and Jack Del Rio's future as the Jaguars head coach. Del Rio made the decision to go with Gabbert this season, a choice likely to pay dividends in the future, but sure to result in growing pains for the Jaguars in 2011. Yet Del Rio has a mandate from team owner Wayne Weaver to make the postseason this year or his job is in jeopardy. With Gabbert learning as he goes, and if Weaver is serious about his mandate, then Del Rio's future in Jacksonville looks as promising as Greece's banking stocks."
There's plenty of demand for David Garrard
September 13
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Now that teams can sign David Garrard without having to pay his $8 million salary, the former Jaguars quarterback won't be out of work very long. Whether as a starter or backup, Garrard is going to help a team this season. Garrard started 68 games in the last five years until he was surprisingly cut last week, five days before the season opener. While nobody ever confused the Jaguars' second all-time leading passer with Johnny Unitas, enough teams have quarterback issues to make the serviceable Garrard a valuable addition. Did you see Kerry Collins on Sunday? Or Tarvaris Jackson? Or Donovan McNabb? Garrard might not be a long-term answer for the Colts, Seahawks or any other team, but"
Gene Smith takes responsibility for the decision to cut David Garrard
September 8
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"With the controversy swirling around the timing of the decision to cut David Garrard Tuesday after attending the Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Smith explained how it went down in an email to the Times-Union. "Ultimately, it was my decision,'' Smith said. He added, "Clearly, I am not proud of how things played out on Tuesday and our players deserve better, but I think to understand the situation, you need to know the facts."
Should the Ravens show interest in David Garrard?
September 8
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Ravens enter Sunday's showdown against the Steelers with two quarterbacks on their active roster: Joe Flacco, a four-year veteran who has never missed a start, and Tyrod Taylor, an untested rookie who is coping with a minor shoulder injury. Hunter Cantwell is running with the practice squad, so he doesn't count. Despite throwing three interceptions in the preseason, Taylor did enough to win the trust of the coaching staff and keep the team from bringing in a more seasoned quarterback. It also helped his cause that the pickings on the open market were slim. But on Tuesday, a viable option presented itself in the form of David Garrard. The Jaguars unexpectedly cut Garrard, opting to go"
David Garrard: 'I have no one to blame but myself'
September 8
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"David Garrard stood in front of a basketball court near his home in Glen Kernan and spoke for the first time as a former member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. "I have no one to blame but myself," Garrard said. On Tuesday afternoon, as soon as he stepped off a bus that brought players back from the team's kickoff luncheon, Garrard was told to meet with Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio and general manager Gene Smith. He described a meeting that was emotional for all parties. Garrard then said he met with owner Wayne Weaver. Although taking an understanding tone, he indicated he would have liked to have been told before the luncheon. "I've been practicing really good, wasn't able to show it in the"
How will the Jaguars locker room react to Garrard being released?
September 7
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"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"
Jaguars release quarterback David Garrard
September 7
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has been released from the Jaguars. The Jaguars did not ask Garrard to take a pay cut, nor did they try to trade their former starting quarterback. Instead this afternoon, after Garrard and the rest of the Jaguars returned from the team's kickoff luncheon, Garrard was just informed the Jaguars were releasing him. "We made a decision to release David Garrard. As always we play the best players and as I've said before I think it's imperative that we have the courage to do what's best for the football team," Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. "This decision was pure football. Gene and I met at length over the last several weeks about the position, about this"
Jack Del Rio assesses Jaguars QB David Garrard and the offense
August 24
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jack Del Rio said today "David's our starter," which is something he's said throughout the spring, summer and training camp, even as a legitimate competition brewed in camp. Four days after Gabbert looked fairly rookie-like against the Falcons, Del Rio also answered affirmatively when asked if Garrard would start the season opener. But that doesn't mean he was pleased by everything he saw from Garrard and the Jaguars offense on Friday against the Falcons. Asked if Garrard needs to step up his game, Del Rio said yes. Asked if another week would help that happen, Del Rio said yes, again. "We need more efficiency offensively and certainly the trigger man plays a large role in that," he"
Del Rio says David Garrard is his starting QB
August 24
CBSSports.com
 
