Category: Football Only

Gameday: JAX @ PIT 1:00 PM EST

 

O-Zone: Tough guy

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Let’s get to it …

John from Jacksonville:
I’m counting on you, O warrior, to stomp into the coaches’ room and demand the chains be taken off Blake Bortles to let him run the offense at key times with a faster tempo. The offense will thrive because this is his element, when he thrives in close games or when needing a score to come from behind. Bortles does better with the hurry-up offense and it’s not being utilized often enough when games are close or we are behind. I’m counting on you, O warrior.

John: “O warrior” will probably sit this one out – and not just because of a crippling, ever-present fear of being beaten about the face and neck. While I agree that Bortles at times performs well in up-tempo situations or when outside the pocket, I don’t know that it’s accurate he has “thrived” in close games or when needing a score to come from behind. I also have no sense the Jaguars have any inclination to abandon their offensive approach and become a fast-tempo offense – and I don’t believe that would be a wise approach. When the Jaguars have been good this season, it has been because their defense has been fresh and swarming, using its speed and pass-rush ability to overwhelm opposing offenses. The defense did not look nearly as good, say, in the second half against Tennessee when it had been on the field facing adverse situations through much of the first two and a half quarters. To put this offense in up-tempo mode would run a high risk of putting this defense in more difficult situations and therefore negating the team’s biggest strength. O warrior says that would not be wise, young soldier.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:
Jags defense is slightly above average and the offense is futile. That equals loss to Steelers.

John: Jerell has his game face on.

Mat from Danielson, CT:
John, I hope Poz can appeal that fine. I don’t know what good it would do, but if that other guy didn’t get a fine for his hit on Poz, Poz shouldn’t be fined, either. What do you think?

John: I didn’t think Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny should have been penalized for his play at the end of the loss to the New York Jets last Sunday, much less fined. He was penalized for taunting. He got blown up on a play – on a hit that appeared to be illegal. Did anyone see the play? Why would Posluszny “taunt” someone after that? This view on this certainly won’t change things, or make Posluszny feel much better when paying the fine. Either way, that’s my view.

Jason from St. Augustine, FL:
T.J. Yeldon is a disappointment at running back, but has great hands and does well in space. We are thin at wide receiver. Why not give him a shot there or at tight end?

John: Because he’s a running back.

Mark from Archer, FL:
John, do you think with our issues at wide receiver right now maybe they bring back Greene? Or one of our other receivers who got cut? They know the offense and would at least give us some depth right now that we desperately need.

John: Jaguars wide receiver Rashad Greene Sr. was placed on injured reserve before the September 2 53-man deadline and is ineligible to return this season. The same is true of Shane Wynn. It would be cool for the Jaguars if they were eligible to return this season. They’re not, so that’s not as cool.

Joe from Jacksonville:
Would you trade Jalen Ramsey for Jimmy Garoppolo?

John: No. I know exactly what Ramsey is and can easily project what he will be. I don’t know what Garoppolo is or what he will be.

Chris from Goodnight, TX:
I definitely LOL’d at your response to my question about Leonard Fournette. I appreciate good snark, but I stand by my point. Fournette has averaged a pedestrian 3.5 yards-per-carry over four games. Our offensive line is not dominant, and he is struggling to amass a lot of yards. I’d be surprised if he averaged more than four yards per carry at the end of the season, because I don’t think he has the quick acceleration necessary to explode through tight windows at this level. Don’t get me wrong – he is a good back, probably worthy of a late-first or second-round selection. I just don’t see the value as a Top 5 selection. (And need I remind you about how excited you were about Dante Fowler Jr. going into last season, and he’s only recently started showing that he might be a capable of becoming a starting caliber defensive end).

John: Four games do not a season or a career make, and I’m not going to get into a daily back and forth on Fournette’s draft value. I was on record before the draft that I wasn’t a big running-back-in-the-Top-5 guy. Generally speaking and studied over the course of history, I’m a believer that other positions have more value in the Top 5. At the same time, the Jaguars over the last decade or so have had a slew of early selections from which they got little value during their careers. You must get premium, elite talent in the Top 5 – and you can’t miss. That sort of player ideally should be a player for whom opponents must account when game planning. The Jaguars clearly got such a player in cornerback Jalen Ramsey in 2016. Fournette so far is such a player. Defenses so far are having to stack the line of scrimmage and account for Fournette. My belief is if they weren’t doing this Fournette’s already significant production would be much greater. Is the quest in the Top 5 to get big-time, special talent? You can make that argument. Fournette looks like that to me.

