Category: Uncategorized

O-Zone: Blah, blah, blah

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Trav from Jacksonville:
Hey O: long-time reader, first-time writer. This may be a dumb question, but: We have a one-game lead now overall, but the Titans have a one-game lead in the division. If it stays like that all the way to the end of the regular season, who wins the division and who has to settle for the wild card?

John: Trav, there are no dumb questions – only dumb senior writers. Besides, this question gets asked surprisingly often. In the NFL, the team with the best overall record wins the division. I suppose the confusion comes from college football deciding conference championships based only on conference games. The NFL is not that way because the assumption is all games played in professional football are on relatively the same difficulty level. If teams finish with the same overall record, the first tiebreaker is head-to-head games and the second is record within the division; the Titans now are 4-1 in the division and the Jaguars are 3-1. The third division tiebreaker is record against common opponents; the Jaguars are 8-2 in such games and the Titans are 7-3. A few scenarios: if either team wins the rest of its games, that team will win the division because the Titans in that scenario will finish at least tied with the Jaguars at 11-5 with a head-to-head sweep; if the Jaguars win the next two games and the Titans lose one of the next two games, the Jaguars will clinch the division before the teams’ matchup in the regular-season finale based on a better overall record; if the Jaguars lose the next two games and Tennessee wins its next two, the Titans would clinch the division entering the regular-season finale because they would have clinched the better record in games against common opponents.

Steve from Upper Tract, WV:
John, we really need Telvin Smith back. The lack of speed is glaringly obvious from the linebackers. You know Posluszny looks kind of funny chasing wide receivers.

John: If you’re referring to the play on Sunday when Paul Posluszny covered Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin all the way across the field on a 43-yard gain, a couple of things: Posluszny covered Baldwin fine on the play, and I don’t know how much better Smith’s coverage would have been in that situation. That defense is called with the idea that the pass rush will get home and sack the quarterback long before the quarterback has time to throw to a wide receiver who has run a route clear across the field. Posluszny’s “lack of speed” and “lack of coverage” skills long have been one of the great myths believed by many in the Jaguars’ fan base. I see the beat goes on. But yes: the Jaguars need Smith back. He and Myles Jack are faster than Posluszny – and they’re faster than most other linebackers in the NFL, too.

Mr. Padre from Kingsland, GA:
I know it’s still early in this “new” Jaguar era of winning but our newfound success brings up a question. When do the Jaguars have to decide if they want to remove the remaining tarps at The ‘Bank and do you think that could be a consideration after just this one successful season? Considering the age and contracts and talent of this roster, I expect more of this thing called “winning” we are suddenly doing and could certainly see the need for more seat availability … you? #DTWD

John: If demand merits, I have no doubt the tarps will be removed. Remember, EverBank Field’s capacity without tarps is still slightly above 67,000. That’s reduced from the past because of stadium redesigns, but it’s still too big for this relatively small market.

Kyle from Goodwill getting my jersey back:
How much credence can be given to the notion that facing this ALL-TIME GREAT defense every day in practice has helped elevate Blake Bortles to his current level of play? After Week 1’s dominating defensive and ground performance, I shouted from a mountain top that 2017 Jags = 2013 Seahawks. I know that was a bit premature then, but HOW YA LIKE ME NOW!?

John: Practicing against the Jaguars’ defense doesn’t hurt Bortles, but the reality is that ones-versus-ones work is pretty limited in the NFL once training camp ends. As far as the 2017 Jags’ defense equaling the 2013 Seahawks, postseason performance matters in such discussions, but yeah … so far, so good.

John from Jacksonville:
The city of Jacksonville has experienced some great football this season. Not only are the Jags atop the AFC South, the Raines Vikings won the state title – a first for a Duval County Public School since they did it in 1997. Can I get a one fer the Raines Vikings?

John: As someone with fond memories of knowing former Raines principal Jimmie Johnson and covering former Athletics Director James Day and former Head Coach Freddie Stephens – and as someone with fond memories of covering Raines in the early 1990s in the era of Patrick Sapp, Derrick Alexander, Germaine Kohn, Brian Dawkins, Anthone Lott (and Tyrone Nealy and Karlos Bean and a bunch of other really, really good memorable players) – absolutely … one fer the Raines Vikings.

Tyler from Jacksonville:
So, opposing players are allowed to choke from behind, choke slam, throw punches, spear knees, all done with an intent to injure, as long as it is against a Jaguar player because they talk smack during games? No suspensions is a joke for this and for the A.J. Green situation. At what point do the Jaguars players start protecting themselves since the league office finds it unnecessary? Player safety they say? Really?

John: I understood the rationale for Green not being suspended because he was ejected from the game and missed the second half. I do not understand the rationale for Michael Bennett not being suspended. I also agree with your premise that not suspending Bennett creates a difficult situation with players feeling the need to take matters into their own hands in such situations. If a player is attacked with intent to injure, it only stands to reason the attacked player might want to do something about it if the league office does not.

Stephen from Jacksonville:
How ’bout one fer Coach “Thunder” here? Not to take anything away from Blake, but these last few games Bortles’ No. 2 and No. 3 receivers are a guy who was at Kentucky Wesleyan last year and a rookie who’s now played in four games.

John: Hey, one fer Keenan McCardell – and he deserves much credit. Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole are playing at a high level. For the Jaguars to be getting this much production in back-to-back key December games from rookie receivers is impressive – and McCardell must get credit for that.

Chris from Mandarin, FL:
Here’s an off-the-wall question with nothing to do with the Jags; I have no idea where else to find the information. Could a player theoretically play two games in one week by playing on a Thursday and immediately getting traded and playing the ensuing Sunday? Or is there some type of rule preventing a player from being able to do that (before a season’s trade deadline)?

John: There’s no rule against it, but it would be so difficult in terms of logistics and preparation that it almost certainly would never happen. A player would have to play Thursday, be traded Friday, fly to the opposing city on a Friday or Saturday and play Sunday. He would therefore be unable to practice with his new team. Could a punter or kicker do it? Perhaps. But I wouldn’t hold your breath waiting for this to play out.

Edward from Los Angeles, CA:
Doug Marrone has done a fantastic job of keeping this team cohesive and focused. Do you think he’s a realistic candidate for Coach of the Year?

John: Marrone absolutely should be a candidate for Coach of the Year. Coaches in the running for that award typically coach teams whose fortunes have turned dramatically from the previous seasons. Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams certainly would be a candidate, but how could Marrone not be as well?

Brian from Gainesville, FL:
Big O, I get and agree with your sentiments regarding the lack of any national respect for the Jaguars. But I have to tell you: it’s getting tiresome to hear so-called “analysts” remark negatively about the Jaguars. One analyst recently pontificated that he doesn’t “trust” a team with Bortles and that this defense doesn’t belong in the class of the great Ravens and Broncos defenses from this century because those teams would never let an opponent score more than 17. Never mind that the Ravens did that four times and the Broncos eight times; and the Jags are at five times on the season. I’m sick of it!

John: Let me let you in on a secret: many national “analysts” are no great shakes, and there are few whose opinions are worth worrying much about. I get that people get irritated when their team is disrespected, but … I guess the best way to put it is I know enough national analysts to not put much stock into what many have to say. Talking heads talk. It’s what they do. So? Let them talk.

 

 
 

 

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O-Zone: Get in line

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Mark from Archer, FL:

We crushed the Steelers and we beat the Seahawks. The Jags have proven that if they get into the postseason they can hang with any team and win. No one is going to want to face them in the playoffs.

John: You are correct – and this is a point that shouldn’t get overlooked. The Jaguars are in no way a fluky 9-4. This team is not fortunate to be where it is, and it’s not sneaking into anything. The Jaguars have won six of their last seven games because they’re an elite defensive team that now has an improving offense. Not only did they beat the Steelers on the road, they also have victories over three other playoff-contending teams – Seattle (8-5), Baltimore (7-6) and the Los Angeles Chargers (7-6). They beat the Seahawks on Sunday in a December game the Seahawks very much needed to win. They beat the Chargers during a stretch in which Los Angeles has been one of the best teams in the NFL. They were the last team to beat the Steelers before what is now a league-best eight-game winning streak – and that victory was in Pittsburgh by 21 points. It’s not right to say the Jaguars are the AFC favorites. They haven’t earned that. But to think they couldn’t beat any team in the conference? That’s not right, either.

Jonathan from Daytona Beach, FL:

Big O’, if Pittsburgh were to beat the Patriots this Sunday and the Jaguars win, would the Jaguars get bumped up into the No. 2 seed?

John: Yes. If the Jaguars win the rest of their games and the Patriots lose to the Steelers on Sunday, the Jaguars would be assured of no worse than the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

Courtney from Jacksonville:

Hey, John: Since Marqise Lee’s and Allen Robinson‘s rookie deals are up at the end of the season, which one do we pay big money to? Or do we not have to pick and pay both? Or do we even want to pay both? Hmm … tough decision. In my opinion Lee has really stepped it up and become a “go-to guy” … when a play on third down is needed, he is the man.