"In Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio's head, there's not a doubt who will start at quarterback for his squad when Jacksonville opens the regular season vs. the Titans. In his mind, there was really never any question. That person is David Garrard and not rookie Blaine Gabbert, and on Tuesday, Del Rio said it as simply as he could. "David's our starter," Del Rio told the media, via the Florida Times Union. Fair enough. But before Garrard gets comfortable, he should know this: Del Rio isn't completely happy with the way he's played thus far in the preseason (Garrard is 7 of 12 for 99 yards and an interception through two games, while Gabbert is 20 of 39 for 181 yards). "We need more efficiency"
Jack Del Rio assesses Jaguars QB David Garrard and the offense
August 23
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jack Del Rio said today "David's our starter," which is something he's said throughout the spring, summer and training camp. Four days after Gabbert looked very rookie-like against the Falcons, Del Rio also answered affirmatively when asked if Garrard would start the season opener. But that doesn't mean he was pleased by everything he saw from Garrard and the Jaguars offense on Friday against the Falcons. Asked if Garrard needs to step up his game, Del Rio said yes. Asked if another week would help that happen, Del Rio said yes, again. "We need more efficiency offensively and certainly the trigger man plays a large role in that," he continued. "I think it all ties together. You know how"
Final Review of David Garrard and Blaine Gabbert
August 20
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Blaine Gabbert played into the fourth quarter, a total of seven series, and wound up with statistics that were virtually identical to the ones put up by David Garrard. Gabbert completed 11 of 23 for 96 yards, was sacked twice and had a long pass of 28 yards with a 59.3 quarterback rating. Garrrd was 7 of 12 for 99 yards and one sack with a long trow of 26 yardswith a quarterback rating of 50.3 But for the Jaguars to play the rookie, he has to clearly outplay Garrard and he didn't so Garrard goes to Buffalo next Saturday night as the favorite to win the job. Gabbert, though, did win the post game press conference. He said he play "a little up and down.'' Garrard, though, virtually blamed"
David Garrard's turn
August 18
Jacksonville Times-Union
 columnist Vito Stellino
"David Garrard won the quarterback job in the final preseason game in 2007 with two well directed touchdown drives that convinced coach Jack Del Rio to cut Byron Leftwich nine days before the preseason started and to go with Garrard. Leftwich had struggled throughout the preseason. It worked out well for Garrard and Del Rio. They made the playoffs, won a playoff game at Pittsburgh and both got lucrative contract extensions -- $60 million for Garrard, $21 million for Del Rio. But after three seasons of not making the playoffs -- the last two featuring last season collapses -- both Del Rio and Garrard are on the hot seat. Del Rio has to make the playoffs to keep his job and Garrard needs to"
Jags QBs Garrard and Gabbert take competition into second preseason game
August 18
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Blaine Gabbert downplayed his increased repetitions with the first-team offense, but that is just his style. The reality is, the Jaguars have a very real quarterback competition. David Garrard is still in the lead and will start Friday against the Atlanta Falcons. He made a beautiful throw tonight against the Falcons, hitting Cecil Shorts on a fade route in the corner of the end zone. But Garrard's grip on the starting job is not as definite as it was heading into camp. It's become apparent from talking to people in the building and by watching Gabbert throughout camp that he has the ability to be an NFL quarterback -- and soon. The Jaguars said all along they were going to host a"
David Garrard still not 100 percent, but hopes to play Friday
August 16
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars quarterback David Garrard said Monday he is still not quite 100 percent healthy but added that he is feeling great. "I'm in the 90s," Garrard said. "There's been plenty of times that I have been in the 90s for many games, and nobody has ever known. I'm fine, nothing but little aches and pains really." Garrard injured his back during a Thursday practice two weeks ago while making a deep throw. The injury was to a disk in his back. He sat out for a week and returned to practice Saturday. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said it seems right now that Garrard will play in Friday's exhibition game against the Atlanta Falcons. But Del Rio hesitated to say that with certainty because Garrard's"
David Garrard, Terrance Knighton return to Jaguars practice
August 14
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Quarterback David Garrard's back, defensive tackle Terrance Knighton's weight and defensive end Aaron Kampman's new role were the focus of attention Saturday when the Jaguars returned to the practice field. Garrard, who discussed the specifics of his back injury, and Knighton, who said he still weighs in the 340s, ended their time on the sideline. Garrard practiced for the first time since Aug. 4 and Knighton for the first time since camp opened July 28. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said Kampman, who signed a free-agent contract with $10 million in guaranteed money a year ago, will have his snaps cut from 70 to 45 a game this season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament two years"