CC from Duval:
More zone read with Bortles to utilize his running ability and take pressure off Fournette and the stacked boxes he faces?

John: A little, maybe – but not too much.

Sandro from El Paso, TX:
Although the Steelers have more weapons offensively than us, do you see the Jaguars stacking the box to shut down Le’Veon Bell while just having our top two corners do their thing?

John: I think this is an interesting question entering Sunday. The Jets had success running against the Jaguars’ nickel package last Sunday, particularly on a couple of their longer runs. It’s not fair to call the Jaguars’ nickel package vulnerable to the run off such a small sample size, but it’s reasonable to assume the Steelers – who run much of their offense from three-receiver formations – will do what they can to increase the sample size. I do wonder if the Jaguars will do something to get middle linebacker Paul Posluszny on the field more against Bell in those situations, though I doubt you’d see that extensively. The most pressing issue for the Jaguars against the Jets wasn’t the number of defenders in the box; rather, it was the defenders who were on the field not staying in their gaps. The latter issue was a major emphasis this week and will be critical Sunday.

Pradeep from Bangalore, India:
Hi John, what is your opinion on Keelan Cole so far? I guess he was pretty amazing in preseason and a true rookie in regular season. Never caught a deep pass or critical pass. Or is this one on Bortles?

John: Cole has struggled through four games. The Jaguars need him to be better. He’s one of the team’s top three receivers for a reason and the Jaguars aren’t getting enough from any of the three.

Victor from Jacksonville:
Zone, do you think maybe … just maybe this week … well, you know?

John: What? What?! WHAT?!!!

David from Broward County, FL:
O-man, Bortles is 6-feet-5, yet since he’s been in the league he has the most batted down passes of any quarterback by far. When you’ve commented on this, you seem to indicate it is weird or bad luck. Really? He is lazy and sloppy with his mechanics and clearly cannot take coaching on this and many other issues affecting him. If this team is 4-4 at the midseason point, I will be shocked – in a positive way. He is a really bad NFL quarterback and anybody who can’t face that fact is being delusional. #DTWDDESPSITEBB5

John: I haven’t spent much time on the batted-pass issue – perhaps because there’s only so many ways to discuss it. Some is on the offensive line, some indeed is on bad luck, some is on the opposing defensive lines making plays – and some is on Bortles or any quarterback to have better feel in the pocket. Bortles indeed has had enough passes batted at the line that some of it is on his pocket presence.

Rocco X from Jacksonville:
C’mon, Zone Man! We thought you were a tough dude. You won’t duel a person named Buttercups?

John: No, but I’ll drop you like a six-inch putt, “Rocco.”
 

 

 
 

Gameday: JAX @ NYJ 1:00 PM EST

O-Zone: Long live the king 

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Game-day O-Zone.

Let’s get to it …

Brian from Gainesville, FL:

Big O, is Jalen Ramsey looking likely to be the best draft pick in franchise history? For sure he’s the best pick of the David Caldwell era. Serious question: Is the team permitted to negotiate a new contract while Ramsey is still under his rookie contract, or is that forbidden? Seems like this team should do anything possible to ensure that young man wears a Jaguars uniform for life.

John: The Jaguars drafted Tony Boselli with the No. 2 overall selection in the 1995 NFL Draft. He was as good as any left tackle in what I consider the golden era of left tackle. He was a Hall of Fame talent who played at a high level from his first start until injuries prevented him from doing so. I also believe he will be in the Hall of Fame soon. I say this not to over-feed Boselli’s already well-fed ego, but to make the point that it will be hard to designate anyone as the “best draft pick in franchise history” because it will be hard to be a “better” draft pick than Boselli. And let’s not forget running back Fred Taylor. When players perform at a Hall-of-Fame level, it’s hard to put players above them. But Ramsey absolutely has the early look of being on that level. It’s early, and he has played only 19 NFL games, but everything about him says “special.” As for his next contract, teams may begin negotiating second contracts with drafted rookies following their third NFL seasons. So, in Ramsey’s case the Jaguars could begin doing so following the 2018 season.

Armando from Vacaville, CA:

Is Jalen Ramsey better than any other cornerback we’ve had? Aaron Beasley and Rashean Mathis were good but not to the extent of being a shutdown corner.

John: Mathis at times was a shut-down corner, but there’s a difference between a shut-down corner and what Ramsey appears on his way to becoming. He has the look of a player capable of being the best at his position for a long period of time. That’s rare stuff.

Aaron from Bethlehem, PA:

How bad is Blake Bortles’ wrist injury? He keeps popping up on the injury report. Do they limit him in practice? Do you think this is an injury that has a good chance of getting worse throughout the season?