John: What the Jaguars do at receiver will be a major offseason issue, with the dynamics of the position seemingly changing by the week. I have written before and continue to believe the Jaguars will figure out a deal for Allen Robinson; whether that’s a long-term, break-the-bank deal or a shorter deal remains to be seen. Lee is trickier. I don’t have a good feel for what the market will be for him. Considering his level of play in recent weeks, it seems riskier to let him go. He has been very, very important and is becoming a player quarterback Blake Bortles can trust. It’s difficult to part ways with such a player.

Robert from Moorpark, CA:

The-most-under-the-radar team – and we’re OK with that.

John: If you like the Jaguars not getting much notice in terms of prime-time games and national recognition … well, enjoy it while it lasts. The guess here is this team is going to contend for a while. If that happens, the personalities on this team – and the style they play – won’t be ignored for long.

Big on Blake from Philly:

I hate to say I told you so … no, wait: I don’t. I told you so. I’ve been Big on Blake since we drafted him No. 3 overall. Has it been a storybook career? Nope. Did he have consistency or help throughout much of his first three seasons? Nope. Is he showing true to his draft status this season with a steady offensive plan, a complementary run game and a stifling defense? Absolutely. It’s been a long time coming. He has shown willingness to improve and the dedication it takes to succeed. I’m glad to see him take advantage of the opportunities being presented to him. One fer Blake and the guys upstairs giving him the system he needed to finally develop.

John: One fer Blake? Absolutely. I’m the first to admit I didn’t have much confidence that Bortles would develop into a front-line quarterback this season. And it’s fair to say that his overall body of work this season doesn’t put him among the NFL’s best. But he absolutely has shown major strides in recent weeks. A lot of his issues against the Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns and Arizona were with receivers dropping catchable balls. Does this guarantee Bortles is the quarterback of the future? Not necessarily. But the argument against that being the case gets weaker by the week.

Steve from Nashville, TN:

The Jags drafted Aaron Colvin in the fourth round of the 2014 draft AFTER he blew his knee out in the Senior Bowl. I believe he spent most of the 2014 season on injured reserve. My understanding was that Mr. Colvin was very appreciative at the time of being drafted by the Jaguars knowing they would not get much contribution out of him in Year One.

John: Colvin indeed was appreciative of the Jaguars’ drafting him that season, though it’s safe to say he would have been drafted by someone and given time to develop and rehabilitate had he not been selected by the Jaguars. I also believe Colvin likes playing for this team and with this defense. He unquestionably feels a connection to this franchise and his teammates. But if you believe any of that means Colvin will sign with the Jaguars for significantly less money this offseason than he could earn somewhere else … nah. This is the NFL. I hope Colvin re-signs with the Jaguars. I’m sure the Jaguars would love to have him back. But Colvin almost certainly will sign where the money is greatest – as well he should.

Mark from Jacksonville:

To anyone who says Blake Bortles can’t throw a spiral, watch the three-minute Zone Blitz video by you and Ashlyn Monday. That is all.

John: I haven’t heard much about Bortles’ spirals in recent weeks.

Johnny from Jacksonville:

Who are these guys and what have they done with the Jaguars?

John: These are the Jaguars and it’s time to get used to that. They’re a good defensive team and a team that seems to be rapidly improving offensively because of improved quarterback play. One significant factor: the play of the offensive line. That group hasn’t been consistent in recent weeks, but it was outstanding Sunday. If it plays closer the rest of the season to how it played Sunday, this is a team that can definitely win in the postseason.

Robert from Reno, NV:

Hey, John: So, first I wanted to say that you surprised me in a recent O-Zone. You’ve always been the one to caution us on expectations. But, for the first time, you made a statement to the effect of us having a chance at making the Super Bowl. I too kinda feel it’s possible. My question, though is we have a stat of 8-2 for the conference, only second to the Steelers. What, if any, is this an advantage to the Jags, or is it a meaningless stat?

John: It matters when it comes to breaking conference tiebreakers. Beyond that, not much. And I’ve been saying for weeks that the Jaguars have a chance to make the Super Bowl. When you play defense as this team does, you have a chance in every game.

Ian from Leeds, UK:

Doing some quick math … am I right that we can lose the next two games and – as long as we beat the Titans – we’re still likely to finish the No. 3 seed unless Kansas City wins out?

John: No. Under your scenario, the Titans and Jaguars could both finish 10-6. If that happens and the Jaguars win the final game of the season, the Titans would have had to win their next two games. Under that scenario, the teams would finish with the same head-to-head record (1-1) and the same division record (4-2). The division title would be decided by record against common opponents and Tennessee in this scenario would have a 9-3 record compared to the Jaguars’ record of 8-4.

Eddie from Jacksonville:

There are two kinds of speed in sports: physical and mental. People forget about the mental speed, which allows players like Poz to continue to play at a high level even as the physical speed starts to dwindle.

John: Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny indeed processes tremendously quickly. That’s a big reason he is as good as he is, but let’s not paint Posluszny as being slow. His “lack of speed” has been overblown for years – as has his supposed “lack of ability in coverage.” He’s fast to the ball. He plays fast. He plays with suddenness. He plays with great instincts. He’s not as fast as Myles Jack and he’s not as fast as Telvin Smith. If a line forms of NFL linebackers who aren’t as fast as Smith or Jack, Posluszny won’t be alone in it.

 

 
 

 

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O-Zone: Good pick

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

JT from Rosamond, CA:
I know I shouldn’t care what the national media says about the Jags, but I’m sick of the narrative always being what the other team did and never about the Jags. This week it’s about the fans throwing beer –and not the Seahawks playing dirty and still losing. Even if the Jags win the Super Bowl this year the media will still pass up talking about them.

John: Loyal O-Zone readers – and he knows who he is – know my approach with national media. I pay little attention because people outside the market typically don’t know the team nearly as well as those who cover the team locally. And since the amount of national “love” a team receives has nothing to do with the outcome of games, I just don’t worry about it. Also, as I have said often: once the Jaguars win enough, recognition will come. That doesn’t mean it will satisfy fans, but it will come. I do agree there has been a narrative this season of the Jaguars winning because the other team played poorly. That is the curse of a team that has lost for a long time and is now winning unconventionally – i.e., for the most part with great defense. People are shocked by the Jaguars’ success and it is taking a while for people to grasp that the Jaguars are actually … good. And yes: it is unfortunate the end-of-game incident Sunday has caused people to focus on a few fans who threw objects rather than the Jaguars’ victory. It’s particularly unfortunate that the focus on object throwing has overshadowed the behavior of the Seahawks at game’s end. Defensive end Michael Bennett by all appearances dove at the knees of Jaguars center Brandon Linder. That’s not being discussed much publicly outside people who follow the Jaguars closely. I can tell you it was noticed in a big way by Jaguars players. Credit to them for not retaliating more during the game than they did. Bennett is the Seahawks’ candidate for Walter Payton Man of the Year. He obviously is a good person. Either way, he had a few really bad moments toward the end of Sunday’s game. But I digress. As for the final part of your question … the media absolutely will discuss the Jaguars if they win the Super Bowl. And guess what? You won’t care all that much what they say because the Jaguars will have … you know … won the Super Bowl.

Jeff from Orange, CA:
Hypothetically, if the Jaguars have locked up the division going into Tennessee in Week 17 and cannot catch New England or Pittsburgh, do you see the roster being managed any differently that game?

John: Absolutely.

Jack from Gainesville, FL:
Congratulations on a great win and season this year. Will you attempt to identify the ticket holders who threw drinks on ejected player and prohibit them from attending future games? Thank you.

John: Will I do this? No. I’m far too busy providing thoughtful commentary, well-researched answers and rib-tickling humor. But the Jaguars issued this statement on the matter Monday. The Jaguars indeed are working to identify the fans involved and those identified as throwing the objects will be banned from attending future games.

Amar from Jacksonville:
How many more games do the Jaguars need to win this year to guarantee Tom Coughlin as a first-ballot Hall of Famer?

John: I don’t know that anything the Jaguars do this season will guarantee Coughlin first-ballot status, though I absolutely believe he will get in the Hall of Fame at some point regardless of whether or not the Jaguars win another game while he is here. But winning the Super Bowl this season … yeah, that wouldn’t hurt.

Mike from Mandarin, FL:
No Seahawks suspended? Player safety a priority? Good to know throwing punches, going for knees and other blatant disregard for rules will be punished by a 30-second ejection at the end of a finished game.