Updating the status of Jaguars quarterbacks David Garrard and Luke McCown's injuries
August 13
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Quarterback Todd Bouman played the entire second half of last night's opening preseason game with Jaguars quarterbacks David Garrard and Luke McCown both nursing injuries. Garrard had this to say about his back: "Now it's to the point a lot of the pain is relieved in my back. I'm feeling better every day. Am I feeling good enough right now to play in a NFL football game? Probably not and that's why I'm standing here right now. I feel great about the way it's headed." He aggravated a recurring back injury last week during Thursday night's practice. Garrard said the injury might have resulted from a lack of proper preventative care during the offseason. During the first few days after, he"
Gabbert to start preseason opener for Jags
August 9
Sacramento Bee
 
"Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert will start Thursday's preseason opener against New England as David Garrard continues to rest an ailing back. Garrard left practice last Thursday after his back tightened up, an injury that Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio termed "nothing major" at the time."
Garrard won't risk a setback on his back this week
August 9
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars quarterback David Garrard would like to be on the field Thursday in New England for the Jaguars first preseason game, but he isn't going to risk aggravating his back injury further. "I want to be ready tomorrow," Garrard told me this morning. "I can't try to force myself out there and set myself back again." In the likely event Garrard doesn't start, rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert will start against the New England Patriots. Typically the first exhibition game features first-team offenses and defenses for a short amount of time."
Jaguars QB David Garrard's back feeling better
August 7
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars quarterback David Garrard doesn't expect his lower-back tightness to be a serious issue. But the injury that held him out of Friday's practices and Saturday's scrimmage is a recurring problem that he said might have been exacerbated by a lack of preventative treatment during the lockout. "There's a lot of things I do maintenance-wise to keep my body healthy and to be able to absorb all those hits," Garrard said. "Not having that, I think my body was just saying you've done so much already, it's time to shut things down a little bit." Garrard's lower back grew tight when he made a deep throw during Thursday night's practice, not when he was knocked over during 11-on-11 drills, he"
Jaguars QB David Garrard's back feeling better
August 7
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars quarterback David Garrard doesn't expect his lower-back tightness to be a serious issue. But the injury that held him out of Friday's practices and Saturday's scrimmage is a recurring problem that he said might have been exacerbated by a lack of preventative treatment during the lockout. "There's a lot of things I do maintenance-wise to keep my body healthy and to be able to absorb all those hits," Garrard said. "Not having that, I think my body was just saying you've done so much already, it's time to shut things down a little bit." Garrard's lower back grew tight when he made a deep throw during Thursday night's practice, not when he was knocked over during 11-on-11 drills, he"
David Garrard injured in Thursday night practice
August 5
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars quarterback David Garrard injured his back, then left the practice fields through a back exit during Thursday night's training camp practice. Despite wearing a red no-contact jersey, as all the Jaguars quarterbacks do, Garrard was knocked down at least once during an 11-on-11 drill late in practice. Garrard received attention from Jaguars trainer Mike Ryan on the sideline before leaving the field. "David's back got a little tight, so we're just icing him down," Del Rio said. "He'll get treatment and all that. But he should be fine, so nothing major there. He came to me after the first team period, then to Mike Ryan, and said it was getting tight. It's not the time to push through"
Jaguars Notebook: David Garrard's ability impresses Gabbert
August 3
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Blaine Gabbert felt strongly enough about the point that he repeated it three times. "Dave's the starting quarterback," Gabbert said of Jaguars starter David Garrard. "He's a heck of a football player. People say he's not, that's wrong. Some of the throws he can make and makes on a daily basis are extremely impressive." With two padded practices completed by Tuesday morning, Gabbert had impressed his teammates, coaches and onlookers as he's worked mostly with the second team. The rookie quarterback will get some opportunities with the first team. But the Jaguars never intended to rush Gabbert into being a starter, and that plan hasn't changed. "We want to make sure we establish a real"
Maurice Jones-Drew, David Garrard upbeat about Jaguars heading into camp
July 28