John: Bortles on the occasions he has discussed his wrist injury has said it’s fine. Not much more is known about the injury beyond that. The Jaguars this season aren’t discussing or revealing much about injuries beyond the official NFL practice report – as is their right under league rules, by the way.

Jimmy from Duval:

How about one fer the fans who are going to show up and support their team at the home game next week? Our team is finally looking like a contender for the first time in a decade and we need to take advantage of our home field. We need to make the players look forward to playing at the ‘Bank. After we whoop up on the Jets, will anyone be with me and give our Jags a standing ovation next week?

John: One thing I don’t worry about is EverBank Field fans supporting this team. They have supported this team through a lot of losing for a lot of seasons. If the Jaguars return to the ‘Bank 4-1, I look forward to seeing the reception and feeling the energy. So, one fer the fans? Yeah, no doubt.

Neal from New York:

Hi Big O, Lennie is going to be one of the greatest to don a Jags jersey. He just looks so natural carrying the ball – and his vision and strength is phenomenal. I also love how the Jaguars are using him: running simple plays he can get the most out of. There is no trickery; it is just him running over guys with his downhill, physical running style. He and Jalen will be the faces of the franchise, I loved the pick.

John: So, I guess one for … Lennie?

Ross from Fleming Island, FL:

Having seen the Jags in two of the three games this season (yes, London was an incredible experience), I don’t hear much about Myles Jack and his emergence. His movement to the ball with his incredible speed is becoming impressive. Whether in base D with Poz, or their 4-6 type coverage, he is making plays. I am wondering just how much him sitting a lot last season helped him. I think it is a difference maker — it helped a knee injury fully heal, he got tutoring from Poz, and he got to observe (something fans discount). We got another potential superstar on our team. What do you think?

John: I don’t know how much better Jack is now than he would have been had he played more last season. He did start 10 games last season, and the major difference this season is he is playing in the nickel in addition to his strong-side duties. The nickel role plays to his strengths as it allows him to chase and use his speed and instincts. But is Jack a potential star? Yes, there is a reason he was considered a potential Top 5 selection in the 2016 NFL Draft; he has elite speed and athleticism. He is starting to show it.

Dave from Oviedo, FL:

It seems that Myles Jack’s confidence and production has grown by leaps and bounds over last year. What are your thoughts on the play of Myles Jack?

John: Jack’s play has improved dramatically. That happens a lot for NFL players between their first season in the league and the second. The game slows for them, they become used to their surrounding and things that seemed overwhelming or confusing at times become less so.

David from Jacksonville:

!!FULL CONSISTENCY!!!

John: OK.

Daniel from Jersey City, NJ:

O-man – hate to break the news to you, but there isn’t a Sbarro’s in Jersey City. Instead, check our Razza for the best pizza in the country. It’s a 10-minute walk from the hotel, or you can have it delivered via Ubereats. Trust me, you’ll come back just for the pizza. I am not affiliated with them in any way, either.

John: Ten minutes from the hotel is a hike for me, and I’m too cheap to pay for delivery. I’m actually according to friends, former friends and family too cheap to pay for much of anything given a choice in the matter. But I confirmed the lack of Sbarro’s. What kind of town are you guys running here?

Neal from New York, NY:

Hey John, with the way this team is playing – and believe me, I know it’s still early – do you foresee a game getting flexed? This team is playing well, and deserves a prime-time game. I think that it would be the Rams game if I had to pick, because both teams are outperforming what people thought. Thanks a lot, I appreciate you.

John: The odds are against the Jaguars getting flexed to prime time this season – primarily because the odds are against any team getting flexed to prime time. First, games don’t get flexed to Thursday or Monday prime-time slots – only Sunday. And even with Sunday games, it doesn’t happen that often – and it’s usually toward the end of the season. It almost certainly wouldn’t happen for Jaguars-Rams in two weeks because it’s too early in the season – and frankly, even if the Jaguars were 4-1 going into that game they likely wouldn’t be a big enough national story yet to entice television networks to want the game in prime time. Prime-time games aren’t about teams “deserving” them. They’re about games that will draw nationally. If the Jaguars continue to play well this season, I have little doubt they will be on prime-time television next season, but not likely before that. At least not until the postseason.

Big on Blake from Philly:

I can’t disagree with you that Sbarro’s can make a mean road-trip treat, but if you have some time for real pizza make it to great states of New York or Connecticut, where the pizza is made the way it’s supposed to be. No Jersey Shore knockoffs could match. Though now that I think of it, Sbarro is the perfect Jersey pizza after all. Can we get another week of reduced penalties and keeping the offense in manageable down-and-distance situations? That’s really the only question that determines if we win or lose. This team has the talent to be the only team that can beat us.