John: Yeah, I was surprised when it was reported Monday that no Seahawks player would be suspended for Sunday’s end-game incidents. Perhaps there was such focus on the fans throwing objects that the league focused less on what the Seahawks did on the field. That’s speculation on my part and we may never know. But for Bennett to not be suspended for targeting Linder’s knees … yes, it was surprising. To say the least.

John from White House, FL:
John. We don’t live in Cleveland. We live in Jacksonville.

John: Subtle … shows good knowledge of NFL history … good awareness … well-timed … yep, this email checks a lot of boxes.

Todd from Seattle, WA:
Saying Blake Bortles outplayed Russell Wilson because Byron Maxwell can’t catch is like saying it’s OK if a guy tries to steal a car as long as he is too dumb to get it started.

John: Ah, a Seattle reader … per chance unfamiliar with life here the O-Zone. He thinks O-Zone cares enough about the opinions of others to engage in petty, back-and-forth banter with the common man. He thinks O-Zone will stoop to his level. He thinks O-Zone will point out that Wilson was intercepted three times – and thereby take a step toward turning this otherwise intellectual exchange into something … well, not as intellectual. Our young friend from the nation’s Northwest is wrong. Wrong, I say!!! WROOOOOONNNG!!

T-Bone from Seattle:
I am a lifelong Seahawks fan, but after Sunday’s game I’ve become a Jags head. Do you have space on the bus?

John: I’ll check … yes.

Bill from Jacksonville:
Has the team or the league identified the “fans” who threw things at a player? I hope they get a lifetime ban from an NFL event. The field is for players and the stands are for fans. Bright lines, not to be crossed. While the Seahawks probably embarrassed themselves at the end of the game, all we had to do was beat them and walk out winners. Instead, we were disgraced by a few jerks in the stands.

John: I agree that fans can’t throw objects on the field. It can’t be tolerated. This isn’t the first time in the history of the NFL it has happened, and I don’t know that the situation is suddenly a “crisis in Jacksonville” because it happened here once. But it absolutely cannot be tolerated.

JP from Tax:
Serious question: Why don’t the Jags run down the clock before snapping the ball? It seems like throughout the game, when they have a lead, the smart thing would be to take up as much time off the clock, even if it’s the middle of the third quarter with 8:05 left to play. Why give the other team more time to mount a comeback in the fourth?

John: I suppose in theory a team could take your approach and spend the entire game trying to drain the clock, but doing so assumes you will hold the lead. What if the other team rallies and you have no time to come from behind yourself because you prematurely ran clock?

Ron from Akutan, AK:
I have not seen it in writing yet, but are my numbers right? One more win and the Jags are in the playoffs?

John: Yes.

Graham from Reading, UK:
How good is this offensive line playing right now? Patrick Omameh and Jermey Parnell were awesome and Blake is definitely benefiting from their play.

John: The offensive line played phenomenally well Sunday. In a game in which Bortles, the Jaguars’ wide receivers and the Jaguars’ cornerbacks played very well, the Jaguars’ offensive line actually may have been the most dominant unit on the field. They did not allow a sack and allowed just one quarterback hit. Jaguars running backs rushed for 4.8 yards per carry. Considering the quality of the Seahawks’ defense, it was perhaps the most unexpectedly dominant single-game performance by any Jaguars position group this season. It was notable, too, because the line had been inconsistent at best in the weeks leading to the Seahawks game. Bortles had been under pressure quite a bit this season and the line was struggling to run block. Nothing about the unit struggled Sunday. This was a big-time effort and the Jaguars wouldn’t have won without it.

Al from Orange Park, FL:
So, do you suppose that was the quarterback David Caldwell envisioned when he drafted him? One for Dave?

John: Yeah, something like that. One fer Dave.

Micky from Orange Park, FL:
Cam Robinson was one of the more upset players after Bennett’s attempt to end Linder’s career. Any idea why Cam was so infuriated?

John: Maybe he likes Linder? Maybe he thought Bennett’s actions were unprofessional, unnecessary and dangerous? Maybe he was being a good teammate? That’s not a definite. Just, you know … a maybe.

Brian from Gainesville, FL:
Big O, I told my 10-month-old daughter as we watched our beloved Jaguars defeating the mighty Seahawks on Sunday that we will be watching and cheering on Dede Westbrook for years to come as he develops into an all-time superstar for this team. What a great draft choice he was, huh?!

John: Yes.

 

 
 

 

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Ask Vic: The Packers need Rodgers now!

Mario from Montevideo, Uruguay
Hi, Vic. What now for the Packers?

It’s drama time. The playoffs begin now. I expect Aaron Rodgers to be at full strength and the Packers will be playing against a playoff-caliber team. This is why we lift all those weights. This is what makes the holiday season what it is. Without playoff-tension football, December is just the first month of the winter of our discontent. Is that what you’re asking, or are you asking if the Packers will win? I give the Packers a 40-60 chance, if Rodgers plays. You’ll take that, won’t you?

David from Moore, ID
For the most part, I agree with players, not plays, however, McCarthy stole that one from the Browns. That was a virtuoso performance in all phases of game management and team leadership. I cannot imagine a man I would rather coach the Packers.

Mike McCarthy possessed the full attention and commitment of his team. Hue Jackson did not. That was the difference.

Steve from New Britain, CT
Vic, I want the Packers to draft a stud tight end in the first round of the next draft. We knew we needed one and planned on having one, but it did not come to fruition this year. Why shouldn’t we prioritize a tight end in the next draft? At this point in his career, Rodgers deserves to have one. A star tight end would also go a long way toward healing the fan base after the Bennett fiasco.

A tight end? Really? Heal the fan base? What is it about fans and tight ends?

Lori from Brookfield, WI
Vic, phenomenal, physical Pittsburgh-Baltimore game. Should Antonio Brown be included in the MVP discussion?

Depending on the status of Carson Wentz, yeah, maybe Brown should be considered for MVP. I think Wentz is the guy, but not if he’s gone for the year.

Lupe from Minneapolis, MN
T.J. Watt.

I agree.

Bob from Australia
Old-school games such as the Steelers/Bengals slugfest last week may have their own kind of appeal, but do you think they might be taking more of a toll than the participants bargain for? Once again, we saw the two teams put in poor performances the week after they went at each other. The question that has to be asked is: Is it worth it, Vic?

Good teams find ways to deal with their adversity, just as adversity helps us identify those teams. The Steelers found a way to deal with theirs; the Bengals folded, just as they did on Monday night.

Patrick from St. Paul, MN
In Brett Hundley, I see a young quarterback who’s starting to find his rhythm. The game doesn’t appear too big for him, and he seems to play his best football at crunch time. If Rodgers can’t go, can Hundley put together another winning performance on the road against Carolina?

The Packers need Rodgers the rest of the way. The Panthers aren’t the Browns.

Doug from Union Grove, WI
Vic, after all these years, why does Big Ben still need the plays on his arm? The reason I’m guessing isn’t very flattering to him.

What a cruel and smug remark for you to make about a great quarterback, but it’s another example of why I think Roethlisberger might be the most underrated and underappreciated quarterback in NFL history. He throws one of the best deep balls I’ve ever seen, and he ranks right at the top all-time in fourth-quarter comebacks. Did you see that line-of-scrimmage adjustment he made on that deep crossing pass to Brown last night? How about the “JuJu, look” audible that resulted in a 90-some yard touchdown pass against the Lions? A dumb quarterback does that? Alert, altert! No quarterback does more at the line of scrimmage than Roethlisberger.

Joe from Dundee, IL
Vic, what do you think about the Seahawks trying to blow up the kneel-down play of the Jaguars? Total lack of sportsmanship and total disregard for the health of the center.

I don’t like that stuff. It’s unprofessional. The Seahawks embarrassed themselves. Be that as it may, I wish security would’ve allowed Quinton Jefferson to go up into the stands after the fans who threw stuff on him.

Dan from Madison, WI
What are your thoughts on Jamaal Williams? Could he develop into a top-tier running back?

Sure he could. The Seahawks cut Alex Collins.

Kent from Summerville, SC
I detest the reactive masses that call for another’s job, yet, I am finding my defense for the Packers’ defensive staff to be getting increasingly difficult. Give me an argument I can use.

They won?

Stephen from Jacksonville, FL
The Jaguars’ offensive line is getting healthy, Leonard Fournette looks like he’s healthy again, and Blake Bortles is finally playing like a quality starting quarterback. The offense is coming back to life at just the right time of the season. With the kind of pass rush the Jaguars generate, along with their talent in the secondary and speed at linebacker, it’s difficult to not think this defense is good enough to stop Tom Brady. I think if you can beat Brady in the playoffs, then you are probably good enough to win the Super Bowl. Is the Jaguars’ window about to open?

If the Jaguars win the AFC South, they’ll be my pick to win the AFC.

Mike from Niagara Falls, Canada
Here’s a good question in relation to the Eli situation: It’s 2005, the Packers just drafted Rodgers and are on their way to a 4-12 record with Favre throwing 29 interceptions. Would you have benched Favre for Rodgers at any point in that season?

