2007 Outlook

This is Leftwich’s last stand – at least in Jacksonville. After four seasons filled with promise and little more than the eventual injury, Leftwich is in the final year of his contract and whatever happens in 2007 will have a major impact on both his career and bank account. Unfortunately, Leftwich played in 15 games as a rookie and for the next three seasons lost more time each year due to injury. 2007 proved to be his worse with a badly injured ankle in week seven that forced him out for the rest of the season and eventually required surgery to correct. Leftwich reported to minicamp recovered from the injury and 25 pounds lighter which should help him with his mobility unless he just gains it back via muscle exercise.

Not only is Leftwich in a contract year that could be "do or die", but he has to learn a new offense being installed by OC Dirk Koetter who comes over from Arizona State where he was both the head coach and the offensive coordinator. The new offense has brought a sense of excitement by the players who know they could never talk badly about a new scheme or it would be Oakland all over again. But Koetter had much success in college and should bring a simpler offense that would benefit Leftwich. The new scheme should prove to be more vertical in nature and less the dink-and-dunk stuff of recent years. The Jaguars have a tough schedule this year which won’t help and fantasy playoffs will bring match-ups against defenses of CAR, OAK and PIT. But a new scheme always seems to work well earlier in the year until enough game film exists to figure it out. Once that happens, it’s all on Leftwich to play well and stay healthy. And that has never happened so far.

08-31-07 Update: Leftwich was demoted today and may be on the verge of being cut. He's not likely to land as a starter anywhere else so his only fantasy value now is marginal in keeper leagues.

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