John: There’s no question low penalties and manageable down-and-distance situations are key to the Jaguars’ winning formula, though remember: those are easier tasks to write about than to achieve. As for your New York/Connecticut snobbery, no hand-made, traditional, authentic Northeast pizza ever will be better than a Sbarro’s slice: warmed for hours under the hot lamp, mall walkers in the background, a memorable shopping experience at Chess King waiting just ‘round the corner. Life, I tell you, gets no better than that.
 

 

 
 

Gameday: BAL and JAX in London 9:30 AM EST

O-Zone: Fixture fixation

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

LONDON – Game-day in the UK.

Let’s get to it …

Dakota from Fleming Island, FL:

This looks like it could be a very tough game. The Ravens’ defense arguably has been the best in the league and their offense has been respectable. We need our defense to play like it did in the first half of the last game and our offense needs to be significantly more effective early and throughout the game and we might* keep it close and entertaining. I can’t expect that we will win, but one fer a good game and respectable performance from our Jags.

John: Nah. I can’t do one fer respectability Sunday. This Jaguars team needs to be beyond that against a team such as the Ravens, who – while good – aren’t elite. I don’t know that I “expect” the Jaguars to win, because this team hasn’t yet built a body of work to deserve that expectation. But I do think it’s a game they can win and that they should win if they are the ascending team they believe themselves to be. The Jaguars’ defensive players want and believe themselves to be a unit that can control and win games – and while the Ravens’ offense has run well this season with some balance, it doesn’t have the dominant line of the Titans or game-changing skill position players. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is good – very good, in fact – but the Jaguars’ front should be able to pressure Flacco behind a rebuilt offensive line. The Ravens’ defense also is good – perhaps, great – but it has thrived off turnovers. The Browns’ offense moved effectively at times against Baltimore last week, so the Jaguars’ offense should be able to function. If the Jaguars’ offense turns the ball over once or less Sunday – and that’s a significant task against this Ravens team – I say the Jaguars win a third consecutive game in London.

Josh R. from Fernandina Beach, FL:

O-Man, in your opinion, will Cam Robinson and Jalen Ramsey play against the Ravens this weekend? Thanks!

John: My gut is yes. That’s particularly the case with Ramsey, who played all snaps against Tennessee last week after not practicing the week leading to the game. I expect he’ll play and play well against Baltimore despite the ankle injury. I have less of a feel for Robinson, who was placed on the injury report Friday with a shoulder injury. But my guess on Robinson is he will play.

Alan from Jacksonville:

With the injury to Allen Robinson, I think we need to immediately relieve Marqise Lee of punt-return duties. Not only would losing Lee to an injury be devastating to our ability to stretch the field, but he also seems to lack that kamikaze mentality needed to be truly dangerous. Why not give Jalen Myrick a shot?

John: I tend to side with your approach – that it’s usually best to keep starting, front-line players off special teams. The reason: you want them fresh – and perhaps more importantly, you want them free from injuries for what presumably are their more important roles on offense or defense. But this Jaguars regime clearly takes special teams very seriously and Head Coach Doug Marrone has been up front since he took the job about his belief that starters can, should and will play special teams. As for why the Jaguars don’t “give Jalen Myrick a shot,” they believe Lee is better enough at returns than Myrick that they put Lee there. And while Lee seems more explosive on kickoffs than punts, don’t overlook his ability as a punt returner. He’s got enough tight-space quickness to surprise you there.

Chris from Jacksonville:

So, I saw a thing that said the Jags are worth about three times what they were worth when KHAAAAAAAN bought the team. It’s almost as if a guy that showed up in the United States with pocket change and is now a multi-billionaire knew what he was doing when he bought the team and said “I am committed to Jags and Jax together” (paraphrased). Maybe, just maybe, given enough time to realistically expect to turn the team around, he’ll see us through to the Super Bowl. Thoughts? (also, ask if he’s hiring; I hear the senior writer is terrible and could use replacing)

John: I think Shad Khan’s vision as a businessman is paralleled by few. I’m not going out on a limb there; his success speaks for itself. I also think he’s the first to tell you the Jaguars have not won enough during his tenure; this frustrates him and has been as disappointing to him as it has been to the fans. The on-field performance is tougher to control than the off-field results. While Khan and the city by mutual desire can make changes to transform EverBank Field and downtown, there are 31 other teams trying to do the same thing the Jaguars are trying to do on the field. The Jaguars clearly haven’t done those things as well as a lot of teams in recent seasons. There are some good signs that’s changing. We’ll see. (And by the way, you’re right about the senior writer; word is he’s trying to ride his good looks and charm as long as he can).