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Quarterback David Garrard and running back Maurice Jones-Drew, the two players who make the Jaguars' offense go, both ended last season on the sidelines with injuries. Garrard suffered a torn ligament and tendon on the middle finger of his throwing hand and sat out the season finale at Houston. He also missed a game earlier in the year with a concussion. Jones-Drew missed the final two games of the season with a torn meniscus in his left knee that he played on all season. Both players put those injuries in the past and were upbeat about their physical condition when they reported to camp Wednesday. "It's great,'' Garrard said of his finger. ''I've got full flexibility. I can throw the ball"
Jones-Drew defends Garrard, thinks QB deserves more time
June 21
NFL.com
 
"The Jaguars used the 10th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft to select Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert, but Jacksonville's biggest star isn't convinced it was the right decision. Maurice Jones-Drew, who has rushed for over 1,300 yards in back-to-back seasons, said Monday on "NFL Total Access" that the offense needed more time to develop, not a new face of the franchise. "I just feel like what we needed as an offense wasn't a new quarterback, we just needed another year amongst each other because we had a lot of new players come in," Jones-Drew said. "You see a team like the Patriots or the Steelers or the Colts, those guys (have) been in the same system for the 10, 12 years together,"
David Garrard keeps his cool about competition
May 26
Jacksonville Times-Union
 columnist Gene Frenette
"Of all the veteran NFL quarterbacks who recently watched their teams invest a high first-round draft pick on someone at their position, none is more entrenched as a starter right now than the Jaguars' David Garrard. If any of the rookie quarterbacks for the Carolina Panthers (Cam Newton), Tennessee Titans (Jake Locker) and Minnesota Vikings (Christian Ponder) were No. 1 on the depth chart to begin the season, regardless of how long the lockout lasts, it wouldn't be viewed as an upset. The Jaguars are the team with the most intriguing quarterback dilemma because Garrard is a solid, decent starter, and first-round draft pick Blaine Gabbert represents the not-too-distant-future franchise guy."
David Garrard looks forward to starting competition
May 23
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars quarterback David Garrard welcomes the competition on which he'll embark whenever the league year begins. He accepts that he'll have to earn his starting role with the addition of quarterback Blaine Gabbert, whom the Jaguars selected 10th overall last month. "My thing is the best man will play," Garrard said. "The cream will rise to the top. All those different sayings. That's true, you want the best person out there on the field to give the team the best chance. That's what I believe. If it's not me, then it's just not me. "If Blaine comes in and he is above and beyond just better than me, then best of luck to him. Because the best person is going to give this team a chance to win"
David Garrard looks forward to starting QB competition
May 23
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars quarterback David Garrard welcomes the competition on which he'll embark whenever the league year begins. He accepts that he'll have to earn his starting role with the addition of quarterback Blaine Gabbert, whom the Jaguars selected 10th overall last month. "My thing is the best man will play," Garrard said. "The cream will rise to the top. All those different sayings. That's true, you want the best person out there on the field to give the team the best chance. That's what I believe. If it's not me, then it's just not me. "If Blaine comes in and he is above and beyond just better than me, then best of luck to him. Because the best person is going to give this team a chance to win"
David Garrard welcomes competition with Blaine Gabbert
May 22
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"The kids Jaguars quarterback David Garrard meets at football camps all want to know the same thing we do. How does he feel about the Jaguars drafting Blaine Gabbert tenth overall? Garrard turns it into a teaching moment about competition. "I just tell them I am always open to competition," Garrard said. "I think competition's healthy. You never shy away from competition. That's just sports." Garrard spoke on Saturday evening at his fishing tournament Fishing for the Cure which supported breast cancer and Crohn's disease research. Both illnesses have touched Garrard very personally. He had a fairly sizable group of teammates joining him, and I'll blog more about the event later. But as we"
Jags need strong bond between David Garrard, Blaine Gabbert
May 1
Jacksonville Times-Union
 columnist Gene Frenette
"If you didn't know the Jaguars' future franchise quarterback was making his official debut Friday at the team's headquarters, you would have thought the impeccably dressed Blaine Gabbert was here for a GQ cover shoot. The baby-faced rookie came across as polished, somewhat rehearsed in some of his answers. But the important thing for the Jaguars is he was totally respectful of his place behind David Garrard in the quarterback pecking order. The team needs Gabbert to have a comfortable working relationship with Garrard, the 33-year-old veteran whose job he's aiming to take. Early indications are the two might bond just as easily with a rod and reel in hand as a football. Once the University"
Mark Brunell knows challenge that faces Jaguars' David Garrard
April 19