Brett Favre also led the NFC in pass attempts, completions and yards passing  that year, so you’ve manipulated the information you’ve provided me; interceptions alone were never a way to judge Favre. If I recall correctly, Aaron Rodgers was coming off a college ACL and there were also shoulder issues; he needed time to recover physically and to develop professionally. The Packers didn’t believe Favre was washed up, an opinion that was validated two years later when Favre set 12 individual records and was named All-Pro for the second time in his career. Good personnel people know a guy’s washed up when they see it. I think I would know it, too. Favre wasn’t washed up and Rodgers wasn’t ready. I wouldn’t have benched Favre in 2005. Eli Manning? I think the Giants have gotten all they can out of him and they need to move on. On a better team, Manning still might have game, but I don’t think the Giants are that team. As I see it, reinstating him as the starting quarterback is a PR move meant to quiet the howl of the wolves. That’s weak.

Jon from Warsaw, Poland
Vic, it’s wonderful to read your insight and wisdom again. Are you suggesting the Packers would be better off missing the playoffs and, thus, getting higher draft picks?

It happens naturally. You try to win and when you’re no longer good enough to win, you move up in the draft order so you can select players who will help you win again. I’m surprised fans struggle with this concept as much as they do. It’s ridiculous to think you can select lower-rated players year after year and continue to assemble a roster as talented as the teams that have been drafting above you. A great quarterback can camouflage the talent gap but, when he’s gone, the truth is known.

Jim from Pewaukee, WI
What else can you tell us about pornography, Vic? Seriously, I just found your blog and I am so glad to have your voice back in my life.

In ruling on an obscenity case, Justice Potter Stewart wrote of pornography, “I know it when I see it.” So it is with the woman of our dreams and franchise quarterbacks. We know them when we see them.

Allan from Guatemala City, Guatemala
This might be a question more suited for the offseason, but since you mentioned the number of stadiums you’ve covered games in, what are your five best and five worst press boxes of all time, and why?

Instead of another nauseating ranking, how about just some thoughts on the subject? I’ve talked about the old Cleveland Stadium press box. It looked like a bus turned sideways and jammed between the seats and the roof in the upper deck. It was behind poles and featured what I called the world’s highest outhouse. They served a kind of gray brat that looked like a dead rat. One year, they painted the chairs orange before the start of the season, and then closed the door to the press box. When they opened for business on the first night of the preseason, everybody got orange paint on their clothes when they sat down. The press box in RFK was built for manual typewriters, of course, so when the computer age arrived in the newspaper business, electric outlets were needed. Unfortunately, the outlet strip was installed too tight to the desktop, which required a small adapter, which I carried in my computer bag especially for games at RFK. The press box in Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium didn’t include elevator service to the visitors’ locker room; you had to walk across the mushy turf and into the dugout to access the tunnel to the locker room, which was a good thing or I wouldn’t have seen the airplane that had crashed into the upper deck following a 1976 season playoff game. The one in old Lambeau Field was high schoolesque. I’m not a fan of any of the end zone press boxes, especially the one in Gillette Stadium, because the poor view is an outrageous insult to a media that helped make the NFL what it is. The best press boxes? The one in Nashville is my favorite. It offers by far the best view; low and close. The press lounge and bathroom are directly behind the seating area, and the elevator is complemented by a staircase for those walk-off wins when everybody leaves together. I’m also fond of the press box at Heinz Field, where the Steelers have made a point of taking care of founder Art Rooney’s “boys.” Lambeau’s press box offers wonderful amenities and is super comfortable. I wished it was a little lower and didn’t require as much travel time to get from the press box to the media auditorium. Jacksonville will always be a personal favorite. I loved watching the sun bounce off the St. Johns River on one of those clear, crisp late-season days.

Balint from Budapest, Hungary
Football’s culture needs to change; there is no question about it. Being a young, international fan, I know we are way less interested in hard hits than strategy, play design, points, big plays, beautiful catches, you name it. We hate that any given play could sideline our favorite players and derail our team’s season, not to mention our fantasy teams. We’ve never seen football in the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s; in fact, most international fans haven’t watched it before, like, 2007. At the same time, we are well aware of the effect concussions have and the CTE studies. We really hate to see blows to the head. Players like Big Ben or Mike Mitchell say, “That’s AFC North football,” because they are part of the old culture perpetuated by coaches who grew up on ’70s football. They just don’t know better, but I’m glad to see the league does, evidenced by all the recent suspensions.

Well, it looks like you have it all figured out. Hang in there, maybe Goodell will resign soon and you can get the job. Give Jerry Jones a call. For when that day comes, here’s some food for thought: If the AFC North left the NFL and formed its own league, I think it might get better TV ratings than the NFL. What are your thoughts on that, commissioner?

​Kabir from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Seven out of the top 10 in your power rankings are NFC teams. Would the Patriots still be perennial contenders if they had to play in the NFC South, West or North? Yes, they have Brady, but they don’t have much competition in their division or their conference. Should the NFL consider re-aligning teams to equalize between the NFC and AFC?

All because of one season? Yeah, I think the NFC is the stronger conference this year, but for the majority of Tom Brady’s career, the AFC has been superior.

 

 

 

 
 

 

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O-Zone: Already ready

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – One day more.

Let’s get to it …

Nick from Annapolis, MD:
Pete Prisco said it best when he said, “He still takes too many 25-yard drops for my liking –” or something like that. I don’t see Russell Wilson being able to pull off his “magic” against the Jaguars. He makes his offensive linemen’s jobs much more difficult, and their jobs will already be difficult enough trying to handle the Jaguars’ front seven. I think there is a possibility we embarrass the Seahawks on Sunday, or at least their offense.

John: Pete Prisco of CBS Sports is a longtime friend – and is as knowledgeable as any writer covering the NFL. I theoretically agree with him regarding Wilson. Generally speaking and in the long term, I like a quarterback to stay in the pocket and make throws from there without risking losing yardage – and Wilson’s scrambling definitely risks a lot. But there are players talented enough to transcend conventional wisdom, and Wilson right now is such a player. I don’t see Wilson making his linemen’s jobs more difficult as much as I see a player running because linemen are struggling to pass protect. As for embarrassing the Seahawks … I can see the Jaguars winning Sunday, but the Seahawks don’t typically get embarrassed; their defense is too good and Wilson is too resourceful. I’d be hard-pressed to predict it happening Sunday.

Rogwynn from Jacksonville:
I like Jalen. He’s himself. Some other guys, too. In most cases the guys are so canned I could do interviews for them (I’m talking league-wide here) that you get zero from the interviews. I’m more offended by the obvious non-answers than a guy like Jalen. I love Jalen. Tell Jalen I love him.

John: Whoa.

Jeff from Atlantic Beach, FL:
If the league was conspiring to help Seattle why wouldn’t they just have scheduled the game for 4:25 at the start of the season?

John: Because the league clearly in penning its long list of ways to conspire against the Jaguars inadvertently left scheduling the Seattle game for later in the afternoon off of said list. Once the folks at the league office realized their oversight, they quickly and expectedly resolved the situation.

Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
If moving the game is going to help the Seahawks, then good. I hope they have a smooth flight and great rooms and service. Let’s see what they have at their best. It’s not like the Jaguars have been winning with smoke and mirrors. I think the MVP this year plays on the Jaguars’ defense.

John: #DTWD

NaeLa from DUUUVALLL:
I’ve been watching the injury report closely and though I see Allen Hurns there on a weekly basis, I noticed he is not listed out for the season. Is there a chance he comes back in time for a playoff run?

John: Yes. If the Jaguars didn’t believe Hurns could be back this season they would have placed him on injured reserve.

Ryan from Dearborn, MI:
John: the Jags’ defense may be at its best when the opposing team is in “must-pass” situations, but with Wilson’s running ability, he is never a “must-pass” quarterback. What do you think is the Jaguars’ best bet at containing him – particularly in third-and-long situations?

John: Shadow, chase and keep everything in front. I’m fascinated, actually, to see how the Jaguars approach this. Defensive coordinator Todd Wash was asked this week about the need to contain Wilson in the pocket. He said without question it’s an issue, but immediately said that he absolutely didn’t want defensive linemen playing hesitant. I think you’ll see some shadowing and you might see some zone coverage to ensure the back seven can see Wilson scrambling. And there will be an emphasis on the front four staying in gaps and lanes. But I don’t think you’ll see the last element overemphasized. This pass rush has swarmed and harassed at a high level all year. You don’t want to take that away just because you’re playing a mobile quarterback.