Cliff from Jacksonville:

Hey, OZ. I for one don’t have a problem with us playing Bortles this season. I do not think he’s likely to turn into an elite superstar, but I don’t think there were other options that would’ve been significant enough upgrades to warrant a move this past offseason. Sure there’s Kaep, but what is the point, really? Win one or two games more? While that could be enough to contend for the division, that’s because of the weak state of division and would not give the team a realistic chance in the playoffs if they managed to get that far. I’d rather us save our money, go with Blake, be happy we got Leonard Fournette (was skeptical of the pick at the time), and go for the quarterback in the draft. This season is not lost and we set ourselves up for an explosive 2018 and beyond. That being said, I don’t think TC and DM gave up on this season before it began. They just evaluated the situation they were in and figured, “We have the talent to contend. Let’s see if our guy can make the most of it.”

John: Sounds like you’ve got it a lot of it pegged, but let’s be clear: if the Jaguars believed this offseason or now that an available quarterback would be the difference in one or two games – and therefore getting to the playoffs – they would sign that quarterback. The decision to not pursue available quarterbacks isn’t about saving money or any other off-field issue. And trust me: neither Tom Coughlin nor Doug Marrone gave up on the season before it began. Question the moves and decisions they make all you want. They’re in a business where their decisions are questioned all the time. But don’t question that they’re doing what they believe gives them the best chance to win.

Dave from Duval:

If you are worse than Blake Bortles and you can’t take his job from him, you have no upside or expectation of winning a game if called upon, then you are a waste of a roster spot and money. When Chad Henne parts ways with this organization, he will never be on another NFL roster and will never take a meaningful snap. Book it, write it down, take it to the bank. John, I really question your football acumen.

John: I have no idea if Chad Henne will ever take a “meaningful” NFL snap again. It’s possible he won’t, because backup quarterbacks sometimes go years without playing meaningful snaps. But had the Jaguars released Henne this past offseason, he would be on an NFL roster again if he desired to play. As for my football acumen … I don’t know, Dave … All I can do in this forum is share what I’ve learned in two-plus decades being around the NFL and talking to the people who have played, coached and administrated the game. Sometimes, I’m wrong and sometimes they’re wrong. Believe it or don’t. I anticipate sleeping well either way.

Zach from Ocala, FL:

Why haven’t we seen a flea flicker yet? They stack the box, Blake Bortles audibles a flea flicker where Leonard Fournette tosses the ball back to Blake, and Blake tosses the ball for a first down. Why can’t we get creative? And a flea flicker is creativity level.

John: Well, $#%&, they sure can’t call it now.

Alex from London, England:

Really excited for the game in London, despite all the negativity already surrounding the Jags after last week. Would just like to point out that I think most of us would’ve taken 1-1 from the first two games, and that 7(!) of our remaining fixtures are actually against teams who are currently winless…. Food for thought.

John: I texted my son a screen shot of an NFL show on U.K. television that referred to this week’s games as the NFL’s Week 3 fixtures. I love that, for some reason.

 

 
 

Gameday: TEN @ JAX 1:00 PM EST

O-Zone: Don’t be fooled

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Game-day O-Zone. I’m looking forward to this one. I doubt I’m alone.

Let’s get to it …

Tyler from Jacksonville:
If a team drafted a quarterback in the top of the first round, wouldn’t it help to hire that quarterback’s quarterbacks coach as an offensive assistant? I would think that could help the quarterback as a translator of sorts, or a personal tutor. It seems like it wouldn’t take much money to lure those guys into a low-level NFL assistant role, like a quality control coach. Is this done often and if not why?

John: I suppose it would help to hire a quarterback’s collegiate quarterback coach so long as the coach was good. And so long as he was qualified. And so long as he knew the NFL game. The problem with the approach is that while both are called “football,” the NFL is a dramatically different game than the college game. This is less the case for players from schools that run pro-style offenses, but it’s true on some level across the board. If you draft a quarterback from a school that runs a spread offense, for example, there’s a process of getting that player acclimated to the NFL game. In that case, the collegiate quarterback coach is less ideal than a quarterback coach who understands dropping back, reading a defense and getting the ball out to receivers.