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"If anyone knows exactly the career crossroad facing David Garrard this season, it's the 40-year-old New York Jets quarterback with graying whiskers who was in a similar position with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003. Mark Brunell couldn't keep his starting job. Despite three Pro Bowl appearances and leading the Jaguars to two AFC championship games, a new Jaguars regime wanted the rookie first-round draft pick, Byron Leftwich, to play over the proven veteran. At age 33 — the same age Garrard is now — Brunell was pushed out the door and traded to the Washington Redskins. The Jaguars say publicly that they still believe in Garrard, but he knows NFL business dictates that quarterbacks don't"
David Garrard able to throw "just fine" after rehabbing hand for three months
April 5
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Never mind all the talk about the Jaguars needing to draft his possible replacement this year. Jaguars quarterback David Garrard isn't factoring that into his offseason plans. "I know Gene and Jack are going to do their best to get the best players that they feel like this team needs," Garrard said. "I know I'm the starting quarterback for this team, so I'm going to continue to go out and prepare like that and work my butt off to make sure this team, this city wins a championship." Garrard has spent the past three months rehabilitating his right hand, with which he says is able to throw "just fine," and spending time with his family. Garrard and several of his teammates participated in a"
David Garrard will take on more leadership during lockout
February 27
Jacksonville Times-Union
 columnist Gene Frenette
"As more signs indicate that an NFL owners lockout is a certainty, David Garrard has no intention of being in a holding pattern. He wants to be ready to lock and load. If you think the Jaguars quarterback took owner Wayne Weaver's remarks to heart after the 2009 season about stepping up his game, Garrard wants everyone to know that he's not letting up just because he threw a team-record 23 touchdown passes last year. A potential work stoppage has only emboldened Garrard, making sure his team prepares every bit as hard this offseason to fulfill the playoffs-or-else ultimatum that Weaver directed last month at coach Jack Del Rio. "I can't do the things I did last year, I got to do more,""
Jaguars place Garrard on injured reserve
January 1
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"The Jaguars placed quarterback David Garrard on injured reserve Friday with a finger injury on his right (throwing) hand. The move means Garrard cannot play again this season, even if the Jaguars were to make the playoffs. The team signed second-year linebacker Alvin Bowen to the active roster from the practice squad to replace Garrard. Bowen has played in two games for the Jaguars this season and has spent the remainder of the year on the practice squad. Garrard underwent surgery on the finger on Thursday. Trent Edwards will start at quarterback for the Jaguars on Sunday against the Houston Texans. The Jaguars (8-7), who are also likely to be without running back Maurice Jones-Drew"
David Garrard's finger surgery is successful
December 31
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Quarterback David Garrard underwent successful surgery at Baptist Orthopedic Surgery Center in Jacksonville. The surgery repaired a tendon disruption and ligament rupture in Garrard's right middle finger. As Garrard put it, the ligament was torn from the bone. The Jaguars put Garrard on injured reserve. Garrard injured the finger on his throwing hand against the Indianapolis Colts two weeks ago by hitting it on Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney's helmet. He played the next week against the Washington Redskins, and the finger got worse. Garrard posted a photo of himself on Twitter in which he is wearing his arm in a sling and a cast around his hand. He added the message, "Surgery went"
David Garrard to have surgery on finger; Edwards will start finale for Jaguars
December 30
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"At one point in Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins, Jaguars quarterback David Garrard remembers picking yellow paint off the fingers on his throwing hand. By then, the damage was already done. Garrard will have surgery in Jacksonville today to repair a torn ligament in the middle finger of his right hand. He will miss Sunday's season finale in Houston and any playoff games should the Jaguars make the postseason. Trent Edwards will start in Garrard's place. "I feel confident in him. I know he'll do a fine job," Garrard said. "I thought actually it would be a simple, quick process and be out rehabbing it in a couple weeks. But it's actually quite a lengthy process." Garrard said"
David Garrard to have surgery on finger tomorrow, will miss Sunday's game
December 29
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"The Jaguars will be without at least one starter against the Houston Texans this weekend. Quarterback David Garrard will have surgery on his right middle finger tomorrow. Garrard first injured the finger by hitting it on the helmet of one of the Colts' defensive ends two weeks ago. He couldn't remember if it was Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis. The Jaguars have two other quarterbacks on their roster -- former Buffalo starter Trent Edwards and third quarterback Todd Bouman."
