Minshew impresses teammates, coach with record-breaking performance

Gardner Minshew took over for injured starter Nick Foles and delivered an impressive — and historic — NFL debut.

Gardner broke a Jacksonville Jaguars team record for completion percentage in one game, connecting on 22 of 25 passes (.880) for 275 yards and tossing two touchdowns on Sunday. He completed his first 13 passes, the longest completion streak by a player to start their career in the last 40 years. While the Foles injury is a big blow to the Jaguars, Gardner reflected after the game on being ready to step in and compete:

“I’m not happy with the circumstances. It breaks my heart to see what happened to Nick because he’s been one of the best people I’ve ever played with and had the pleasure to be around. But I know he’s going to be there with me and we’re going to have this team where we need to go.”

He also earned a vote of confidence from his teammates:

“Fearless … fearless,” wide receiver D.J. Chark said of Minshew’s composure and bearing in the huddle when he had to enter the game. “He went in and did his thing. We were upset Nick was out but there was never a point when we said, ‘dang … now we have to go with Gardner.’ We knew we had to elevate our play and make him feel comfortable and he made us feel comfortable.”

Center Brandon Linder described Minshew’s game as “awesome … especially for a rookie, it was awesome to see. I’m really proud of him. We’ll have to build on that.”

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