JV from Iowa:
I’m guessing things may get chippy on Sunday. What’s left of the Legion of Boom versus our top-rated defense. Going into the game, it feels like there won’t be a very big margin for error, so here’s hoping we can stay away from being baited into unnecessary penalties. DTWD

John: Good point. This indeed likely will be a chippy game if only because a lot of games involving the Jaguars seem to be chippy games. Both of these teams are confident and like to talk. Plus, intensity is going to be high. All of those things add up to the Jaguars needing to be poised Sunday.

Ernie from Jacksonville:
Love what the team has been doing this year, especially the defense. One thing that drives me crazy, though, is our defense against the run. The Colts gashed us – and if the Seahawks watch that tape, they will do the same by picking up on our tendencies. Do you think there’s any way we will switch up our defense into some 3-4 during the game to mix it up and concentrate on the run? I don’t know why our coaches are so stubborn about the scheme. You’ve got to adapt to the game situations to succeed.

John: I’m sorry you’re going crazy. That can be difficult. But the Jaguars’ run defense has improved dramatically in recent weeks since the addition of defensive tackle Marcell Dareus – and while the Colts got off a few big runs last Sunday, at no point in that game did I remotely have the feeling that the Colts were controlling the line of scrimmage. As for your proposal, I’d be surprised to see the Jaguars shift to a 3-4 when they’re ranked first in total yards, first in points allowed, first in sacks, first in passing yards allowed and first in red-zone defense – to name a few things in which the Jaguars’ defense currently is ranked first. Being ranked first is cool. Coaches tend to like it. Sometimes, they get downright stubborn about it.

Charlie from Jacksonville:
I have been thinking Blake’s benching in the preseason has been a big reason for his success this season. Blake had a remarkably shaky 2016 season, and losing his job must have preyed on his mind. His benching allowed him to realize that wasn’t the end of the world, and he has been noticeably more relaxed this season.

John: I wouldn’t rule this out.

Jess from Castle Rock, CO:
Since I can’t use boldface, italics, or underlining here, I’ll use caps for the first time. You’ve stated that Bortles has had more “best games of his career” this year than in any other year, even 2015 when he set seven franchise passing records. I disagree. I believe he had many more games in 2015 that were all-around better than this year. Fans have commented that he got those passing yards in “garbage time” when the team was behind and we had to throw the ball. Think about that a few seconds. He got all those passing yards when we had to throw the ball … and the other teams KNEW WE HAD TO THROW THE BALL. If you have that kind of success when teams KNOW you must throw then you should have as good or better success when they don’t know you’re going to throw the ball. The biggest reasons last year was such a down year for Bortles: 1) The O-line wasn’t stopping opposing defenses; 2) The receivers were dropping too many catchable balls; and 3) the coaching staff put handcuffs on him after the fourth game of the season. If the O-line can protect him better and the receivers catch the catchable balls, Bortles is one of the better QBs in the league.

John: You make decent points. I never bought into the “garbage time” theory all that much about Bortles because I really didn’t care about his statistics in 2015. What concerned me was the Jaguars struggled to convert third downs, had far too many long stretches of offensive ineffectiveness – particularly early in games – and that Bortles at the time seemed to have little pocket presence and therefore ran into a lot of sacks. I believed he needed to make dramatic improvements there. Bortles is a lot better in those areas this season, and he has had far more good performances with games in doubt or with the Jaguars ahead than in years past. That’s why I believe he has had far more good games this season than in his 2015 season. I’m not ready to put Bortles in the category of one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, but I do think he’s improving – and he can only be helped his receivers catching the ball as they did last week and by the offensive line protecting better than it has much of the season.

Scott from Jacksonville:
Just win, baby. I don’t care how … I don’t care by how many … just get us a win. BIG GAME!

John: #DTWD
 

 

 
 

 

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Ask Vic: Violence made the ratings spike

​Here are my Week 14 power rankings:
1. Patriots – A cut above everyone.
2. Vikings – Old-fashioned muscle team.
3. Eagles – Momentum at stake vs. Rams.
4. Saints – Win in Atlanta would leave no doubt.
5. Rams – Arrow pointing straight up.
6. Steelers – Toughness is their trademark.
7. Falcons – Must beat Saints tonight.
8. Panthers – They don’t get it done.
9. Seahawks – Here they come!
10. Chargers – Can they stay hot down the stretch?
11. Titans – Headed for showdown with Jaguars.
12. Jaguars – Will be tested by Seahawks.
13. Raiders – Chiefs’ collapse has opened the door.
14. Bills – Gronk has given them a cause.
15. Ravens – Must win in Pittsburgh.
16. Lions – Fading in December, again.
17. Cowboys – Can they stay alive until Elliott returns?
18. Cardinals – Out of contention.
19. Jets – Gritty.
20. Chiefs – It wasn’t the play-calling.
21. Packers – Beware of Browns.
22. Redskins – A play here and there made the difference.
23. Bengals – Lack discipline.
24. Texans – Watson gave them a glimpse.
25. Dolphins – Nothing accomplished in 2017.
26. 49ers – Big decision to make on Garropolo.
27. Bears – Is Trubisky the guy?
28. Bucs – Lots of yards but not enough points.
29. Broncos –  Not accustomed to this position.
30. Colts – The end is near.
31. Giants – The gavel has fallen.
32. Browns – Did they tamper with McCarron?

Vincent from Seattle, WA
Why have dried grapes in a perfectly good oatmeal cookie when you could have chocolate?

You’re soft.

Kevin from Omaha, NE
Vic, you should have caught some of the double OT UCF-Memphis game. I know, no defense, but non-stop action.

I watched some of it. Garbage football.

Steve from Phoenix, AZ
I assume I’m not alone in wanting to hear your perspective on the 60-minute slugfest that Ben referred to as “AFC North football.” It looked to cross the line at times. I don’t think football will last two more decades if this kind of display persists.

Bengals-Steelers games are the exception. They’re two teams that hate each other intensely. Their game is a perfect example of what not to do. Seriously, though, Roethlisberger is right, that’s AFC North football, and if the Vikings are the new power team in the NFC North, then everybody else in the NFC North better start learning how to play the AFC North way, because Mike Zimmer is a graduate of that division. That offside on the field goal try? Intentional; that’s the kind of stuff they do in the AFC North. It almost worked; the kicker was limping. All I could do was watch and laugh. There’s something wrong with the people in that division, and it’s what’s wrong in all of us. We’re attracted to violence. That’s why the ratings for that game were through the roof.

Donovan from Baldwin Park, CA
Is it wrong for me to have liked that Steelers-Bengals game on MNF? Part of me thinks the NFL knows the history and put the game on prime time intentionally.

You think? Really? The NFL would take advantage of our primal desires merely to improve their sagging TV ratings? In the player-safety era? Hmmm, I gotta think on that one.

Lori from Brookfield, WI
Which teams in the league have “The Man?”

Having “The Man” is like pornography: You’ll know it when you see it.

Josh from Oshkosh, WI
Vic, I am conflicted. I truly believe without improvement to player safety the league will die within a few decades. But I absolutely love watching AFC North football games for all of their grit and glory. Was Monday night’s game what games looked like in the 1960s and 1970s?

Not one of those controversial plays in the Steelers-Bengals game would’ve been penalized, fined, criticized or even discussed by the broadcasters in the ’70s. They all would’ve been regarded as examples of good, clean, hard-nosed football. Watch this clip from Super Bowl IX. No penalty, no fine, no criticism; good, clean, hard-nosed football. Don Meredith called it “a good pop.” I thought John Gilliam’s head came off.

Dave from Chippewa Falls, WI
They’re still leading with their heads, and someone is telling them it’s OK to do it.

No one is telling them it’s OK to do it. No one told them 40 years ago it was OK to do it. “Hit what you see; see what you hit.” That was always the coaches’ mantra, at all levels. What fans aren’t understanding is the basic human instinct to protect yourself. Fans are constantly complaining about poor tackling, as though the players don’t want to tackle correctly. That’s not it. It’s just not normal to confront a 230-pound running back at full speed and wrap your arms around him so he can drive his knees through your ribs and jam the top of his helmet into your face. It’s just human nature to protect yourself. If you wanna single out a play in the Steelers-Bengals game, find the facemask-to-facemask train wreck between the Bengals’ Vontaze Burfict and Steelers running back James Conner. That’s how you do it. Now try finding guys who wanna do it like that.

Braden from Waukesha, WI
Josh Gordon returned on Sunday and had a pretty impressive game for a guy who hasn’t played football in three years. He’s on the last year of his contract and will become a free agent. Let’s say in the next four games he puts up some good numbers. A guy with the raw talent is intriguing but the three years of suspensions make it hard to pay him well. What is the market value for a guy like that?

Not much. He’s a wide receiver; dime a dozen. Now, if he was a left tackle, that would be different.

Dan from Sebastapol, CA
How would you fix the college playoff system? Do you think the five champions of the five power conferences and one at large for six total would work better? Or would you make it eight teams?

