Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert played perhaps the best game of his young career Sunday against Minnesota, throwing for 260 yards and two touchdowns on 23-of-39 passing. Jacksonville coach Mike Mularkey said during his press conference on Monday that he was pleased with the former Missouri standout's progress.
"I'm just proud of him that he's done some things to take some steps forward. I think the players recognize it," Mularkey said.
How can Mularkey tell?
"I'm constantly watching body language and listening to things outside my circle and I just see a lot of things," Mularkey said. "In the huddle, in practice and what the players are saying to him. The line, if they give up a sack, I've heard them [say], ‘Hey Blaine, I won't let that happen again, I've got your back.' These guys are going to do whatever they can for Blaine Gabbert."
Gabbert's play Sunday came as a pleasant surprise, especially considering three starting offensive linement went down with lower leg injuries midway during Sunday's overtime loss. With Maurice Jones-Drew still getting up to full speed, Gabbert may again see an expanded role Sunday versus the Houston Texans.
For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars, head over to Big Cat Country, and be sure to check out SBNation's dedicated NFL hub.