Jason from Colorado Springs, CO:
I think it would be impossible to win the AFC Central this year, even if Tom is in charge! I say that even if a team started out 2-0! I couldn’t help myself. But in all seriousness … watch The Bandwagon get pretty full if the Jags win this weekend, which I fully expect will happen. T.J. Yeldon will be huge out of the backfield on third down! Get em boys!!

John: #DTWD

Chris from Birmingham, AL:
Poz will be an asset this week due to the duo of Titans running backs, but it sure would be nice to have Myles Jack mirroring Marcus Mariota to prevent him from scrambling. Decisions!

John: This actually isn’t a decision at all. Myles Jack is not coming off the field for Paul Posluszny and Posluszny is not subbing or coming off the field for Jack. Remember: when Posluszny comes off the field in nickel situation, he will be replaced by nickel corner Aaron Colvin. And vice-versa. As for Posluszny and Jack, they are not playing the same position. At all. Jack is playing strong-side linebacker and Posluszny is playing the middle in base situations. Jack and Telvin Smith are playing linebacker in nickel situations. If the Titans are in base formations, then Posluszny will be in the middle with Jack on the strong side and Smith on the weak side. If the Titans are in three-receiver sets, Jack and Smith will be on the field and Posluszny will not. Remember: Jack and Smith both played 100 percent of the plays last week and Posluszny played about 10 percent. The playing time of one has nothing to do with the others.

Dave from Atlantic Beach, FL:
Jason Myers missed 28 percent of his kicks last Sunday. I think if Calais Campbell blew 28 percent of his plays, it would definitely be noticed.

John: Eh. Maybe.

Craig from Sacksonville:
During last week’s game, I felt like the Jags controlled the tempo. One stat that surprised me was time of possession. It was a lot closer than it felt. Can you explain how it ended up so close even though it appeared we dominated?

John: I always have a tough time explaining other people’s feelings. This might be because they are feeling them whereas I am … not. The Jaguars did dominate the game against the Texans in Week 1, but remember: the Jaguars scored two of their touchdowns directly off turnovers in the first half – and one of those touchdowns came on a fumble return. Also, the Texans were trailing throughout the second half and had several possessions when they were driving trying to get back in the game. Perhaps those felt shorter than they actually were. I’ll try to be more in tune to everyone’s feelings against Tennessee Sunday. That’s just the sort of person I am … you know, thinking of others.

Daniel Since Day One from Jax:
This week’s game is absolutely the most important game ever this week!!!

John: It’s big.

Dave from Duval:
I like to go on opposing fan sites and read their comments for entertainment when their team has just gotten taken to the woodshed. Like this nugget of wisdom: apparently someone in Texans nation thinks their team was getting “speared” all over the field and that Myles Jack had a reputation in college for spearing players and has brought this tactic to the NFL. It’s nice to see that other teams have fans that are detached from reality, too.

John: All fans fan, not just Jaguars fans.

Bruce from Green Cove Springs, FL:
With the current defensive packages, Paul Posluszny is seeing less time on the field. Could this possibly serve to extend the length of Posluszny’s career? Do you think longevity factored into the decision to move Myles Jack to the middle?

John: Posluszny is playing in the middle in base situations, with Jack on the strong side and Smith on the weak side. The rest of the details you can read in the answer above, but while the situation may serve to extend Posluszny’s career, the moves weren’t made with that in mind. The moves were made to get the best players in the best situations more often than not.

Bill from Folkston, GA:
Do people placed on the injured reserve that can return after Week 8 count on the team 53-roster or will someone have to be released when/if they return?

John: A player must be released in that scenario.

Bruce from Gotham:
Mr. O, I thought the main concern with Mr. Boselli getting into the Hall of Fame would be whether the bust of his head would fit or not? He may need a room to himself and maybe the Hall is not ready for that?

John: It’s a concern.

Tony from Richmond, VA:
How do you think A-Rob’s injury hurts his shot at an extension, if at all? After up and down years, this seemed like it would be the tie-breaker and shot to prove he is a top-flight, true No. 1 receiver. Now he doesn’t have that opportunity.

John: It’s probably unrealistic to say Robinson’s injury won’t affect his contract situation at all. The Jaguars – or any team – could understandably be hesitant to pay full-market value before Robinson returns to full strength, and Robinson could be hesitant to sign a deal for less than what his full-market value would have been before the injury. My sense is this will be more of a delay than anything else. I doubt it will take very long for Robinson to return to full health, and I doubt he will be limited much when he does return. He’s not dependent on quick-twitch quickness and the aftereffects of the torn anterior cruciate ligament won’t hurt his ability to high point the ball and out-physical opponents.