The number of teams isn’t the issue; that’ll just produce more subjectivity. I get a lot of email from people who tell me how to fix the college football playoffs, but what they don’t understand is there isn’t a single ruling body that can make all of that happen; the conferences won’t agree to it. Here’s my plan: Each of the five power conferences are to give the NCAA a champion, and a committee picks four to compete in the playoffs. No more Penn State wins the Big 10 but Ohio State goes to the playoffs, or Alabama doesn’t win the SEC and goes to the playoffs and that means two teams from the same conference are going to the playoffs. My plan is real simple: To go to the playoffs, you must win your conference. Once the playoff teams are decided, then seed them. I think the five power conferences would agree to that. I hate the idea Alabama and Georgia could play for the national title. That’s just another conference title game. College football is hopeless. Think about the NFL games you’ve seen recently: Packers-Steelers, Bucs-Packers, Steelers-Bengals. How many weeks of college football would it take to produce that kind of drama?

Brandon from Kimberly, WI
Vic, I’m watching the Steelers-Bengals game and the left guard of the Steelers keeps getting in his stance then out. I understand he is reading Ben and letting the center know he’s ready. What I don’t understand is why that’s legal.

An offensive lineman isn’t considered to be set until he puts his hand on the ground.

Mike from Hampton, VA
I love reading your replies, especially since you retired. Hoping for an “Ask Vic” blog every day.

Here’s what I’ll do: If the Packers win the next two games, I’ll do an “Ask Vic” every day the week of the Vikings game, in celebration of the arrival of my December friend.

Randy from Billings, MT
What will it take for the Packers defense to be good enough to get off the field regularly on third down?

Rush the passer!

Matthew from Oshkosh, WI
Vic, what’s your honest opinion on Kevin King? Will he be the future shutdown corner the Packers are so desperately seeking, or was it a mistake to draft him? Can’t help but think GB will shoot for another CB in the first round of the 2018 draft.

I see nothing in King’s play that suggests he wasn’t a quality pick and won’t become a fixture at cornerback. The problem with the perception of King right now is he’s been put on injured reserve at a time when T.J. Watt is hitting it out of the park. Draft-day trades do that. Watt will forever be attached to King. Watt will be an anchor Watt will have to drag his whole career.

Jeff from Alexandria, VA
How do the Packers improve their roster?

By losing games and getting higher draft picks.

Tim from Jacksonville, FL
Will Sunday’s game versus the Seahawks be an indicator of whether the Jaguars will be a real contender this year?

The Jaguars are and will continue to be a real contender. What Sunday’s game against the Seahawks will decide is the direction of the Jaguars’ December arrow. The good news for the Jaguars is they own the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Ravens and Chargers.

Randall from Sun Prairie, WI
What’s going on with Leonard Fournette? Are teams loading up against the run? Is he hobbled by injury? Does his offensive line stink? Is he not as good as we thought? Rookie wall? Any or all of the above?

The Jaguars are No. 1 in rushing and No. 21 in passing. They lack balance.

Adam from Chicago, IL
Which professional sport has the best postseason?

If you want a true champion, the NHL is the one. The endurance required to win the Stanley Cup is difficult to comprehend. For drama, give me the NFL.

Stephen from Jacksonville, FL
How many different NFL stadiums have you been to so far? Which stadiums no longer standing or used currently by the NFL do you most vividly remember? Which are your favorites?

At last count, I had covered NFL games in about 80 stadiums, including Neyland Stadium, Husky Stadium, the Liberty Bowl and Olympic Stadium in Barcelona. I’ve covered games in several college stadiums and stadiums that no longer exist. I covered the last football game ever played in Shea Stadium. Of the stadiums that no longer exist, Cleveland Stadium is by far my favorite because it was by far the worst and by far the one I remember most vividly. I’ll never forget the press box jammed into the corner of the upper deck and its world’s highest outhouse and greyhound hot dogs. I rarely covered a game there on a day it wasn’t cold, gray and wet; it was all part of the experience. My favorites are Three Rivers, the one in Jacksonville of many names and, of course, Lambeau Field. It’s for the obvious reason: They became my home in the fall. Memories? A water pipe bursting in the Riverfront press box on a three-degree day. Donuts and beer for a pregame meal at the Vet. Pizza being delivered for halftime at Jack Murphy. The condemned sign on the press box at the LA Coliseum and the stalls and doors in the visitors’ locker room, behind which Joe Gilliam hid on a night when drug usage ruined his career. The sound of those pom-poms swishing and that wonderful song playing in the Astrodome. Memories? I have too many for one column.

Justin from Titonka, IA
Did you enjoy the Bengals-Steelers game?

I enjoyed it immensely. I acknowledge and support the player-safety movement, but I confess to a primal attraction to physical confrontation. My culture was determined a long time ago. Back then, what happened on Monday night was more than OK, it was the goal. I’m trying to change, but neither my love of football nor the game’s popularity was built on safe.

 

 

 
 

 

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O-Zone: Push the button

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

David from Fleming Island, FL:
Winning is fun. Can I expect fun next Sunday?

John: Can you “expect” fun Sunday? Can you “expect” the Jaguars to beat the Seattle Seahawks? Hell, David, I don’t know: I thought the Jaguars’ game against the Colts this past Sunday was going to be tight into the fourth quarter – and I thought fans could be nervous until the end. So what do I know? On a serious note, I do think you can expect a few things Sunday. For the energy in at EverBank Field to be intense. For the Jaguars to be as ready to play as they have been for any game this season. For them to play well defensively. And yes, I think the Jaguars have a good chance to win Sunday. It’s obviously going to be a tough matchup. Seattle is a proud, talented veteran team fighting for a playoff appearance; that makes any opponent tough. The Seahawks have a quarterback in Russell Wilson who is capable of making plays above the Xs and Os – and as importantly, he’s capable of those sorts of plays over and over again in a single drive and single game. He makes you make more than one good play on a single play to stop him, or even to contain him. I absolutely think the Jaguars can win—and if they do, it would qualify as the most significant victory of the season to date. Yes, it would be more significant than beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh in Week 5. The difference in the two games? One was in September and the other is in December. A victory in December? Over a veteran, contending team? That would be big. Can you expect it? I have no idea.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:
O, which matchup will be more critical: Our defense against a red-hot quarterback in Russell Wilson, or our ascending quarterback against a defense with a great deal of pride trying to overcome significant injuries?

John: Wilson versus the Jaguars’ defense. No, wait: Bortles versus the Seattle defense. No, wait: Wilson versus the …

Phil from Woodmere, NY:
The new Jaguars’ winning formula needs to be this: sell out to score points early. Do whatever it takes. They are a different team when playing with a lead and I admired how they came out firing against the Colts. If teams are going to stack the box, we can’t be afraid to take advantage of it. That was some great coaching this week. This team reminds me of the old Steelers of the early 2000s. Throw early, run late. That’s our formula.

John: You may be onto something with the winning formula. Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone said after the Colts game Sunday that wanting to establish a margin played into the early fake punt – and there’s no question this team plays well with a lead. When you rush the passer and cover as the Jaguars do, the quicker you get opponents into a position where they must pass, the better. I don’t know if the Jaguars will “sell out” in every game to get that lead if that means taking undue risks to get that lead; you still must play smart and you don’t want to play so willy-nilly that you make mistakes that take your struggling offense completely out of the game. As far as coaching … yes, it was great Sunday. Fantastic. A lot of fans liked it. It’s striking what a direct correlation there is between a coach’s popularity and winning. Weird.

Jags Fan 818 from Jacksonville:
The Titans are our last game. If we stay tied with them and beat them in Nashville, where would the tiebreaker game be held to get home-field advantage and would the loser of the game automatically be the wild card?

John: There wouldn’t be a tiebreaker game; there’s no such thing in the NFL. If the Jaguars and Titans finish with equal overall records, the first tiebreaker would be head-to-head record and the second would be record in the division. Here’s one way to think of it: The Jaguars can lose to the Seahawks Sunday and still win the AFC South if they win their final three games. The Jaguars would be assured of at least finishing tied with Tennessee in that scenario. And if the Jaguars win the rest of their games after Seattle, they would finish with a 5-1 division record; because Tennessee already has one loss in the division, that scenario would give the Titans at least two division losses at season’s end and therefore ensure the Jaguars winning the division.

Nick from Phoenix, AZ:
How many times this season does he have to have “maybe-the-best-game-of-his-career” games to have played the best season of his career? You have insider information … are the players behind Blake in your opinion?

John: Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles through 12 games has played better this season than at any point in his career. That’s difficult to state “as fact,” but that’s my opinion. While he threw for more yards and touchdowns in 2015, he has had more good meaningful performances with the game in doubt this season than he had that season – a lot more, actually. Bortles has improved this season in many areas such as decision-making, pocket presence and command of the offense. As for the players being behind Bortles … yes. Absolutely.

