Category: Uncategorized

O-Zone: Wash away my shame

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Chris from Roseville, CA:
I think Jags fans lean towards angry and can’t enjoy the season because so many think the NFL should be like college with 57-0 games every week. You’d think after 22 years of NFL in Jacksonville that people would realize the differences.

John: I once bought into the theory that the success of local college football teams caused many Jaguars fans to struggle with the idea of 17-16 or 21-17 victories being OK in the NFL. This theory held water when I covered the team in the 1990s for the Florida Times-Union; that was when Florida and Florida State routinely reeled off 10-, 11- and-12 victory seasons – and just as routinely beat teams by 20 or 30 points. Those days are no more, and many Jaguars fans still struggle with tight victories. That has helped me realize close-game angst has less to do with college football and more to do with the nature of fans wanting their team to win big and worrying when it doesn’t. The moral: worry not about college football, and simply remember that – whatever the circumstance – fans gonna fan.

Jason from Falling Waters, WV:
Max McCaffrey, then Jaelen Strong, now Larry Pinkard. Our wide receivers are weak. They need a reliable veteran. TO is available. League minimum, why not??

John: They’re too busy trying to reach Alworth.

Sid from Sidsonville:
It’s early, but what do you think about the group of quarterbacks that will be available in the upcoming draft? Any good fits for the Jaguars? Any you would not consider?

John: Check back at the end of the season or playoffs – or more specifically, after the Senior Bowl. That’s when I start focusing on the draft enough to fake insight.

Jon from Apple Valley, CA:
Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Arrelious Benn, Shane Wynn, Rashad Greene. Are all these receivers still on the team and injured? No news on when they come back?

John: All of the players you mentioned are on injured reserve and will not return this season – with the exception of Allen Hurns. He has missed the last two games with an ankle injury and is eligible to return when healthy. I don’t expect that to be this week. Robinson went on injured reserve following a Week 1 torn anterior cruciate ligament and Benn went on later in the season following a knee injury. Wynn and Greene have been on since before the regular season began.

Limo Bob from Neptune Beach, FL:
Get rid of the demons. Beat Tennessee New Year’s, then play them in playoffs at home and give them a butt woppin.

John: We look ahead after Tuesday each week. We don’t look that far ahead. #buttwoppin

Fabian from Jacksonville:
Sup, John. So, I was watching Doug Marrone’s Wednesday press conference where he complimented cornerback Aaron Colvin’s high level of play this season and it made me wonder: Do you think that Jags players watch these press conferences? If so, I feel like it’d be used as motivation for them to prove him right?

John: I imagine some players watch Marrone’s press conferences – at least on occasion. But I doubt Marrone says anything to the media he hasn’t already expressed to the player – probably on more than one occasion. Marrone seems to do most of his communicating and motivating directly.

Dan NEZ Deck:
With Josh Gordon coming back to the Browns, do you think there is any chance we’ll ever see Justin Blackmon back in the NFL?

John: No.

Bill from Orange Park, FL:
John, we didn’t see Chris Ivory after the fumble in Arizona. If they activate Jermey Parnell and Patrick Omameh, they probably will want to go heavy offensive line for at least their first week back, thus speculating we don’t see all four tailbacks dressed Sunday. If that is the case, do you think it will be Ivory or Yeldon in street clothes? I know they had success early in the year with the Leonard-Chris power-power combo, but it’s hard to argue T.J.’s value in the passing game of late. Your thoughts, Sir?

John: I think you’ll see all four running backs active if healthy for the rest of the season. One reason is that Leonard Fournette has dealt with an ankle issue for the last month, and you need depth in case he leaves the game. You also don’t want to be without both Ivory and Fournette available if you can avoid it.

Alex from Los Angeles, CA:
Why don’t we lighten up your inbox, Sir OZone? I can’t say I’ve had the chance to enjoy an NFL season as much as this one. This defense is infinitely fun and we have had a good chance to win every single game this year. One fer Barry Church. He has been the most underrated part of the defense this year! #DTWD

John: Hey, one fer Church!

Sam from Orlando, FL:
Jermaine Gresham sure seemed to be open a lot in the middle of the field on Sunday. Linebackers need to figure out how to cover tight ends, quick: two-to-three-step drops and tight ends in the middle of the field seem to be a glaring weakness for the Jags.

John: The Cardinals completed eight passes to tight ends for 107 yards, with one of those passes going for a 29-yard touchdown immediately after weak-side linebacker Telvin Smith left the game. Cardinals tight ends caught four passes for 52 yards with Smith and Myles Jack both in the game. This clearly was an issue Sunday, and an area that the Cardinals exploited. The NFL is a copycat league, and it’s also a league of adjustments. Good teams and defenses often get burned by an offensive approach for a week or two; the better teams adjust. The focus for the Jaguars’ coaches now is to adapt and scheme against this approach. I agree that teams will attack tight ends in the middle of the field – and do so quickly – because the Jaguars’ defensive front has done good job rushing the quarterback and because the cornerbacks have locked down wide receivers, but I don’t know that it’s reached a crisis point yet.

Ambuj from Minneapolis, MN:
The way defenses stack the box against our run plays suggests that play action and read option should be used more often. What am I missing?

John: The Jaguars used read option quite a bit last week. They could use it more, but Bortles takes enough punishment dropping to pass that you must be smart in how many more hits you force him to take running the read option. As far as play action, the Jaguars use it. Its effectiveness often depends on offensive linemen holding blocks and receivers making catches downfield. There have been struggles in those areas of late.

Taylor from Houston, TX:
Bortles by no means is playing great Top 10 Quarterback football, but he also is not playing Bottom 10 Quarterback football either. He is maneuvering the pocket great, making plays with his feet and flat-out making five-to-six elite plays per game, yet people in the Jacksonville media beat him up like he is terrible player. Houston did this same thing to Case Keenum a few years back – and I just can’t get my head around the logic of beating up an average homegrown quarterback. The guy is 26 and has everything to be an elite quarterback – and it feels as if Jacksonville and the media want him to be worse than he is. Be careful what you wish for because half of the league would love to have a quarterback like Bortles and he is treated like crap in Jacksonville.

John: I don’t get the idea that the media has been unfairly critical of Bortles in Jacksonville. As for how fans “treat” him, there are many who support him and many who want him out of Jacksonville; such is the nature of the beast of playing quarterback in the NFL. I wrote often in the offseasons following the 2015 and 2016 seasons that Bortles had much improving to do to be an elite quarterback. He’s not elite, but he has improved this season. He has been much more aware in the pocket, and his improvement throwing the deep ball has been obscured by receivers dropping a lot of said deep balls. He has been good this season evading pressure, and his command of the offense is much better than in the past. Does that improvement add up Bortles being good enough? I don’t know that that question is answerable yet. I do know Bortles has helped the Jaguars more than he has hurt them in most games this season. One thing he must do – and this trumps a lot of other things – is cut out the late key mistakes. You can’t ignore the errors late games against Arizona and the Los Angeles Chargers. Until those stop, a lot of the other improvement matters a lot less.

Bill from Folkston, GA:
Hey, John: What is your favorite Three Dog Night song?

John: Shambala.
 
 
 

 

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Ask Vic: Theory on why McCarthy tried long field goal

​Here are my Week 13 power rankings:
1. Eagles – At Seattle this week.
2. Patriots – Cream of the AFC.
3. Falcons – Playing as well as any team.
4. Vikings – Showdown of hot teams in Atlanta.
5. Rams – Big win over Saints.
6. Saints – Big one against Carolina coming up.
7. Panthers – Newton is both the solution and the problem.
8. Steelers – Lost some shine against Packers.
9. Chargers – They might win the AFC West.
10. Lions – Disappointing performance on Thanksgiving.
11. Titans – They know how to win without doing much.
12. Jaguars – Quarterback remains a problem.
13. Seahawks – Can make a statement against Eagles.
14. Bills – Rally around Taylor.
15. Ravens – In the hunt.
16. Cardinals – Gabbert better than Bortles?
17. Raiders – They needed a good fight.
18. Cowboys – Turn out the lights.
19. Chiefs – Hard to believe they beat the Patriots.
20. Packers – Impressive in defeat.
21. Redskins – Ho hum.
22. Bengals – They’ll be feisty against the Steelers.
23. Texans – December a time for looking ahead.
24. Jets – Should’ve beaten Panthers.
25. Bears – Playing for coach’s future.
26. Bucs – Disappointing decline.
27. Dolphins – Bad and getting worse.
28. Broncos – Blow it up.
29. Colts – They always play hard.
30. 49ers – What’s with Garropolo?
31. Giants – Counting the days.
32. Browns – Losing has become epoch.