Scott from New York:
I can taste it. This is the game where the Jags show they have turned the corner. I’m not predicting that we win or lose, but the key to being a playoff team is beating the bad teams and keeping all the rest of the games close.

John: This is pretty spot on, and I do think it’s an important game for exactly the reasons you cite. But know this: this is a tough matchup. Don’t get sucked in by the one-sided nature of the Jaguars’ victory over the Titans on Christmas Eve last December. Or by the Jaguars’ one-sided victory over Houston in Week 1. Or by the Titans’ 0-1 record entering Sunday’s game. This is a different beast than the Texans team the Jaguars beat in Week 1. The Titans functioned well throughout much of the game against Oakland and bogged down in the red zone a few times. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota looked really close to hitting a couple of big plays that would have made a difference, and he showed few of the aftereffects of the injury that sidelined him in the last game or so of last season. The Raiders pulled away in the second half last week with some precise plays against the Tennessee defense, with Raiders quarterback Derek Carr showing why he’s becoming one of the NFL’s best. From this view, the Raiders’ offense was functioning at a higher level last week than the Jaguars’ offense needed to function against the Texans. This is not to say the Jaguars can’t beat the Titans, but any feeling of assuming that this is a Game “The Jaguars Ought to Win” because of the record or last December’s results? Nah. This game ain’t that. This would be a huge victory for the Jaguars. To get it, they need to play as well or better than they did in the season opener.

 

 
 

Gameday: Jags @ HOU 1:00 PM EST

O-Zone: Time is now

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

HOUSTON, Texas – Game-day O-Zone.

This is Year 23 for me covering the NFL. I don’t remember as odd a pregame feeling. What happens here Sunday will matter a great deal within the context of the Jaguars and the NFL.

That context matters enough that we are here.

Yet, that context matters little compared to what’s going on in Florida and Northeast Florida. So while we are here, our minds are there. Stay safe.

Let’s get to it …

Edward from Los Angeles, CA:

Why was Dede Westbrook playing in a meaningless fourth preseason game while injured? Now, he’s on injured reserve. I loved the Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone hires, but the team hasn’t played a game that matters and it already appears to be dysfunctional.

John: This is unsurprisingly the Pregame Topic of the Weekend and it’s fair to say perspective is needed here. The Jaguars indeed played fourth-round wide receiver Dede Westbrook in Preseason Week 4, then placed him on injured reserve Friday. That means he is out for at least the first half of the regular season. And it’s true that he was dealing with a core muscle injury during preseason. Why was he playing in the preseason finale? Because Marrone believed Westbrook needed to play. That’s because while Westbrook was putting up impressive preseason numbers he also had not yet worked his way into playing with the first unit. There were still things he needed to do – including improving getting off press coverage – to work his way into being among the front-line receivers. That’s difficult to grasp because he led the NFL in preseason receiving, but the difficulty of the grasping doesn’t mean it’s not true. Perhaps in retrospect the Jaguars should have rested Westbrook – and perhaps playing him in Week 4 set him back; that seems unlikely because he played well during that game and it didn’t seem to affect him, but it’s possible. We’re unlikely to know that because it’s not something the team is likely to discuss. Either way, the sense here is while this indeed is the Pregame Topic of the Weekend it’s not something that will hurt the Jaguars early as much as many fear. Westbrook wasn’t going to play extensively over Allen Robinson or Marqise Lee on the outside. He wasn’t playing ahead of Allen Hurns in the slot. Given the fact that his preseason work came with the second and third team – and given the fact that Keelan Cole’s work was coming with the starters, I’m not convinced Westbrook was going to play over Cole early. This is not a knock on Westbrook’s long-term prospects, but I do wonder at the extent of his short-term role if he hadn’t gone on injured reserve.

J. Hooks from Orange Park, FL:

I really appreciated the response Blake Bortles gave to a press question the other day. They asked something in reference to the hurricane affecting the game. Blake was sharp on his response: “Which one? The one in Texas or in Florida?” I’m sure that’s not a direct quote, but that’s a one fer, fo sho!

John: Yes. One fer Bortles – and one fer everyone in Northeast Florida … and everyone in Florida, for that matter.

Jared from Jacksonville:

Why did we cut Brandon Allen? What will we do now that we are down to just two quarterbacks?

John: The Jaguars waived Allen because they didn’t believe he would help them this season, and because they didn’t believe he would develop into a starter. As for what the Jaguars will do being down to just two quarterbacks, I imagine they’ll start one and have the other be the backup. That’s what I would do.