John from Cape May Courthouse, NJ:
It’s amazing how much better the offense looks when the receivers catch the ball. Blake has thrown the ball well for the majority of the season; the receivers, for the most part, haven’t held up on their end. If the passing game can continue to perform like it did last week, there isn’t a team we can’t beat.

John: You’re correct that the receivers played well Sunday – and that they need to continue to play well. Still, it may not be realistic to expect the passing game to perform every week at the level it did last Sunday. This is a group right now made up of largely of two rookies – Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole – along with veteran Marqise Lee, and a quarterback who has been pressured a lot this season. The Jaguars also were playing a struggling Colts team that had been hurt by injuries in the secondary. Still, the passing game really doesn’t have to match the 309 yards from Bortles and 213 yards from the receivers it got Sunday. It doesn’t have to be perfect. What it does have to do is give the Jaguars some plays downfield and more consistency than it has given them much of the season. That’s doable.

Big on Blake from Philly:
You know, Mr. O-man: it’s usually uncouth to provide yourself a nickname for others to use in reference, but what the Jags’ Twitter team did. It’s really making waves. One fer the Jags’ social media team and the national media for latching on to the #Sacksonville Jaguars. When nfl.com refers to Seattle’s next match up in Duval vs. the Sacksonville Jaguars … well, that’s just special.

John: Too true. I keep waiting for my nickname to catch on. Alas, it appears “Maybe Not as Big a Jackass As People Think” remains curiously slow to take hold.

Bill from Hawthorn Woods, IL:
The Seahawks looked good Sunday night against a good Eagles team. It appears this weekend’s game will be a good barometer against a wining, playoff caliber team. This isn’t the Colts or Browns coming to town. It is a double-chin strap game. December football … and the kind of game you win at home if you expect to do well in the postseason. Thoughts?

John: It’s a good barometer – and it would be a huge victory. But to think the Jaguars can’t win in the postseason if they lose to Seattle … no.

Dan from Rincon, GA:
Paul Posluszny may not have the aptitude for the huge plays like Telvin Smith or Myles Jack but seems to be one of the most consistent players, always in the right place and making the tackle. I guess my point is that he’s still very good. Have you seen a dropoff in his ability as he’s gotten older? I really hope we can keep this group of linebackers together for a few more years. Our cornerbacks get all the attention, as they should, but our linebacker group doesn’t look too shabby, either.

John: It’s hard to predict what the Jaguars will do with Posluszny after the season. He is an unrestricted free agent after the season and I don’t know that he wants to play anywhere else. What would it take for him to return? At what cost? Those are questions for the offseason.

Ray from Newport News, VA:
John, what am I to do? I just realized that the Jaguars will not have a Top 5 or even a Top 10 pick in next year’s draft. Should we panic? Nah. Let’s be happy. #DTWD

John: No. You should panic. That’s always appropriate.
 

 

 
 

 

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O-Zone: All the best

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Steve from Nashville, TN:

The Jags’ season has been fun and impressive so far; this weekend they have a test at home against the Seattle Seahawks, a team that our division rival – the Titans – handled easily earlier in the year. If they can beat the Seahawks, I would call that a statement game.

John: This is going to be a major theme this week not only in the O-Zone, but pretty much anywhere the Jaguars are discussed. So, we may as well get started. This indeed is as big a Jaguars game as there has been at EverBank Field in a long, long time – seven seasons, a decade, maybe longer. Regarding your context, the Tennessee Titans beat the Seahawks by six points in Week 3. But while the Titans were ahead by double digits during the second half, the game was played long enough ago that the result has little to do with what to expect on Sunday. As for the meaning of Sunday’s game, I’m not big on “statement” or “respect” games. That storyline is attached to far too many games and therefore often lacks meaning. But for the Jaguars right now, with the way they’re talking about respect and with their status as an ascending team … yeah, a victory would speak more loudly than words. This is a big one, and the Jaguars absolutely can make a statement and get respect and all of those things they and their fans covet so much.

Kelsey from Greenville, SC:

John Boy, I think this defense is spoiling me. I hear four sacks and two picks and my first thought is, “That’s it?” It would seem that I’ve gotten too used to ten-sack games, to defensive scoring, to the Yannick Ngakoue Strip-Sack Special. They only gave up ten points and I’m almost disappointed! Just goes to show how good they’ve been this season.

John: Fair point.

Robert from Moorpark, CA:

Blake Bortles is my quarterback, and I really hope to see him back next season. “Good” Bortles would look great with a healthy Allen Robinson.

John: Four weeks remain in the regular season and the postseason possibly will follow. For that reason, it’s difficult to speculate with accuracy what will happen with a lot of the Jaguars’ offensive players in the offseason. But would this version of Bortles – a version making better decisions, playing with more pocket awareness, etc., than past versions – benefit from Robinson’s ability to make plays above the Xs and Os? Yes. Absolutely.

Jason from Da’Hass:

Bortles has made improvements in decision-making by not forcing as many throws as in years past, and footwork as evidenced on his first touchdown pass Sunday. That cannot be disputed. However, let’s all agree his performance against the Colts should have been expected and not a sign of him turning some invisible corner. He is still struggling with accuracy and throws too many interceptable passes. If he can clean that up and become more consistent in the last quarter of the season, I may feel more confident having him on the team next year.

John: I’m trying to remember where it was written here or anywhere else that Bortles was perfect – Sunday, in recent weeks or this season. Of course there are areas he must improve. But I do wonder about your statement that Bortles is “struggling with accuracy.” I’d say those struggles have been a lot less in the last few games. He completed a high percentage of his passes Sunday because receivers caught catchable passes. Had they done so for the last month, there would have been much more talk about Bortles’ improvement. Bortles hasn’t been perfect in recent weeks, but his accuracy for the most part during that time has been inconsistent on a relatively normal level for NFL quarterbacks.

Steve from Jacksonville:

I don’t know if this made the television, but one fer Jalen Ramsey. Obviously the interception was cool, but even cooler was that he came over to my section and gave the ball to a kid wearing his jersey. Totally made that kid’s day. I know he comes across as cocky and arrogant (Exhibit A is that interview following the A.J. Green incident), but totally cool to see him go out of his way to make a kid’s day.

John: When you’re right, you’re right. That was cool.

Otto from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

John, finally Nathaniel Hackett has shown some imagination in the Jags’ offensive scheme. The obvious run up the middle on most plays was not working anymore with teams loading the box with eight players. This also allows Blake Bortles to expand the passing game. Well done by all.

John: The Jaguars are 11th in the NFL in total offense. I can only assume that means there are 21 offenses with coordinators less imaginative than Hackett. #finally #alwayscoaching

Jon from Chapel Hill, NC:

John O, do you think that playing only base situations for the bulk of the year could benefit Poz and the Jaguars come playoff time? That would be a significant number of plays off and he could provide a veteran presence that is more fresh?

John: I suppose Paul Posluszny being more rested in years past than before won’t hurt, but I can’t see that it will add much benefit. Posluszny is playing base-only situations because Telvin Smith and Myles Jack are on the field in nickel situations. It’s not as if the Jaguars are suddenly going to change their linebacker rotation because Posluszny is fresher.

Jonathan from Jacksonville:

Bortles played well Sunday, but this is the Colts tram that is struggling on offense without Andrew Luck, a banged up secondary and an overall bad defense. Come back to me when he can carry this team by winning games and playing well “consistently” against better teams like the one coming in this Sunday.

John: One step at a time, Jonathan.

Henry from Section 215:

Love the win, but I hate the fact that we kept playing nicked-up players after the game was pretty much decided. When you have a three-score lead in the fourth quarter, why not pull key players with injuries (Jalen Ramsey, Brandon Linder, Leonard Fournette)? I feel like that was a bad coaching decision. What say you?

John: I say it’s tough to call decisions good or bad if you don’t have the same information as those making the decision. I don’t know the extent of the injuries to the players; I know what I see and what can assume, but that’s different than knowing the extent. If the players could play at no increased risk of further injury, then there’s no issue with playing the players.

Rob from Common Sense:

How about “one fer” letting Fournette heal his obviously injured ankle?! Are you kidding me? He is completely unable to change direction. He had one play where he lost six yards trying to protect himself and I thought for sure he would be taken out after he practically crawled off the field … again. But no, he got zero treatment and then we trotted him back on the field with a 20-point lead? Are they trying to end his career? Don’t you think a healthy Ivory can be as effective as an obviously hobbled Fournette? Don’t you think resting Fournette until the playoffs or at least the Titans game would benefit the team and this kid in the future? I want to win but I want Fournette in the playoffs and long term. His ankle looks bad. Your thoughts?

John: Hey, one fer knowing things others don’t know and always being right! And one fer the Jaguars already having clinched a playoff spot! I didn’t know about that. Or maybe I missed it.