Colts' Mathis fined for helmet hit on Jaguars' QB
December 23
Indianapolis Star
 
"Robert Mathis increased his team-leading sack total to 9 1/2 in last Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it came at a cost. The Indianapolis Colts' Pro Bowl defensive end was fined an undisclosed amount by the NFL for a helmet-to-helmet hit to Jaguars quarterback David Garrard. "I didn't even think about it until (Wednesday) when my agent called me," Mathis said today. "I was just trying to swat the ball away. He pumped it and I was trying to get the ball out." Mathis said he has been fined five or six times during his eight-year career. The latest fine won't influence how he approaches things moving forward."
David Garrard downplays hamstring, but hurts finger
December 20
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars quarterback David Garrard said his injured hamstring didn't bother him during Sunday's game. Garrard was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report after straining his hamstring in practice the previous day. "My hamstring was fine. I knew after Friday how good it was feeling, it probably wouldn't be an issue," Garrard said. "So it felt great all day. I didn't feel it grab one time." Garrard did have some trouble with his fingers. He said a hit by one of Indianapolis' pass-rushers, Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis, left his fingers in pain. Garrard had X-rays at Lucas Oil Stadium but said he doesn't expect his fingers to be a problem, either. "I really didn't want to do it, I"
Maurice Jones-Drew held out of practice, David Garrard limited
December 17
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"The Jaguars practiced Thursday for their biggest regular-season game in a decade without two key offensive players going full-time. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew was held out of practice with a knee injury as a precautionary move for the second consecutive day, and quarterback David Garrard was limited with a hamstring injury. He wasn't on the injury report Wednesday. But both are expected to play against Indianapolis on Sunday. Jones-Drew hasn't missed back-to-back practices since the regular season started, but was limited Thursday and Friday before the New York Giants game with an abdominal strain and was listed as questionable. He showed no effects during the game as he rushed for"
David Garrard matches Mark Brunell's record
December 13
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars quarterback David Garrard tied a single-season franchise record for touchdown passes with three TDs in Sunday's 38-31 win over the Raiders. Garrard now has 20, matching Mark Brunell (1998, 2000). Garrard threw touchdowns of 48 yards to Jason Hill, one yard to Marcedes Lewis and 10 yards to Mike Sims-Walker. "It's very important because when you're breaking records, scoring touchdowns, that means you're doing some good things," Garrard said. "You're giving your team an opportunity and a chance to win. We needed every point today. Those were big catches today by Mike Sims-Walker and Marcedes." The Jaguars are 7-0 this season when Garrard throws two or more touchdown passes."
David Garrard says injured wrist will be 'ready to roll' against Titans
November 30
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Quarterback David Garrard was wearing a splint on his sprained left wrist Monday, but he said he'll be ready to play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. "I feel good," he said. "I've got a little soreness, a little swelling, but I feel like everything will be fine this week. Once we get the swelling out, there will be no problems." Garrard, who was injured when he was sacked on the next-to-the-last-play of a 24-20 loss to the New York Giants last Sunday, said he doesn't expect to wear a splint in the game. "They might put a little pre-wrap, a little tape, but other than that, I don't see anything else," he said. Garrard said both an X-ray and MRI revealed no broken bones in his wrist."
