Jack Del Rio

Jack Del Rio just addressed the media here in Indianapolis. He gave lip service to the body of work amassed by David Garrard, saying he is excited about Garrard continuing to develop as a quarterback even though he just declared yesterday that he's making Garrard the backup.

It was tellng when Del Rio was asked about Garrard's reaction to the news and the coach said that, "the reaction isn't important".

The reaction of course is the most important aspect because it's the barometer of how he'll do moving forward.

(On Naming Byron Leftwich the starter over David Garrard)

"It requires some work on the relationship end. It's a delicate situation moreso with that position than any other. I've learned in my first four years as a head coach just how much scrutiny is placed o the quarterback position and I've learned to handle that position a little differently. We believe (Garrard) is a very capable quarterback and we feel he'll continue to grow. You don't always hear as an athlete things you want to hear"

(On Why Jacksonville fans love Garrard)

The Jacksonville fan base is similar to many around the country. The backup quarterback is the most popular guy. I was in Dallas with Steve Walsh and Troy Aikman, people were clamoring for Steve Walsh.

The rest was pretty much feelgood chatter from Del Rio explaining how excited he is about the season, talking about whether Matt Jones will ever run in pads the way he runs in shorts and a t-shirt and on and on.