Edward from Los Angeles, CA
Vic, between 1978 and 1983, the NFL lost Tarkenton, Bradshaw, Staubach, Griese and Stabler. They were then replaced by Montana, Elway, Marino and Kelly, who were eventually replaced by Brady, Roethlisberger, Rivers and Manning. The cycle perpetuates; the loss of today’s superstars will make room for tomorrow’s.

We saw Elway, Marino and Kelly coming; they were all first-round picks, as were Roethlisberger, Rivers and both Mannings (why have you left out Rodgers?). My point is I don’t see an obvious group of first-round prospects. I see guys who’ll have to be over-drafted. I see a lot of Pat Whites.

Adam from Wisconsin
During the “After Further Review” segment of the Packers pre-game radio show on Sunday, there was a discussion on whether the ’60s Packers or the ’70s Steelers were the better dynasty. All four thought the Packers were, but they wished you were there to share your perspective. So, I ask you, ’60s Packers or ’70s Steelers?

Since everybody else said it was the Packers, I would’ve said it was the Steelers. I would often do something like that when I felt a case needed to be made for the other point of view, as long as it was credible. I always saw that segment of the show as a debate. Seriously, those two decade teams are similar in nearly every way: iconic coach, signature play (Packers sweep, Steelers inside trap), great and underrated quarterback, powerful running game, suffocating defense and unforgettable moment (Ice Bowl, Immaculate Reception). There are two major differences, as I see it: Swann and Stallworth blow away Dowler and Dale, and the Packers played when the product had been diluted by the birth and rise of the AFL, whereas the Steelers’ titles were won during the powerhouse post-merger years. That’s what I would’ve said.

Dave from St. Peters, MO
Vic, which pieces finally came together for the Jags’ breakout year? Or does their record deceive me?

The pieces that came together were a whole bunch of top 10 picks and hits in free agency. There were also plenty of high-round misses, such as Justin Blackmon and Luke Joeckel, and free agency misses, such as Julius Thomas, Davon House and Toby Gerhart, but when you keep picking in the top five and you have an empty cap, you’re bound to collect enough pieces to become a playoff contender. It was just a matter of time. That’s what’s happened in Jacksonville. The Jags stayed bad enough long enough to get good. There’s only one problem: They may not have collected the most important piece of all, quarterback, and now they’ll be making a move to the back of the draft order, and that’s not where you typically find “The Man.” The Jags remind me of a favorite philosophy: It’s OK to be 16-0 or an 0-16, just don’t be 8-8 because 8-8 keeps staying 8-8. Good years are ahead for Jacksonville.

Ryan from Neenah, WI
I just finished reading your column and the “Insider Inbox.” I was frustrated neither column addressed McCarthy’s decision to attempt a 57-yard field goal at Heinz Field in November with a 7-point lead! To me, that was an inexcusable decision. That decision was the beginning of the end. I understand why “Insider Inbox” couldn’t really address that one, but I was really hoping you would. Maybe no one asked until now. If that is the case, what was your reaction when they didn’t send out the punt team?

I thought the Packers should’ve punted; I still do. I whispered to myself, “Punt it, Mike.” So, why did one of the best game-management coaches in the game decide to attempt a field goal? One possible ingredient in McCarthy’s decision might’ve been the direction Mason Crosby was kicking. He was kicking to the closed end of Heinz Field. It’s the open end, where the wind swirls, that gives Heinz Field it’s reputation for being a tough place to kick. I don’t think McCarthy would’ve kicked had it been toward the open end. Maybe he decided to kick because he knew he woudn’t have the closed-end advantage in the fourth quarter. To put the open end into perspective, if I was a coach whose team was playing in Heinz Field and I won the coin toss, I would not defer, I’d take the ball to start the game. That would give the second-half option to the opponent and they’d almost certainly opt to take the ball, which would allow me to defend the closed-end goal in the third quarter and drive toward the closed end in the fourth quarter.

Nathan from San Diego, CA
What impressed you most about Hundley on Sunday night?

It was his ability to deal with the rush. He obviously learned from his mistakes against the Ravens.

Tim from Lancaster, PA
The Bucs and Browns are winnable games for the Packers, and Rodgers would be eligible to return against the Panthers. Run the table? Rodgers’ heroic return against the Bears? Will history repeat itself?

That would be wonderful. “If you can dream and not make dreams your master.”

David from Washington, DC
I had always considered the wide receivers a strength of the Packers, but after I watched T.J. Watt cover Jordy Nelson on a key play, I’m re-thinking my thought.

As I recently wrote, I think wide receiver is a position the Packers need to address in the draft. I don’t see a next generation waiting in the wings.

Dustin from Seymour, WI
The Packers’ arrow is trending up, in my opinion. Do you think it’s too late?

To make the playoffs? Probably. But it’s never too late to get good. I wanna see a nucleus of young players emerge in December. That’s my expectation and, if that happens, the Packers will end the season with their arrow pointing straight up.

Lori from Brookfield, WI
Vic, who are the leading MVP candidates?

Carson Wentz would be my pick.

Tom from Eau Claire, WI
The Giants benched a two-time Super Bowl winning QB? I haven’t had the opportunity to watch much Giants football this season, but are they making Eli the scapegoat? They must have many more problems.

To use one of my favorite Chuck Noll quotes, the Giants “have many problems and they are great.” It’s a young man’s game, the Giants need to get young again and nothing says getting young like a change at quarterback. The football life cycle is reconstituting itself again in New York.

Paul from Indianapolis, IN
Vic, my father passed away a week ago from cancer. He was a big fan of yours and read you to the end. There were many times our conversations would consist of us repeating parts of your column and laughing or shaking our heads. I want to thank you for everything, especially your line about memories making us rich. I have lots and lots of memories of my dad and they include many Packers games. It is good to feel rich when you are down. Thank you.

You have just increased my wealth.

Stephen from Jacksonville, FL
Eli Manning being benched is pretty significant football news. Do you think this is a definite sign he is on his way out from New York? Do you think he has anything left in the tank? Which scenario do you think is more likely: Manning retires and does not play a game in 2018 or Manning is released and reunites with Tom Coughlin in Jacksonville as the Jaguars’ quarterback next season?

Young is good, old is bad. When you get young, you get better. When you get old, you get worse.

 
 
 

 

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O-Zone: No comment

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Al from Orange Park, FL:
I’m sure that it’s some of both, but do you have any sense of how much of the run game issues are due to Leonard Fournette‘s ankle and how much is due to the missing offensive-line starters?

John: I’m getting this question a lot, and many people understandably see the two primary issues in the Jaguars’ current running struggles as rookie running back Leonard Fournette’s ankle injury and injuries to the offensive line. Both are certainly factors, and it does seem Fournette isn’t squeezing every last yard from every run by sheer will in recent weeks as he did early in the season. That’s a big factor because that was a big part of the Jaguars’ early offensive identity and effectiveness. But here’s a reality: the Jaguars haven’t been a “dominant” run offense this season – and that was true when they were effective at times in September and October. They got a good chunk of yards on two 50-plus runs by reserve running back Corey Grant from punt formation, and they got 165 yards on back-to-back runs by Fournette at the end of a victory over Pittsburgh and the beginning of a loss to the Los Angeles Rams. While they have been a good running team this season outside of those plays, there also have been stretches when they have struggled and depended a lot on Fournette to grind and will his way for yards; they also have been able to stick with the run for long stretches because they could count on the defense to keep them in games. Fournette, remember, is averaging 3.24 yards per carry if you take away the 90 and 85 yarders – and he has averaged more than four yards per carry in just three games this season. He never averaged four yards a rush in any of the first four games, and there have been few games this season when it felt as if the Jaguars were consistently reeling off runs and controlling the line of scrimmage. None of this is to say this team is not a good running team when everyone is healthy and the offense can play to its formula. It is to say that teams have stacked the box effectively against the Jaguars much of the season, and it’s not just injuries to the offensive line and Fournette that are contributing to the recent struggles.

