David Garrard had his share of success with the Jaguars, in 2007 he led the team to a playoff win in Pittsburgh, which was the last time the Jaguars won a playoff game before beating Buffalo in the Wild Card last January and earning an AFC Championship berth following another playoff win in the Steel City.
In an interview with Jaguars.com's Ashlyn Sullivan, Garrard revealed that he believes Duval has something really special in this Jaguars squad.
Q: The Jaguars are coming off a season where they were crowned AFC South champions before losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. Can this team repeat their success?
Garrard: As a former quarterback, I realize how much success you will have depends greatly on the play at that position. I think if Blake plays at the same level or better, we have a great chance to make another playoff run. We have a Super Bowl-caliber team.
Naturally, the conversation led to the QB position.
Q: Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles has been through a lot so far in his four NFL seasons. With an impressive performance in the playoffs following the 2017 season, what are your thoughts on his development?
Garrard: Blake is continuing to prove the doubters wrong. It’s so unfortunate how he gets treated publicly by players on other teams. Another good year and he will have proven to everyone that he can play at a high level and deserves to be a long-term starter for this team.
Vegas Insider currently has the Jaguars listed at 20/1 odds for Super Bowl VIII.