Jaguars Name Blaine Gabbert Starter for Week 3

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert has been named the starter for this Sunday's game -- signaling the end of the Luke McCown experiment.

Gabbert, taken 10^th overall in April's NFL Draft, got playing time against the Jets last week after McCown threw for four interceptions in a 32-3 loss. Gabbert threw for only 52 yards on five completions in the loss, but the numbers are good enough for Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio to put his faith in the rookie.

ESPN reports that Del Rio met with Gabbert and McCown on Wednesday and informed them of his decision.

McCown became the starter after the Jaguars surprisingly cut David Garrard just weeks before the start of the season. McCown led the Jaguars to an opening week victory over the Tennessee Titans, but looked absolutely abysmal against the Jets and pressure began to mount for his benching.

Gabbert's first start comes against fellow rookie Cam Newton's Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Newton, taken first overall in the draft, has already impressed in his first two starts in the league. Despite the Panthers getting off to an 0-2 start, Newton's managed to throw for more than 400 yards in both games and has developed a good relationship with wide receiver Steve Smith.

Gabbert threw for 6,822 yards and 40 touchdowns in his final season with Missouri. He led the Tigers to an 18-8 record in his two seasons as a starter.