Tom from St. Augustine, FL:
Eli Manning. Do the Jaguars go get him?

John: The New York Giants’ decision to start Geno Smith over Eli Manning at quarterback this week is not only perplexing, it does raise legitimate questions about Manning’s future with the team. The first point to make is no team – Jaguars, included – can go get Manning until the offseason because the NFL trade deadline has passed. Would the Jaguars be logical for Manning next season if the Giants choose to move on from him this offseason? Sure: Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin was Manning’s head coach with the New York Giants and the Jaguars have a playoff-caliber defense. The Jaguars would need to pass protect a lot better than they have this season for Manning to be effective, though; Blake Bortles’ mobility has prevented a lot of sacks, and Manning’s not going to do that. And Manning couldn’t have caught the balls that the Jaguars’ receivers have dropped. Bottom line: this is almost certainly going to be a hot topic among Jaguars observers for the foreseeable future, but there won’t likely be anything substantial discuss for months. So, discuss away, folks. Discuss away.

Jonathan from Jacksonville:
O, it is OK that you keep defending Blake. My question is this: After four years, is Bortles the franchise quarterback for this team? If he is not, then is it fair to say that this team will look for a quarterback starting next year instead of just being content at that position? Blake is mediocre at best.

John: I have written in recent weeks that Bortles is not playing as poorly as many fans believe, and I have written that he absolutely should be the Jaguars’ starting quarterback. I also have written and said there’s a better chance than many believe that he starts for this team next season. If that’s defending … so be it. None of that is to say that Bortles is a franchise quarterback, or elite. To my knowledge, I have not written or said that – and to this point in his career, he hasn’t shown that. As for the Jaguars being “content” at the position, I doubt that will be the case next offseason. I actually don’t think that was the case last offseason. I do believe they will try to determine a way to have the best quarterback possible on the roster to give them a chance to win. Maybe that will be Manning. Maybe not. Maybe it will be someone else. If there is a better quarterback available through free agency or the draft, I do believe they will try to make such a move. If there’s not a rookie who can improve the offense immediately or there’s not a veteran who can do the same, then Bortles could return. We’ll see.

Bruce from Gotham, NY:
While missing AR15 obviously hurts, the receivers as a group seem to have regressed this year. Was it a mistake releasing coach Sullivan (who we were repeatedly told was one of the top at his position)?

John: Jerry Sullivan was a very good receivers coach, as is Keenan McCardell. The receivers have regressed this season because the best of the group – Allen Robinson – made one catch, and because that has thrust the others into roles they’re struggling to play. Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee haven’t played like No. 1 receivers this season, and Keelan Cole and Dede Westbrook are rookies. I wrote a lot last offseason that the receivers as a group had a lot of improving to do to be as good as their reputation. So far, that improvement hasn’t happened.

Mike from Navarre, OH:
It seems Bortles is regressing with his decision-making. He was doing well throwing the ball away and avoiding sacks earlier in the season. Do you think it’s the pressure in recent games or something else that is causing him to take sacks and force throws lately?

John: I don’t know if Bortles’ decision-making as a whole is all that much different in recent weeks. He has had a few doozy late-game mistakes in the last three weeks, but outside of that his decision-making has been OK. The pressure from opposing pass rushers has increased in recent weeks in a big way; Bortles has handled it well at times and he has struggled with it a few times. It would be better for Bortles and everyone else involved in the Jaguars’ passing game if there were less pressure. Soon.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:
We have three consecutive home games approaching and you mentioned we need to win at least two of them. Two of these teams are division rivals without their starting quarterbacks and well below .500 records. The third team, Seattle, is 2-2 in its last 4 games, traveling 3,000 miles, have one of the best quarterbacks with one of the worst offensive lines, and a defense missing two of its best players. Which of these games should we accept losing? Which would the Steelers or Patriots accept losing, too – especially at home? Or should we lower our hopes and expectations for 2017 and accept are team can’t have Steeler/Patriot hopes/expectations?

John: I ask this not to be snide, but because I apparently am too dim to know the answer without asking: How does saying a team needs to win at least two of three games mean that team – or its fans – should “accept” losing the other?

Robert from Reno, NV:
Hey John, as much as I hope this isn’t the case, even if we don’t win another game this year I can honestly say I’m very pleased with what we’ve accomplished so far. New coach, Tom Coughlin, many of the best players in their first and second year and with more wins than the past several years. I didn’t expect a turnaround this good this fast. Even if we lose a few players to free agency, we’ll still have many of the best for a few more years. I truly believe the changes and cohesion that has been created so far will be magnified next year. I see us winning a few more games, but won’t be depressed if we don’t get in the playoffs, well… I may shed one tear. What do you think?

John: I think I believed before the season that 7-9 or 8-8 was a realistic goal for this team, but that it wouldn’t get much better than that. I think when you’re 7-3 after 10 games expectations of finishing a game under .500 have to be put aside because higher goals are possible.

Brian from Round Rock, TX:
Is Boselli really a sociopath? Or does he just play one on the radio?

John: I’ve been “asked” by “certain people” to no longer “comment” publicly on Boselli’s personality. He was a very good left tackle. I’ve been “asked” to leave it at that.
 
 
 

 

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O-Zone: Fan away

 

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Julio from Oak Hills, MO:

Mr. O, I made the 300-mile drive to Arizona Sunday morning and back Sunday night. Great game except for the loss. I put that game on coaching. I saw the Jags’ defense scrambling on two different plays to get set and they were beat for big plays on those two plays. That should be a timeout to set your defense. Then, of course: time management; I put that on the coaches. I believe the team and coaches will learn from the losses this year and as a result be playoff-ready. Go Jags!

John: Coaching certainly played a role Sunday, particularly with clock management near game’s end. Head Coach Doug Marrone said afterward he got greedy – and if he had it do over again, he would have played for overtime. Marrone also has said several times he needed to have the players better prepared to play, but I’m not sure I buy that. Players have to be ready, and there’s only so much coaching is going to do in that area with professional athletes. As far as the defense not being set before the two touchdowns, that absolutely was the case in the second quarter when Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert passed to tight end Ricky Seals-Jones. The Jaguars’ defense on that play seemed to be scrambling with linebacker Telvin Smith having just gone out of the game. In retrospect, a timeout probably would have helped in that situation. But remember: you have three timeouts per half and you really, really want them at the end of halves and games. If you called them every time there was a sniff of confusion before a snap you probably would find yourself out of them more often than not. You have to pick your situations and hope every instance of pre-snap confusion isn’t a disaster.

John from Boynton Beach, FL:

With each game without Patrick Omameh and Jermey Parnell, the drop off between them and the backups on the offensive line seems larger and larger. Yes, Allen Hurns being out may cost some experience at wide receiver, but he wasn’t putting up many more stats than Dede Westbrook has. It seems the stagnation of the running game and the increased pressure on Bortles are much bigger reasons for the offensive struggles than anything else. Are the absences of Omameh and Parnell that big of a deal? Also, what is going on with Leonard Fournette‘s ankle?

John: The offense’s issues seem to be a cumulative situation. Teams often can overcome an injury or two on either side of the ball for a limited time; it gets tougher the deeper injuries go in specific areas – and the longer you have to cover for injured players. Parnell has been out three games and Omameh two, so now you’ve been down two starters there for an extended period. Remember, too: you’re not only down Hurns at wide receiver, you’re down Allen Robinson. That means you’re without your two most reliable, experienced third-down receivers – the receivers to whom Bortles has thrown more passes than any other receivers in four NFL seasons. In that respect, I’d say the loss of both Robinson and Hurns taking away that trust factor for Bortles might outweigh the loss of Parnell/Omameh … but that’s splitting hairs. Both situations are big. As for Fournette’s ankle, he’s playing through an issue that he expects to be an issue the rest of the season. It seems to be bothering him at times. He has been effective at times playing through it. I doubt the information gets more detailed than that.

Fred from Naples, FL:

In your opinion, how much was our lack of rushing on Sunday a result of poor run-blocking or Leonard Fournette’s bad ankle?

John: Both played a role, but blocking usually trumps running back in terms of overall effectiveness of the running game. But don’t take the Cardinals’ defensive approach Sunday out of the equation. Teams are still stacking the box against the Jaguars’ running game. The inability of the passing game – quarterback, line, receivers – to throw effectively plays into it, too. It’s rarely one thing in football, and the Jaguars’ offensive current offensive struggles sure are more than one.