John from Jacksonville:

When the team does not sign a player like Alex Boone, we understand they do not think he can help but we think it lends credence that maybe your readers are smarter than the decision makers. Certainly could not be worse. We sign an offensive lineman who was let go by the Texans and they have as bad an offensive as we do. BE SAFE TRAVEL SAFE.

John: I am reminded every day with nearly every email I receive that readers are smarter than the decision-makers. One of my great regrets is that the great majority of my readers didn’t have the foresight to work in the NFL. We are all lesser for it.

Jon from Brentwood:

John, disappointing to see Dede Westbrook out of action and a bit surprised by the Earl Watford decision. I look forward to seeing you in London in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, thoughts and prayers are with all our friends in Florida and especially JAX.

John: I was more surprised with Watford being released than with Westbrook going on injured reserve. While Westbrook’s news was surprising, he had been in and out of practice enough that I wondered how many games he would play early in the season. I thought Watford had played well enough in Preseason Week 4 that he could get a look over Patrick Omameh at left guard. As it is, left guard still remains fluid and the Jaguars need someone to make it solid. It’s not ideal. It’s a long way from ideal. We’ll see how it goes.

Bruce from Jacksonville:

Zone, I think Sunday’s game is the most important game of the season so far. Don’t you agree?

John: True that.

TJ from Jacksonville:

I, personally, was a huge fan of Calvin Pryor coming out of the draft … he seems to hit so hard and feels like a true, passionate defender. What do you think we picked up from him? I know our defense is already set on paper, but can you see him making any impact plays this year?

John: I think Pryor feels like the kind of pickup that carries risk countered by a lot of upside. He has the skills to start in the NFL, and it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t upgrade the overall safety position. I’m a little jealous, though. I’ve always thought of myself as a “true, passionate defender” – a super hero, if you will … a man to be admired by all. And yet, no one’s ever called me that. Pryor just got here and he gets the moniker. What about me?, I ask. What about me? #Truepassionatedefender #whataboutme?

Tony from the Land of Confusion:

Given Calvin Pryor’s reputation for being an off-field issue, who among the veterans is most likely the one designated to lay down the law? I’d think it’d be Poz (and as an aside, I am SO glad he’s still with the team; I think we’re really going to need his professionalism in the locker room this year) or will it be Campbell or TSmith (someone I hope will still be around next year)?

John: The sort of law-laying to which you’re referring is best done by a group. Calais Campbell, Paul Posluszny and Telvin Smith absolutely are players who won’t tolerate off-field brush-ups, and my early impression is that players such as Barry Church and A.J. Bouye have little time for such things, either. Off-field distractions are fairly easily handled when brought in at this time of year. Players either fit in/contribute or they are released. There’s little contractual commitment to have it be otherwise.

Rob from Duval:

You, Sexton and Shadrick… “experts” ? Really?

John: Fair.

Josh from Pensacola, FL:

For the first time in years, I actually feel confident that the Jags will win their opening game. We have considerably more talent on the offensive side and a comparable defense – aside from pass rush. I think the Jags will completely shut down Houston’s offense. All our offense has to do is not get completely shut down.

John: I can’t say I share your giddy optimism, though I agree the Jaguars have a chance Sunday. I’ve said all week that I remember few games when the key pregame matchup was quite so obvious, which is why I snickered (yes, I’ve been known to “snicker”) when I read “aside pass rush.” That’s a little like saying a team has a comparable offense with the Green Bay Packers – aside from Aaron Rodgers. The Texans’ pass rush can overwhelm a game – and the Jaguars’ offensive line struggled enough during the preseason that it’s fair to have serious doubts about its ability to run or pass protect Sunday. If the Jaguars can run effectively enough to keep momentum balanced, and if Bortles can manage the game without field-flipping mistakes, then the Jaguars indeed have a very good chance. That’s what I’ll be watching early.

Mike from St. Louis, MO:

The crowd in Houston and the fact that Bortles is still our quarterback means we don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of winning. This season is off the rails already. Great … another Top 3 pick.

John: Speaking of giddy optimism …

Josiah from Jacksonville:

Jags will win if: The offense stays in max protection with only two-to-three routes run on all passing plays. Use the run unpredictably, and not always on first downs. The Texans win if: Jags don’t do above.

John: Pretty spot on. I agree that while the Jaguars must stick with the run, they must mix first-half passes on first down. And if they don’t, those early runs better work for three or four yards. It’s really hard to throw successfully into the teeth of the Texans’ pass rush. And if you’re playing behind the chains, you’re going to see teeth.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:

John, the time is now!!!

John: Jerell’s ready.