After running start, tough second half for Jaguars QB David Garrard
November 29
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"The Jaguars were exactly where they wanted to be. They led the New York Giants by 11 points at halftime, poised to get the ball to start the second half. All the momentum was going their way. But on the first play of the second half, a lot of that changed. Quarterback David Garrard, who had used his legs and strength to help the Jaguars score 17 first-half points threw a pass slightly behind receiver Mike Sims-Walker. The ball bounced off Sims-Walker's hands and cornerback Terrell Thomas picked it off, creating a momentum shift. The Giants went on to win 24-20. "It was an easy slant," Garrard said. "I should have just put the ball in front of him and let him run with it, but I didn't." The"
Garrard avoids knockout, but still 'pretty banged up'
November 29
New York Post
 
"The Giants didn't officially get Quarterback Victim No. 6 yesterday, but they might have notched an asterisk. The Jaguars' David Garrard was in visible pain with a heavily swollen left wrist as he stood in the locker room after a bruising final drive that sealed a 24-20 loss to Big Blue at New Meadowlands Stadium. Technically, Garrard wasn't the sixth opposing passer to be knocked out of a game this season by the Giants' ravenous defense. But that could have been because the hit by Jason Pierre-Paul that injured Garrard came on the Jaguars' next-to-last play. Considering Garrard fumbled on the next snap, needed nearly 30 minutes of treatment and X-rays and held his left arm in the locker"
Jaguars QB on the prowl
November 21
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"The night of Sept. 19 might have been the low moment of David Garrard's four years as the Jacksonville Jaguars' starting quarterback. In a 25-point loss to the San Diego Chargers, Garrard threw four interceptions, tying his career-high from 2006. Coach Jack Del Rio yanked him in the fourth quarter for Luke McCown, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the final minute. An Associated Press story the next day said the Jaguars were stuck with Garrard, at least for this season. Garrard called Kent State coach Doug Martin, his offensive coordinator at East Carolina, with whom he remains close. ''He was down,'' Martin said. ''I told Dave, 'You're one game away from having your best"
How prayer was answered
November 15
Houston Chronicle
 
"As Jacksonville receiver Mike Thomas ran downfield with no time left on the clock and the score tied at 24 on Sunday, his mission was to get in position for a Hail Mary pass from David Garrard. "There are three of us on the typical Hail Mary play," Walker said. "I'm the scoop guy. (Tight end) Marcedes (Lewis) is the head, and (receiver) Mike Sims-Walker is the background. "You never know what to expect. My job was to scoop it. The ball was in the air, and the DB (cornerback Glover Quin) jumped over Mike, and he batted it, and it fell into my hand. I caught it and walked in. Then I saw the ref give the signal, and I guess the rest is history." Thomas caught the ricochet at the 1-yard line"
Jaguars quarterback's head clear, aim accurate
November 1
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard showed no ill effects from his first concussion in the NFL two weeks ago as he carved up the Dallas Cowboys secondary Sunday. Garrard had his best outing of the season, completing his first 12 passes en route to a 17 for 21 performance for 260 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. "Coming off the concussion and missing the last game, I had questions on whether or not I could take another hit or how I would be in the pocket," Garrard said. "I was able to answer all those questions. I got hit in the head a couple times and the fog didn't roll in." Garrard also virtually walked in for a 2-yard touchdown with 5:50 left in the game. His"
David Garrard delivers knockout performance
November 1
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars quarterback coach Mike Shula joked with David Garrard on the sidelines Sunday. "He said somebody should hit me this week so I go into the bye week with a concussion and come back ready to go again,'' Garrard said. "I am going to ask that we not do that.'' Getting a concussion is not usually a good career move, but it certainly didn't hinder Garrard as he returned after sitting out a week and tied a franchise record with four touchdowns passes in a 35-17 victory over the Cowboys. Still, Garrard, who suffered the injury two weeks ago against the Tennessee Titans and was in a fog for several days before being cleared to play last Monday, admitted he had some of the same questions the"