SI from Jacksonville:

Why is it that our offense is so inconsistent? Our defense can’t bail us out every game. Our running game stalls and our wide receivers aren’t getting open. Bortles is also inconsistent and makes bad decisions, too, which result in game-changing negative plays against the Jaguars. What’s the solution to get our offense going?

John: Your third and fourth sentences go a long way toward answering your first question – and no, the defense can’t bail the Jaguars out every game – not without at least the ability to run to grind clock or to make a few big plays in the passing game. What’s the solution? Hope that the return of Parnell, Omameh and Hurns can help. Hope the receivers can hold onto a few more passes. Hope Bortles can cut out the late-game brain fades. So … same as before, pretty much.

Anooj from Scottsdale, AZ:

Why have the Jaguars not given Chad Henne an opportunity to start a game? In any other NFL franchise, if the quarterback is not helping the team win and making critical mistakes they would be benched. Why is it that we haven’t made the move?

John: The Jaguars haven’t started Henne because Bortles gives the Jaguars the best chance to win. Bortles repeatedly made plays with his legs and escaped pressure on Sunday. He was sacked three times. With Henne that number is far higher – and it’s safe to call the chances of Henne running for two touchdowns “slim.” As long as he is healthy Bortles will be the Jaguars’ starting quarterback, and rightfully so.

Joe from San Antonio, TX:

I gotta give a huge one fer Bortles for his efforts against the Cardinals. When nobody else could consistently make plays happen, he still found a way to keep us in the game. In a vacuum I’d say that interception was unforgivable, but in the full context of the game, I have to say that’s not the case. When they showed the back-end angle of the pick, Tyrann Mathieu was creeping behind some linemen and wasn’t easy to see, even knowing he was there. Imagine how hard he’d be to spot at game speed. I call that play a fantastic effort by the defense to spoil the efforts of Bortles, who truly carried the offense on his shoulders all day Sunday. From the coaches through the players on the offense, the only person who gets a pass for Sunday is Bortles in my book.

John: I hear ya, Joe, but try telling that to Anooj.

Al from Orange Park, FL:

Say what you will about him, but Blake’s toughness was what kept us in that game. So, one for Blake? Then, I love the fact that after getting CREAMED by a bit of “unnecessary roughness” he ran for a nice chunk of yards on the very next play. Two for Blake?

John: I don’t know if two fer Blake is appropriate, but one fer toughness? Yeah, absolutely.

Jim from Oakwood Vila Estates:

Do you think we should employ play-action pass plays a little bit more? Maybe we should copycat teams like New Orleans who tend to chip the edge rushers …

John: I like the idea of chipping to slow edge rushers; that seems to be something the Jaguars should employ a bit more. As far as the play action, it’s very effective when a team is running the ball well. The idea is to slow down the pass rush and pull linebackers out of position by faking to the running back. But you still have to block and you still have to catch the ball when thrown to you. Those have been issues this season, and they certainly were issues Sunday.

Bill from Danville, NY:

Why does it seem like every close game we have lost this season there is two common excuses: One, “if Bortles didn’t throw a horrible interception,” and two: “if Marqise Lee didn’t drop that last pass” we would be singing a different tune. You keep saying that you feel as if it’ll be tough to keep Allen Hurns and Lee on the roster next season and that makes Hurns the odd man out… I think I would rather keep Hurns if only for his clutch performance rather than Lee’s constant drops all because he can do is run fast.

John: I don’t know that “keep saying” is accurate. I did say early in the season that I thought the Jaguars could move on from Hurns and that it seemed more likely they would re-sign Lee and Robinson? That doesn’t seem as certain now. That’s frankly because very little seems certain about this receiving corps. I imagine they will work to get a deal done with Robinson. Beyond that, I think there are a lot of interesting decisions to make.

JT from Rosamond, CA:

I have been critical of Bortles for a while now, but to put Sunday’s loss solely on him is ridiculous and it’s lazy reporting by many of the journalists. His wide receivers didn’t catch anything thrown their way. The Jags have to get more production from everyone, not just Bortles. It might be helpful if the line could block for more than two seconds as well.

John: It sure wouldn’t hurt.

Nick from Los Vegas, NV:

I was upset and frustrated like most fans at Sunday’s game, but after reading everyone blasting the team, coaching and play-calling I remembered we are still relevant for the playoffs going into December. Maybe we should see the glass as half full and be thankful for that?

John: I don’t think there’s a Jaguars fan who doesn’t deep down realize that what’s going on this season is more fun than – and a major improvement from – what was going on for the past several seasons. But that doesn’t mean fans can’t be upset and critical after a loss. And if fans were that way, frankly, this whole NFL thing might not be as much fun.
 
 
 

 

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Ask Vic: Packers found something in Pittsburgh

Toby from Lincoln City, NE
I think McCarthy pencil-whipped Tomlin, but it still wasn’t enough. Anyone who thinks Mike McCarthy isn’t a good coach has an agenda or is just uneducated. I enjoyed watching this one. Hundley played well under extreme pressure and the team responded. All is not lost, but we have to run the table. With Rodgers coming back, there is a chance.

I agree. McCarthy out-prepared the Steelers. The pop passes are a great example of how to beat a fast defense. The Packers didn’t turn it over and committed only three penalties. They played a nearly perfect game. It took an exceptional performance from Ben, Bell and Brown to steal the win. The Antonio Brown catch in the final drive is one of the greatest receptions I’ve ever seen. The Packers found something in Pittsburgh.

Mike from Juneau, AK
It’s hard to be too disappointed. Packers scratched and clawed and a young QB came of age. What do you see for Hundley’s future now?

There’s reason to believe he can be the future, for the Packers or for another team willing to return a high pick. That’s what happened last night: Brett Hundley’s value shot up.

Salvador from Metepec, Mexico
Do you think a flag should’ve been thrown on the T.J. Watt hit on Hundley?

Yes.

Kevin from Greenacres, WA
What did you like most and hate most about last night’s game?

I like that I saw something I’ll remember. I hate nothing about it.

Brandon from Marshfield, WI
Vic, extremely happy that you are back writing. Watching college football this weekend, I just feel like they have the better TV product right now. I think the NFL should bring back you don’t have to be touched to be down. Just seems to create a quicker and safer game. Are there any changes you would like to see them go back to how it was?

Really? Which college game this past weekend was better than last night’s game? You must like blowouts.

Mike from Bella Vista, AR
Help me understand how Mike McCarthy is still rated as a top NFL coach. You were close to the team for several years and maybe you can share your insight. Admittedly, I am just a fan. My observation is that McCarthy is riding the Rodgers train. Under McCarthy, the only part of the team that has been good is Rodgers and some receivers. Everything else seems like an afterthought. Matt Flynn scalped the Seahawks, but what stars have McCarthy’s QB school produced? Lastly, why does Capers catch all the heat for the defense’s problems and McCarthy is rarely mentioned? Is McCarthy not responsible for the whole team? I am enjoying the new blog, Vic. Thanks.

It bothers me when fans talk about coaches needing to be accountable. What fan’s life is judged by a scoreboard for all to read? Coaches live according to their record. If it’s bad, they’re fired. Look at the firings in college football this past weekend. Kevin Sumlin was 51-26 at Texas A&M. Fired! Talk about tired of winning. McCarthy is judged to be a top coach because his record says he’s a top coach. I think it’s possible he could finish his career as the winningest coach in Packers history. I have my own reasons for judging him as highly as I do: 1) He’s an offensive genius. 2) He’s won with marginal talent that’s been forced to play due to injury. 3) He develops young talent. 4) He schemes personnel, not schemes. 5) His attention to detail exceeds Chuck Noll’s. 6) His teams’ preparation rivals that of Tom Coughlin’s, who I thought was the best at preparing a team I’ve ever covered. There are more reasons, but those jump out at me. Penalize McCarthy for having Rodgers? Then you have to penalize Holmgren for having Favre, and Shula for having Griese and Marino, and Brown for having Graham, and Noll for having Bradshaw, Walsh for having Montana and, maybe most of all, Belichick for having Brady. Belichick didn’t win with Testaverde, did he? I think the questions you’ve asked are insensitive and too many. It all comes down to one question: What’s his record?

