Garciagain?
by Nick Newton
Feb. 10th, 2005—It has been a year since Jeff Garcia played a football game in San Francisco, California. The question being asked by some (even if it is only quietly in the back of their minds,) is this; "Will Jeff Garcia suit up in red and gold again after his likely release from Cleveland?" Although unlikely, it is a definite possibility. After all, it was the old front office that Garcia parted from, and now a completely new Coach and GM are in place. In whatever way it turns out for Jeff, one thing is for sure. It is too bad that he will not be around to see the regime change in Cleveland. Too bad, that is, for Romeo Crennel and the Cleveland Browns.
When you look at what I like to refer to as "The Cleveland Experiment", it is very easy to be mistaken about JG. But even the most avid anti-Garcia naysayer cannot deny these three facts; Number One- You can’t properly evaluate a quarterback behind a swiss cheese offensive line. Number Two- You can’t properly evaluate a quarterback who is not healthy (in most cases because of said line). And Number Three- You cannot, no matter how much you want to, as hard as you try, ignore history. But here’s a breakdown that will aid you.
Despite a shoddy offensive line, the loss of his best receiver, a now-displaced, apathetic head coach, and constant injuries, Jeff Garcia single handedly kept the Browns in games they as a team had no business in. That includes a near win against NFC top dog Philadelphia earlier in the season. Yes, despite negative comments from his head coach that Jeff looked "skittish" in the pocket, (Who wouldn’t behind that line? Come on, Butch, let’s put you out on the public streets of Cleveland with those guys blocking for you. Something tells me there would be no shortage of willing candidates for rushers, and no end to the savage beatings that would ensue.), he turned in performance after performance filled with heart and determination.
What’s that you say skeptics? The Cleveland stint isn’t enough for you? I thought not. What’s that you say stat pushers? Let’s see the "history" I was harping on? Yes, let’s. (If you don’t care for stats, better skip the next 4 paragraphs.)
Jeff Garcia’s first starting year was 2000. Here’s what happened. Played and started all 16 games and threw for team-record and career-high 4,278 yards, and was second in NFL with 31 TDs … Set career-high with 414 yards rushing and 4 TDs … Recorded fifth 30-touchdown season in team history. Named to first Pro Bowl.
Second year starting; Started all 16 games and threw for 3,538 yards and 32 TDs, becoming first quarterback in team history to throw 30-or-more TDs in back-to-back seasons … Also rushed 72 times for 254 yards and a career-high 5 TDs … Registered four 4th quarter comebacks … Had three 300-yard games and was selected to second consecutive Pro Bowl … Earned Victor Sport Player-of-the-Year Award … Became first quarterback in team history to throw 30 or more TD passes in consecutive seasons … Completed 22-of-32 passes for 233 yards and first career postseason TD in NFC Wild Card Game at Green Bay on Jan. 13.
Third starting season; Started all 16 games for Niners and threw for 3,344 yards and 21 TDs … Surpassed 3,000 yards passing for third consecutive season … Became first quarterback in team history to complete 300 or more passes in three consecutive seasons (328 in 2002, 316 in 2001 and 355 in 2000) ... Rushed for career-high 73 times for 353 yards and 3 TDs … Selected to third consecutive Pro Bowl … Registered five 4th quarter comebacks in 2002 to share team record with Y.A. Tittle … Had 7 multiple TD games, including one in postseason … Named NFL Offensive Player-of-the-Week on Jan. 8, for performance vs. Giants … Completed 22-of-41 passes for 193 yards, including long of 30, at Tampa Bay on Jan. 12, in NFC Divisional Playoff Game.
Final season as our starter; Started 13 games and threw for 2,704 yards and 18 TDs with 13 interceptions in final season in San Francisco … Rushed 56 times for 319 yards and a career-high 7 TDs … Recorded eight multiple passing TD performances in 13 games, including the final four games of the season.
I saved this stat for last, because it is a silencing one, and my very favorite to tell people when they tell me JG chokes under pressure. He directed the second-greatest postseason comeback in NFL history (24 points, vs. N.Y. Giants on Jan. 3 2003), my favorite Niner game ever. (Hey Shockey, what’s the score now?)
The fact is that Jeff Garcia may be the most under-rated quarterback in the league. The fact is that he has been unrightfully ostracized by the Cleveland public and the media. The fact is that in all likelihood he will not be with the Browns next year. Now what remains to be seen is will Mike Nolan, John York, and Scot McCloughan be sharp enough to notice all of these facts? Will they take a look at history, despite mainstream opinion, and learn from it? Will they return Jeff Garcia and the 49ers to the playoffs?
My Take: (Garcia’s agent declined a telephone interview with 49ersNews.com on behalf of Jeff because of contractual reasons.) I am first and foremost a 49er fan. But I am also a huge Jeff Garcia fan. His heart, determination, class, and competitiveness are reminiscent of Steve Young’s attributes. Although it is unlikely for JG to return to the bay area, I would welcome it whole-heartedly as would many of his fans who would like to see him dawn red and gold once more. I personally think he would do well in Detroit, Dallas, or Miami as the starting QB in those particular offenses.