Geoff from Jacksonville:

Great, professional win on Sunday. But O, what is wrong with the running game? Starting to get worried since we’re going to need that in the playoffs.

John: The running game essentially is what it has been much of the season. While the Jaguars lead the NFL in rushing, there actually have been few games when this offense controlled the line of scrimmage in the running game. The Jaguars hit several big runs offensively and on special teams this season, but with the exception of games against Pittsburgh and the Los Angeles Rams, rookie running back Leonard Fournette typically has been under 4.0 a carry in most games this season. When he was fully healthy early in the season, he could will, squeeze and power his way for a slightly higher yards per carry than he is now; but the times the Jaguars have reeled off multiple effective runs in succession are few and far between. If you add in the fact that teams are stacking the box to stop Fournette, you have a running game that is stagnating right now. How will it improve? The best hope is for the Jaguars to continue to throw effectively. Perhaps that will get teams out of the box, which could lead to Fournette getting more room to run.

The Suckup from O-Zone:

You are the best!

John: Fake news.

 

 
 

 

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Ask Vic: Packers beat more talented team

 Bret from Mililani, HI
Vic, we’re so close. Should we relax and hopefully run the table? Is help on the way? Has your December friend arrived?

Close? Really? I think you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. I think you’ve allowed an emotional win over a struggling opponent to dramatically and dangerously alter your perspective. Yesterday’s win has given the Packers another week of life, but I wouldn’t describe the Packers as being close to a playoff berth or of running the table. The table includes games at Carolina and Detroit, which sandwich a return bout with the Vikings, the hottest team in the league. The Falcons own the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Packers. The Packers must win at Carolina to claim the head-to-head edge against the other top contender in the wild-card race. Carolina went into yesterday’s game at New Orleans as the No. 2 defense, third against the run and sixth against the pass.

Nathan from New York, NY
Do the Vikings have “The Man?”

I don’t think they have “The Man,” but he might be good enough until “The Man” gets there. Case Keenum is making sound decisions and timely plays that play to the Vikings’ strength, which is their defense.

Jon from Cedar Rapids, IA
What kind of fans are we to boo a team that won? Yes, Hundley did not play well but that means the team stepped up and pulled through to win.

In my opinion, Packers fans need a dose of reality. They need to begin seeing their team for what it is, which is, in my opinion, a team with more want to than can do. Given a choice between the two rosters that faced each other yesterday, I’d pick the Bucs’ roster. In other words, I think the Packers found a way to beat a more talented team.

Dustin from Seymour, WI
What must the Packers do to build off this win and keep December interesting?

Beat the Browns and turn the focus to a game in Carolina that may define the Packers’ season.

Ben from Hilo, HI
Which team from this season most resembles the team GM Vic would attempt to assemble?

The Falcons are my kind of team: They have a power running game that meshes beautifully with an explosive passing attack, and their defense is young and aggressive. From where I sit, the Falcons have it all: star quarterback and wide receiver, two hard-running backs, speed and power rushers, and a fly-around secondary. So why are they losing big games, as they did yesterday to the Vikings? I don’t have an answer for that question, but I love the Falcons’ talent and I can’t help but think they might get hot at just the right time.

Greg from Danbury, CT
Missed the game, saw the stats. Shouldn’t have won. Saw the highlights; heckuva character win. I feel good about this team.

Losing the stats but winning the game is usually indicative of a team with a sharp focus and strong leadership. The Packers are still alive in the playoff race because they are beautifully coached and have a head coach who provides great leadership. Another head coach might have lost this team by now. The loss in Pittsburgh could’ve been a killer. Packers fans need to stop focusing on 57-yard field goal attempts and begin seeing the big picture.

Johan from Pembroke, ON
Just win, baby! Does it get simpler than that?

If you avoid the over-analysis that can blind us to the facts, you’ll learn to enjoy and appreciate what really happened. Yesterday, the Packers wanted it more than the Bucs. A head coach is first and foremost a leader. The Packers are products of the leadership their head coach provides. The Chiefs are the opposite example, and that’s why I say Andy Reid needs to stop looking at his play sheet and start looking into his players’ eyes.

Randy from Aurora, CO
One down for Green Bay. It wasn’t pretty, but they all count. Can they beat Cleveland to get to seven wins?

The Browns don’t have an 0-12 defense; all of the problems are on the offensive side of the ball. Before you put this one in the win column, give some thought to the Browns’ No. 9 defense, and what could happen if the Packers get loose with the football. I promise you, Mike McCarthy will alert his team to what can happen should the Packers lose their edge. He’ll have his team ready to play. You don’t want this game to define your season, if you know what I mean.

Dan from Sebastapol, CA
Vic, which two teams do you think will play for the college championship and who is your pick to win it all?

These are the four best. I don’t like the process that picked them, but they got the right four and it’s the best that can be done given a flawed system. All four teams are title worthy. I’ll pick Alabama to beat Oklahoma in the title game.

Melany from Wisconsin
What are your thoughts on whether Aaron Rodgers should play in Week 15 if his upcoming scan is clear and the Packers beat the Browns? The competitor in me is bothered by the save it for next season buzz by some fans and NFL commentators. It’s a losing mentality. And there are no guarantees about next season. As long as a playoff spot is in play, the best players should be on the field this season.

“What are you saving it for, Ketchman, the prom?” Words from our youth stick with us forever. Melany, they don’t pay these guys to not play. If the Packers beat the Browns and Aaron Rodgers is healed, it’s a no-brainer.

Andrew from Minneapolis, MN
More college football blowouts were portrayed on Saturday afternoon. That surprised me during conference championship weekend. Was the bigger factor coaching or execution? Ohio State looked faster than Wisconsin.

Ohio State won that game on national letter of intent day.

Adam from Oshkosh, WI
Heartbreaking loss for the Badgers, but it was a great B1G Championship Game! My question is: Have ESPN and the announcers stopped tripping over themselves, yet, annointing Ohio State as the next national championship winner? Had the Badgers pulled it off, I’m sure they’d be tripping over themselves figuring out how to put Alabama in and leave out the B1G. Aren’t agendas fun?

It was the best of the conference title games, but it certainly wasn’t a great game. It was a game loaded with errors. Ohio State scored 10 points for Wisconsin and had to settle for a field goal at clinch time, leaving the door open for Wisconsin to win with a touchdown, which the Badgers didn’t even threaten to do. I watched the Big 12, SEC and ACC title games and the average margin of difference in those games was 26.7 points. College football continues to be a bad product and I continue to be angry at myself for spending entire days watching it, as I did on Saturday. Why do I do it? I guess it’s because I love the hype. College football is constant, mind-numbing band music and TV shots of students trying to one-up each other with idiotic behavior, such as jumping up and down for three hours. Stir in Gus “Old Yeller” Johnson screaming as though every completed pass was the game-winner, and the hype becomes great camouflage for a bad product. I’m ashamed of myself for the hours I’ve wasted on a product that doesn’t even have a definitive plan for determining its champion.

Rob from Northfield, WI
If everyone had picked the ’70s Steelers, what would your argument have been for the ’60s Packers?

The Packers won five titles; the Steelers won four.

Stephen from Jacksonville, FL
Do you think Fred Taylor was under-utilized as a receiver during his career? I always thought that was an area of his game where he didn’t get enough credit.

Fred couldn’t catch. That was the weakness in his game. If he had been on the Titanic and someone had thrown him a life preserver, he would’ve dropped it. He had his vision corrected, but it only made matters worse; he could then see what he was dropping. Fred was a runner, and he might be the most talented runner I ever covered.

Marc from Hartford, VT
Vic, how do you think Giants fans are feeling about seeing the switch at QB from a Super Bowl winning quarterback to a huge disappointment?

Here’s how they should feel: The Giants stink, Eli Manning is not the future at quarterback and it’s time to move on. If it’s nostalgia you seek, open up your high school yearbook.

​Jeff from Madison, WI
What good does it do for you to get good in December if you’re not in the playoffs. As was said after we totally screwed ourselves out of a Super Bowl appearance in 2014, next season is a whole new team. With all the changes due to free agency, etc., we are practically building a whole new team from scratch every season.

I know, Jeff, and thanks for noticing.

Adam from Chucago, IL
What is your crunch time these days?

I have no crunch time. Every day is like the day after winning the Super Bowl.

Matt from Eau Claire, WI
Do you agree with the Giants decision to bench Eli?

Yes. It’s one of the only things the Giants have done this season that’s made sense.

Brad from Parker, CO
Is Eli Manning a first-ballot Hall of Famer?

His two Super Bowl wins say he is, but his body of work says let’s talk about this some more. His career includes a lot of bad seasons; he was an interception machine in those years. He’s a member of a deep class of quarterbacks who’ll likely become Hall of Fame candidates within the same 5-year period. I see him as no higher than the middle of that class.

 
 
 

 

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