Brandon from Milwaukee, WI
Do you think the Packers have a legitimate shot at making the wild card this year?

I think it’s very slim, primarily because the Packers have already lost the head-to-head tiebreaker to the Saints and Falcons. The Packers would have to win out, which would include a win in Carolina that would give the Packers that head-to-head tiebreaker. It’s the only way. I think we need to adjust our expectations.

Jim from Maple Grove, MN
I assume your chief rooting interest on Sunday night was for your December friend. Do the Packers have any realistic hope of seeing him this year?

If they beat Tampa and Cleveland, I think the Packers will go to Carolina with their playoff hopes on the line. I think it would be a must-win game. I think that game will be our December drama.

Scott from Sauk City, WI
Hi, Vic! How are you doing? As this college season has worn on, I’ve tried to let the eye test tell me what the Badgers have going for them, and how far they can go. So far, my eyes tell me the defense has played off the charts for two weeks in a row against powerful, powerful teams. My eyes tell me we have a quarterback who bounces off the turf when he gets knocked down, but that sometimes the knockdowns are because of poor decision-making. My heart and mind say bring on Ohio State, bring on Alabama, put us in the CFP and let’s do this thing. But then my doubts kick in, and I wonder if we’d even compete against Alabama. What do your eyes tell you? How does this Wisconsin team stand up against the nation’s best? Can they do it? For the first time in my lifetime, the Badgers have a shot at playing for a national title, and I don’t believe it. It’s so surreal. Tell me they belong, Vic.

Ohio State will tell us whether the Badgers belong or not. If the Badgers win, they belong. If they lose, then critics of the Badgers’ schedule are right. I tend to believe they are a product of their schedule. I hope they prove me wrong.

Marcus from Kenosha, WI
Hey, Vic, loving the blog. In all of your years covering professional football, have you ever seen a player turn his back on his team the way Bennett did? Anything close? I find it shameful to leave your brothers-in-football hanging for any reason.

LeGarrette Blount walked out on his teammates, causing the Steelers to cut him. The Patriots signed him and he’s been rewarded handsomely for his mutinous act. Life isn’t always fair. Sometimes misbehavior is rewarded. New England is the land of the misfit toys. Brady makes it work.

Tim from Jacksonville, FL
Would you rate this Jaguars defense the best in franchise history? How does it compare to the 1999 team?

The ’99 defense was a Dom Capers scheme creation, which is to say it was a 4-3 playing as a 3-4. Heading into the final month of the season, it had a chance to set an all-time fewest-points-allowed record, and then it collapsed. This year’s defense is better.

Sam from Jacksonville, FL
Do you ever look back and appreciate how good the ’07 Jaguars team was? They had two running backs which could be considered for the Hall of Fame.

If Dennis Northcutt and Matt Jones don’t drop what should’ve been touchdown catches, the Jaguars would’ve beaten the Patriots in the playoffs and ended their undefeated season. I also believe if the Jets hadn’t traded up ahead of the Jaguars to draft Darrelle Revis, the Jaguars would’ve picked him and I think he would’ve been the difference-maker on the defense; I think the Jaguars would’ve gone to the Super Bowl.

Bill from Sheboygan, WI
What did you think of the big college football weekend?

Out of all of those “big” games this past weekend, only a few were close enough to be worthy of viewing. I enjoyed Miami-Pitt and USF-UCF, and that’s about it. Blowouts dominated, and that’s why college football TV ratings, despite intense hype, are terrible. The NFL product is vastly superior, yet, college football fans will call the Alabama-Auburn and Ohio State-Michigan games great games. Why? The fourth quarters were anti-climactic. The announcers spent the fourth quarter of those games and nearly all of the other games debating who the four teams should be in the playoffs. Does it really matter? The ratings will be terrible, which they were last season.

John from Green Bay, WI
I was looking through the arrival pictures of the Packers at Heinz Field and noticed at least 90 percent of the players were wearing headphones. My question is do players converse at all on the plane and or bus rides?

Not much anymore. When I began covering the Steelers in the ’70s, we’d play the card game Bourre on the airplane. I mean, players and reporters. Terry Bradshaw was a Bourre crazy man. In my final years covering football, I’d look around for someone with whom I could have a conversation, but everybody was wearing headphones, even non-football personnel. So, I’d sit back and think about life. I kind of miss those quiet moments on return flights.

Dylan from Morgantown, WV
Do you think the Rams can survive in LA? It seems like they have done everything right in their first year. They have a good young coach that looks the part for LA, it appears they have a franchise QB, and they are winning. However, they are struggling to fill the stadium.

The Coliseum is huge and terrible. For the last game I covered there, in 1994, the press box was condemned and I had to sit outside in a makeshift press box. Don’t judge LA until the Rams and Chargers are in a new stadium. Also, success in LA won’t be defined by ticket sales. It’ll be defined by what the market provides in the way of commerce. It was an embarrassment the NFL didn’t have a team in LA.

Mike from Chicago, IL
Vic, I turned off football this weekend because of the ridiculous celebrations. Any chance this goes away. I really just don’t want to watch anymore.

A lot of people feel as you do.

Jon from Bloomfield, NJ
I’m really waffling on how I feel about all the celebrating. I see the Eagles doing a 10-man electric slide by their own sideline, and don’t find myself particularly offended. It looks like a group of guys having some fun. But then, within a few minutes, I see the Panthers have to burn a timeout because their players have wasted so much time celebrating. How will coaches get celebrations under control so they don’t hurt the team? How would Coach Vic do it? The celebration circle?

Yep. I’ve been saying it for years. They could dance until their jocks fell off, as long as they were on our sideline. That would be my request. Incurring a penalty for a look-at-me celebration is a morale killer and an outrage to every fan whose happiness is dictated by the outcome of the game.

 

 
 
 

 

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O-Zone: If you want blood

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get it …

J. Hooks from Orange Park, FL:
Hey John! In the small time he has been here, Marcell Dareus has made a really emotional impression on me. I get the sense he’s just really thankful and legitimately happy to have been brought here. He seemed very timid at first, which makes me wonder how much culture is a motivator for these guys? I can see in the guy’s face how glad he is to be out of Buffalo. We must have a really strong locker room to have made this guy embrace this team so quickly. Or is it the $$$? At any rate, one fer Marcell?

John: There’s no question Dareus has been embraced by this organization since arriving in October – and he does seem to be enjoying the moment. How much is culture? Quite a bit, I suppose. The culture of this team – particularly of the defense – is a tremendous positive for this organization right now. Players such as Calais Campbell, Telvin Smith and Barry Church are strong leaders, and they have undeniably set a winning tone – and the change since last season is hard to overstate. There is a positive energy and a feeling of being part of something potentially special and memorable that’s hard to ignore. Accepting and embracing Dareus, of course, isn’t difficult: players have a tendency to quickly accept good players who make the team better and Dareus certainly fits into that category. As for Dareus’ timidity when he arrived in Jacksonville, remember: players are human beings. Dareus had just been traded from a franchise where he had spent nearly seven seasons. He was leaving the only NFL home he ever had known, and he was being thrust into a new situation with two or three days to adapt. He was in a bit of shock, and he expressed as much. It didn’t make him a bad guy. It actually made him normal. And yeah … one fer Marcell.

Howard from Homestead, FL:

I’m surprised so many people don’t get that it’s about the money. Everyone just needs to ask, “If you could win a trophy saying your team was the best at whatever in your profession, but you’d have to personally take a pay cut to be a part of this group achievement, would you? Even if the difference was millions of dollars?” No one in their right mind would. Don’t be surprised when NFL players do what almost everyone else would do in a similar situation.

John: You could also ask yourself, “If I had a chance to make life-changing money that also would change the lives of my family and perhaps ensure financial security for myself and my children would I turn that down for … well, just about anything?” I know my answer because I’m not stupid.

Will from Jacksonville:

I’m hearing and reading that the Jaguars’ defense is the unit to take Tom Brady and the Patriots down this year! What say you?

John: I say the Jaguars have some winning to do to get to New England, but yes … the Jaguars’ defense gives them an opportunity to beat any team they play. That includes Brady and the Patriots – because if the Jaguars can get a lead, their pass rush and coverage can disrupt any offense. The trick, of course, is getting a lead on the Patriots. They have a way of not letting that happen.

Bruce from Gotham, NY:

While I am happy for myself, the city of Jax, the team and the staff of the Jaguars that the team is doing so well, I am most happy for Mr. Khan. After great patience and giving so much to the team and city, nobody deserves this success more than him. Ever since he took over, he has taken the franchise to new heights in so many levels; to finally see it on the field must be so rewarding for him… and so deserved. To sit back and think where this franchise was when he took over and to see where it is today is mind-blowing … and the best part? There is still more to come.

John: #DTWD

Dane from Guarujá, Brazil :

Do you see this Jags team as one that’s peaking as it gets closer to the playoffs? Are we limping into the playoffs? Or somewhere in between?

John: The defense continues to get better by the week. The offense is trying to work through a difficult stretch of injuries. If the defense stays healthy and the offense can get a key player or two back, this team can peak in the coming weeks. We’ll see.

Steven from Upper Tract:

John, two things … to the rest of the country, are the Jaguars spelled Jagwires? That is how they seem to pronounce it. Also, I was sad to learn you no longer are a fan of a particular college or pro team since you began covering the sport. I must say that is strange to cover an entire sport and not have any emotional attachment to a team. Almost begs the question … why bother? Do you ever just sit down and watch a game as a spectator just for the fun of it? Or is it just a job to you?

John: I know few writers or other media types who have a “favorite team.” When you cover a team or the league and know the people involved, it’s difficult to cheer with the unbridled – often irrational – verve that goes with true fandom. But there’s no reason to feel sorry for anyone. It’s a job, but it’s a good job. I’m a lucky man. I have my health. My wife tolerates me, my dog loves me and kid sometimes make the effort to fake respect for me. Cry not for Zone, Steven. Cry not.

Kyle from Jacksonville:

Hey O, do you think the Jags’ recent surge in popularity over the rest of this year makes it more likely Tony Boselli will get into the HoF? I think this is his year, too.

John: I think this could be Boselli’s year to get into the Hall of Fame because he’s deserving and more voters seem to realize that each year. The Jaguars’ success this season will have little or no influence on voting in January.

Winston from San Francisco, CA:

After the Marcell Dareus trade, folks were talking about cutting Malik Jackson in the future. I think that’s silly. First, because he’s playing well now that he’s healthy and I am pleasantly surprised (based upon his stated reason why he picked the jags being $$$$) by the fact that he seems to really be a leader and a large media presence. I like Malik. He’s a great signing. Can you tell him I said Happy Thanksgiving?

John: You can be a leader and like money, and I wouldn’t worry much about who’s getting released in the future and who isn’t. Right now, any speculation about such things is just that: speculation.

Matthew from Jacksonville:

I wonder why Mark from Archer thinks the Titans have the better quarterback. After looking at the stats, and watching the games, it seems we have the better quarterback — especially when it comes down to decision-making this season. Is it possible the national perception of these two quarterbacks (all the way out in Archer, FL) is lagging behind what the reality is?

John: I’d have to say overall Marcus Mariota has the better body of work than Blake Bortles and he probably fairly has the edge at this stage of his career over Bortles. That said, it is fair to say that Mariota’s season thus far doesn’t support the national perception that he is one of the NFL’s rising stars. The jury appears very much out.

Howard from Homestead, FL:

I don’t get the Blaine Gabbert bashing. No, he wasn’t a good quarterback for us. But when did he ever not do his best? When did he ever represent us poorly off the field?

John: Why do people bash Blaine? Why do people who like football or sports do anything they do? Because fans gonna fan, Howard.

Jack from Orlando, FL:

It’s not just young fans being captured by the resurgent Jags. I’ve been a fan for many years. At one point my picture even greeted visitors to this site. During most of those years I frequented this column. I was buying merchandise and attending games. Sadly, for the last couple of years I lost a lot of enthusiasm. A fan can only sustain hope for so long and I’d usually check out by Week 4. The tree of fan support must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of victories! I am happy to be back. This season we finally have a team to get behind. I am back to consuming your content, following the team, and buying tickets. One fer winnin’.

John: You must win in professional sports. No one around the Jaguars ever doubted that, and no one ever stopped trying to do that. Sometimes teams are more successful at winning than other teams. The Jaguars are having some success this season. Yeah, one fer winnin’. And yes, fans must receive blood. “Blooooooooooood!!!!”
 
 
 

 

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Ask Vic: Reality is Packers are an underdog

​Here are my Week 12 power rankings:
1. Eagles – Have they already peaked?
2. Patriots – Peaking.
3. Saints – Getting that team of destiny feeling.
4. Panthers – At Jets before showdown in New Orleans.
5. Steelers – Big Ben getting better.
6. Vikings – Big one in Detroit.
7. Falcons – Hangover gone!
8. Rams – Humbled in Minnesota.
9. Lions – Must win today.
10. Jaguars – No. 1 in rushing, No. 1 in defense.
11. Seahawks – Not much boom in the legion.
12. Cowboys – Could be toast.
13. Chiefs – Is Revis the answer?
14. Titans – Must stay within a game of Jax.
15. Bills – Something has to give in KC.
16. Chargers – They have my attention.
17. Raiders – Start packing.
18. Ravens – Ravens looking like Ravens.
19. Cardinals – Must-win game in Jax.
20. Packers – Could get ugly in Pittsburgh.
21. Redskins – Lack grit.
22. Texans – Savage can play.
23. Jets – They may not win another game.
24. Bears – Playing for next year now.
25. Bucs – Winston is the issue.
26. Dolphins – Not as good as their record.
27. Bengals – Need to clean house.
28. Broncos – Elway is right; they’re soft.
29. Colts – Big decision on Luck coming up.
30. 49ers – Seahawks will be angry.
31. Giants – Does it really matter?
32. Browns – Next loss, at Cincinnati.

Fabian from Munich, Germany
Looking forward to your power rankings today. Which are, by the way, the only ones I read all week because I just have to read one sentence per team and know what is going on in the league.

The bell rings today.

Ben from Texas
Vic, some analysts are saying Rodgers should leave the Packers because Ted hasn’t surrounded him with enough help. Sure, our defense hasn’t been spectacular, but our trio of receivers is arguably the best in football. Plus, our offensive line is not too shabby, either. What’s your take on this?

Aaron Rodgers should and will stay right where he is, and the Packers should address their need for speed and explosiveness at wide receiver.

William from Savannah, GA
Are you gonna see cousin Eddie this year?

It’s all part of the experience, William.

Agustin from Monterrey, Mexico
Vic, who will you be rooting for on Sunday night? Steelers? Anyway, I don’t believe it’s going to be a very exciting game.

I have two Terrible Towels hanging off my TV set and I’ll be wearing my Steelers hardhat with the flashing light on top. I’m even going to fly my Steelers flag outside, which is against POA rules, but I’m the ARB chairman so who’s going to stop me? Here we go, Steelers, here we go.

Neil from Cheddar, UK
Vic, seeing how the Saints have gone from losing to a Super Bowl contender, what changed and how could this be applied to the Packers? Thank you for reading.

The Saints are No. 13 on defense, which is the difference-maker in their revival, but the big difference between the Saints and the Packers is the Saints’ quarterback isn’t injured. Had Aaron Rodgers not broken his collarbone, the Packers would’ve beaten the Saints and they’d be where the Saints are now. At the end of the day, it’s all about the quarterback. You’re not injured until your quarterback is injured. When he’s out, you’re done.

Jesus from El Paso, TX
Are we somebody’s underdog?

It was a feel-good thing when Mike McCarthy said it, but if you wanna know what being an underdog feels like for the Packers, this is the week to feel it. Nobody, not even the Green Bay Packers, is above being an underdog. Maybe we need to be thankful for that awareness this year. We needed it.

Mike from North Hudson, WI
Vic, it’s time to give thanks and I’m very thankful “Ask Vic” is back! What are you most thankful for?

Most thankful? How about the next breath I take? Seriously, this is a good day and a good forum for me to express my appreciation for what football and three wonderful teams and their fans have meant to my life. I fell in love with football the first time I saw it, and I’m still in love with it. I give thanks for those Steelers-Raiders games of the 1970s, the 1996 Jaguars and the 2014 Packers.

Kabir from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Should we root for the Vikings or the Lions on Thanksgiving? I have a sweatshirt that says, “My favorite two teams are the Packers and whoever is playing the Vikings.” My gut says to follow my sweatshirt’s advice.

Root for the Vikings because I believe the NFC North ship has sailed for the Packers. It’s wild card or nothing.

John from Union Grove, WI
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving memory?

I don’t have one that jumps out at me. I remember the Oklahoma-Nebraska game of Thanksgiving 1971, and I remember the Packers-Lions game of Thanksgiving 1962. I also remember covering the Steelers in a 45-3 loss in Detroit in 1983. That night, Johnny Carson said, “I’ll tell you how bad my Thanksgiving was. I had the Steelers and 42.” And I remember covering the Packers at Detroit in 2011. It was a big game and I remember saying to myself, “Well, Vic, that’s why you made the move. You wanted to cover big games. Here it is.”

Dave from Madison, WI
Vic, you’re the GM for the Packers and 2018 is the year you’re going all in to build the best supporting cast for Aaron Rodgers. You’re willing to spend big. What areas of the team will you do whatever it takes to improve?

I never do what you’re suggesting. It’s a formula for collapse. If I’m the GM in 2018, quarterback is one of my positions of interest. No more taking a guy off the board because you don’t need a quarterback. If there’s a guy I like and I can get him, I’m drafting him. Why? Because the Packers are nearing the day when they’ll need to replace Rodgers, and if you pass on a guy you like now, there’s no guarantee another one will be available when you need him. The Jaguars passed on Rodgers in 2005 because they didn’t think they needed a quarterback. When it became obvious they needed one, the best ones available to them were Jimmy Clausen and Tim Tebow.

Lori from Brookfield, WI
Vic, for what realities do Packers fans need to steel ourselves in the game against Pittsburgh?

After seeing the Ravens tape, the Steelers’ pass rushers probably got goose bumps. Job one for the Packers this Sunday is to protect the quarterback.

Amis from Norwich, UK
Recently, I’ve heard loads of people say that, at certain positions, there simply aren’t enough NFL-caliber players to go around (especially at QB and OL). Is this true?

The NFL’s biggest problem isn’t anthem protests, declining TV ratings or Donald Trump’s Twitter account, it’s the potential for losing the league’s best quarterbacks all at one time. Brady, Brees, Rodgers, Roethlisberger, Rivers, Eli Manning and maybe even Matt Ryan might all retire within a few years of each other. How is the league going to replace that kind of star power? I don’t think it can.

T.J. from Tampa, FL
The 2014 Packers versus the 2010 Packers. Who wins?

The 2014 Packers.

 
 
 

 

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O-Zone: All smiles

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Bradley from Carson City, NV:
Are you surprised the Jags have already beaten the oddsmakers’ over for (regular-season wins) with six left to play?

John: I don’t follow odds particularly closely; they don’t have all that much to do with all that much. But if you’re asking if I’m surprised the Jaguars already have won seven games this season … yes, I’m surprised. I thought the team would be improved, and I thought the defense and running game would be improved, but I didn’t think the Jaguars would lead the NFL in rushing – and I sure didn’t think they would lead the NFL in most major defensive categories through 10 games. I thought the Jaguars would have a chance to win seven or eight games, and I didn’t think they would be able to push beyond that. I also did not think they would have a chance to make the postseason this season. So, yes … if you’re asking am I surprised they have reached seven victories – and if I’m surprised they lead the AFC South through 10 games – well, Eddie … if I woke up with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am right now.

Greg from Jacksonville and Section 147:
I understand that whenever you ask “why” in the NFL the answer is always about the money, but why aren’t there sideline cameras at every stadium?

John: Money.

Ric from Jacksonville:
Pssst… Hey, John: Guess what? It’s almost December and we aren’t talking about the draft. He, he, he…

John: I never talk much about the draft until after the Senior Bowl in late January. Is it cool and refreshing that the Jaguars’ success is helping many readers perhaps take a similar approach? It doesn’t suck.

Mark from Archer, FL:
If I read one more article about how the Titans will win the division, I will go mad. So what … they won in week 2. That game was more the Jags beating themselves with too many horrible penalties, which then wore down the team. Not to mention our run defense is miles better now. The only thing the Titans have on the Jags is a better quarterback. But our monster defense will negate that.

John: Penalties indeed were a major factor in the Titans’ Week 2 victory over the Jaguars, and there’s no question the Jaguars’ run defense is a mile better than they were then. If that game is for the division title, I expect it to be a monster, emotional game. I expect it to be difficult for the Jaguars, though, because Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota’s mobility still will be an issue – and because the Titans’ offensive line is the real deal. Plus, it will be played in Tennessee. Do I believe the Jaguars can win? Sure. If I were a Jaguars fan would I feel better about life if the Jaguars had a two-game lead entering the game? Absolutely.

Gabe from Jacksonville:
I know I keep hearing that Aaron Colvin is going to want to get paid next year, but is it a fair possibility that Aaron may renegotiate with the Jags to take a little less in order to stay? I just can’t see a player who is making a significant impact on a very good and possibly historic defense leaving to play with one that could possibly be mediocre. Is it really about the money? Or is it about getting that Super Bowl ring?

John: It’s really about the money.

Biff from Jacksonville:
Have you heard anything from Jalen Ramsey regarding his matchup with Larry Fitzgerald? Considering the class with which Larry holds himself, and the respect he has earned from based on how he approaches the game, I’m curious as to whether Ramsey will tone down his rhetoric at all.

John: I’m curious about this, too. When Ramsey speaks with the media, my experienced “nose for news” tells me this might be a topic.

Robert from Moorpark, CA:
Do you believe Jalen Ramsey when he says that he hasn’t shown his best yet?

John: Of course. Ramsey is in his second NFL season. He has many years remaining to be in his otherworldy physical prime, and it stands to reason he will get progressively better in the coming three or four seasons at understanding how to study opposing receivers.

MrPadre from Kinglsand, GA:
John, do you think the Jaguars are trying more than normal to score early to get the lead so the defense can do what it does so well: get after the quarterback? I thought about this after the attempted onside kick against the Browns. Obviously “every” team wants to score and score early. But I’m just wondering if maybe this is being over emphasized this season? Thanks. Oh……#DTWD!

John: Not to be snide, but I’m not sure how you overemphasize scoring. Should it be emphasized less? The Jaguars on Sunday had seen something in the way the Browns blocked for kickoffs that made them think an onside kick would work. They tried it – and except for an offsides penalty, it worked. The guess here is the Jaguars keep emphasizing ways to score. I think you’re overthinking this one.

Donny from Sacksonville:
O-Face! I think it’s silly to think the Jags are 44 points better than the Titans based on how each team played the Steelers. I think you and I are on the same page as far as that goes, which is: The Jags imposed their will against the Steelers while the Titans could not … therefore the Jags are going to impose their will on the Titans on the final game of the season. Amirite?

John: That’s the hope for the Jaguars, and of course there’s a chance the Jaguars could impose their will on the Titans. Of course, seeing that the Titans spent a lot of time imposing their will on the Jaguars in Week 2 it’s hardly a guarantee. NFL games aren’t always decided by will. Often, game circumstances play a role. For instance, the Jaguars in Week 2 committed a ton of mistakes that kept them from being in a position to impose their will. They were getting in a position where it was going to be tough to impose their will against Pittsburgh before a couple of pick-sixes in the second half gave them a lead and enabled them to do some serious will-imposing. If the Jaguars can get a lead in the regular-season finale, they can impose their will. If the Titans get a lead, they can probably do the same thing.

Shane from Washington, DC:
I thought your answer to the question about wanting to have an elite quarterback versus an elite defense was one of the best answers you’ve ever given. Congratulations. Try doing it more often.

John: Toward what end?

Baker from New York, NY:
O, two questions. The first: who is your favorite football team? I know you are a writer and have written for different teams but hands down who is your favorite? And second, thinking about where the Jags started and where they are now, is it possible we could make the AFC Championship Game this year?

John: My NFL favorite team growing up and into my 20s was the Washington Redskins. Since I began covering college football, I have ceased to have a favorite college or NFL team. I have passionate interest in the Jaguars because I work for the franchise and would love to see a lot of people I like and admire succeed, so in that sense perhaps the Jaguars are my “favorite team.” And yes … the Jaguars absolutely could make the AFC Championship Game this season. Why not?

Verne from DSM, IA:
John, in this so-called passing era, where rule changes have made it almost illegal to hit a quarterback. Passing-game panzies seem to want 500 yards and 50 points a game or they demonize the quarterback. What exactly IS a “franchise quarterback” and how many NFL teams actually have one? Four? Five? Six? Let’s just be happy our beloved Jaguars are finally winning and have a dominant defense. I don’t think even Tom Brady would be much better with this banged-up line and mostly rookie receivers. Just win, baby!
John: Tom Brady would be better, particularly if he was running the offense he has run pretty much since entering the NFL. Still, you make a valid point. A franchise quarterback is more rare than we who discuss these often indicate in said discussions. The Jaguars are winning with a dominant defense. That doesn’t guarantee postseason success, but it sure makes it a possibility.

Matt from Valley Center, KS:
More Marcedes Lewis please!

John: OK.

Christopher from Jacksonville:
Well, I’m glad that the Jags are finally doing well because I am finally in a position to buy season tickets next year. So, here is one for new season-ticket holders and let’s have a great finish to the year #GOJAGS

John: “Hey, one fer Christopher!” Lamping said with a smile.

 

 
 
 

 

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O-Zone: No harm, no foul

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Glen from Orange Park, FL:

If you had to choose, would it be a franchise quarterback or an elite defense? What wins championships in the NFL?

John: This isn’t a one-sentence answer. If I were trying to build a franchise over a 10-to-15-year period, I would certainly take the franchise quarterback if we were talking about a player on the level of Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, etc. History shows that teams with such quarterbacks get far more seasons with legitimate chances for deep playoff runs than other teams. Because a defense depends on acquiring and retaining far more players – and because non-quarterbacks tend to have far shorter careers – it’s difficult to build a 10-to-15-year contender on the strength of an elite defense. Now, if you have to go play one game – or if you have to play few games over the course of a season or two – then I’d probably take the team with the elite defense as often as not. That’s particularly true if it happened to be a season when that elite quarterback was playing behind a beat-up offensive line and without much of a defense.

Michael from Middleburg, FL:

Big O, I played football both organized and sandlot for multiple years. (In the time quarterbacks didn’t wear dresses). We and I never took ourselves (barring injury) out of a game voluntarily. Why do you see that so many times both in pro and college?

John: Because college and professional football isn’t played in the sandlot.

TJ from Section 410:

Since all of sports is about taking advantage of mismatches, it is great to know that this weekend the Jaguars’ strength (pass rush) is going up against Blaine Gabbert’s weakness (feeling the rush). I don’t say this because of sour grapes as a lifelong Jags fan, but because this year’s Jags need to keep stacking up the wins and fighting for homefield advantage in the playoffs.

John: The Jaguars’ pass rush versus Gabbert indeed will be a storyline this week. I don’t plan to dive all that deep into Gabbert’s history with the Jaguars in the coming days. For one, there’s too much going on with the Jaguars to spend too much time on a player who hasn’t played here in four seasons. For another, I’m just not sure there’s that much interest in regurgitating three years of thoughts and analysis on Gabbert. The Blaine Train left this station a while back, you might say. On the topic of how Gabbert will fare against the Jaguars’ pass rush, I will say this: I never saw Gabbert’s issues as being worried about getting hit as much as his inexperience working the pocket and needing a lot more time to develop as a passer. Many disagreed with that, and that’s OK. I think his issues with the Jaguars’ pass rush Sunday will have to do with the reality of the Jaguars getting to Gabbert more than Gabbert being worried about it. The key for the Jaguars this week? Stopping the Cardinals’ running game enough to force the Cardinals to pass. If they can create that scenario, they will pressure the passer and force mistakes. The quarterback this week happens to be Gabbert, but it’s an effective approach for this defense whoever the opponent.

Dylan from Tulsa, OK:

Mr. O, have you heard anything about contract negotiations with Aaron Colvin? I worry about the slot corner position if we don’t resign him.

John: I’ve heard nothing about negotiations with Colvin, which could mean a lot or could mean very little; in-season negotiations usually aren’t overly public. My gut is you won’t hear much along these lines because my gut is the Jaguars probably won’t be able to sign Colvin. I suspect he will want to play on the outside rather than at the nickel and that he will command a higher salary salary/bonus than the Jaguars will be willing to pay. I won’t like that because I like Colvin as much as anyone in the Jaguars’ locker room. I think he’s intelligent and mature, and his work ethic, dedication and professionalism always have been first-rate for a young player. And yes … if he doesn’t return, the Jaguars would have an issue at slot corner. At the same time, it’s a good thing if your biggest offseason concern is replacing a slot corner. Every team has offseason issues. That’s one that a team should be able to address relatively successfully.

Steve from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

I know you won’t publish this because I have no question. And you only tackle significant questions.

John: True.

Rob from Jacksonville:

I was extremely upset about the non-fumble, touchdown call. But at the same time I was like, “You know what? Bring it on, we’ll do it again. I like the challenge!” And it happened! I think our team is finally good enough to overcome things like that.

John: Your use of the word “finally” implies that being good enough to overcome things like that is long overdue. And maybe it is. I’ll say this, though: the fact that the Jaguars could overcome a missed call that gave the opponent an underserved chance to win at the end of the game is significant. It’s a league of razor-thin margin for error. To be able to stop teams over and over again late in the game is very difficult and it’s why close-the-door pass rush is one of the league’s most valued commodities. The Jaguars do seem to have a defense that can withstand a lot of adversity – and not only overcome it, but force teams into game-ending mistakes. There are a lot of aspects of this defense that make it feel special. That’s among the most important.

Benji from Yreka, CA:

One thing that got lost Sunday in the talk about referees and turnovers was the gutsy call to onside kick after the first touchdown. Had we not been offside by a foot, the Jaguars could have easily led 10-0 or 14-0 and been able to unleash their pass rush earlier in the game. One for Couch Marrone and Joe DeCamillis having some guts!

John: Hey, one fer those two guys!

Joe from Surf City:

All of the criticism around Blake Bortles is getting ridiculous. He didn’t have a huge stat line, but he is playing without his top two wide receivers, two rookies (one undrafted), and a banged up offensive line. He also had a couple balls dropped yet again….if anything I think he deserves some credit for keeping us in position to win.

John: We have reached a point with Bortles at which people who want to criticize him will criticize him for even the smallest of issues. He completed 17 of 30 passes on Sunday and did not throw an interception. He had one play that looked really bad when he flipped the ball over his head for an incomplete pass, and he had a lost fumble. He also was playing with two starting offensive linemen out and without two of his top three receivers, the latter of which meant he was playing with a slew of inexperienced receivers who weren’t exactly glue-fingered Sunday. The Jaguars have won four consecutive games while dealing with a lot of the aforementioned issues. Bortles is doing some things well and he’s having some slip-up plays, but he’s not playing atrociously and he darned sure isn’t costing the Jaguars games right now.

Keith from Woonsocket, RI:
I’ve got it, O-man: All the Jags have to do is never miss a throw, never get tackled – oh, and never give up any yards on D. Then we for once won’t have any complaining Jags fans after a win. Whatcha think?

John: Keith, I think you seriously underestimate the ability of fans to fan – and trust me, it’s a thing not to be underestimated. Ever.

James from Reykjavík, Iceland:

Well, I’m not from Iceland, but I am visiting and I was walking around touring this beautiful country with my Jaguars sweater partly showing through my jacket and a local hollered out as I passed by “Duval!” and kept walking because all that needed to be said was said. It truly is a state of being, not a place. #DTWD

John: #DWTD

Jessie from Orlando, FL:

John, I hope Tashaun Gipson learns from how Calais Campbell prepares for his former team this week.

John: I’m sure Campbell will handle things differently going to play Arizona than Gipson did last week going to play Cleveland. I assume that because Campbell was beloved in Arizona and had strong positive feelings toward the organization. I imagine he will voice those things eloquently. Gipson did not have the same feelings toward the Browns, and he expressed. And I guess I don’t get the harm in what he did. Did the Jaguars lose Sunday? Did Gipson play poorly? Did something awful happen that I missed? He talked. He spoke his mind. People had something to discuss all week, and it was even a bit entertaining. Perhaps what Gipson did was a misstep. If so, the thought here was it was a comparatively harmless one.

 

 
 
 

 

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