Category: Uncategorized

O-Zone: Our football joy

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Jason from North Pole:
Bortles! I know a lot of fans will be angry, but they made the right call. We had nothing to be gained from starting Henne except possibly a couple of more wins and worse draft position next year. Now, we will know once and for all if Bortles can be the man – and if not, we draft in the Top 10 again to get our guy. Here’s to hoping he improves this season, but at least now there is still hope!

John: Head Coach Doug Marrone’s decision to start quarterback Blake Bortles against Houston Week 1 doesn’t have the feel of being made for long-term assessment and evaluation. It feels like a move Marrone believes will give the Jaguars the best chance to win Week 1. But who knows: things could play out as you hope. Bortles has a long way to go and a lot of improving to do to show he’s the long-term answer; the events of the last 10 days don’t indicate that it’s likely he indeed is the franchise quarterback of the future. You generally don’t go from No. 3 overall selection to competing in Year 4 to Franchise Guy. Perhaps Bortles this season will show otherwise. It would be awesome for the Jaguars if that were the case.

Dave from Duval:
Heaven forbid we put some of this on Dave Caldwell and he take some responsibility for this mess. And TC should have seen it this coming when he arrived.

John: Dave Caldwell as the Jaguars’ general manager has received plenty of blame and has taken plenty of responsibility. He also no longer has the final say on football decisions, which he did the past four seasons. Has he been fired? No, but he certainly “has taken some responsibility.” As for Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin, I can’t speak for what he did or didn’t see. I don’t doubt that he knew there were issues at quarterback and the offensive line; he certainly addressed the offensive line by trading for left tackle Branden Albert and drafting Cam Robinson. What else should have been done in the short term at quarterback? I haven’t yet heard a veteran option that was available in the offseason that was worth the cost, and they didn’t like the quarterbacks in the draft enough to go that direction No. 4 overall. So, here we are …

Glenn from Spain:
OK, so I live in Spain now, but my family has been season-ticket holders since the beginning and the news is the Jags brought in that scumbag Kaepernick? He’s not a good quarterback, not a good leader and not respected by anyone … why?

John: Kaepernick has not been signed by the Jaguars.

Don from Jacksonville:
To the amateur it did look like the offensive line was not pass blocking for Henne Thursday, but this simply is not true. He holds the ball for too long too often.

John: I agree that Henne sometimes holds the ball too long, and that appeared to be an issue at least once Thursday. But Marrone is no amateur when it comes to the offensive line, and he is concerned enough about the area that escape-ability was a reason Bortles was named the starter for Week 1.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:
I for one am glad Doug made the choice to stick with Bortles. He gives us our best shot at securing a Top 3 pick with which we can go after another quarterback without having to give up draft capital.

John: Looks like Jerell made it home OK.

Left Brain:
Marrone: We can’t block, so we are starting Blake. I feel great about this season.

John: On the one hand it when Marrone said escapability was a reason for Bortles to start Week 1, it was a comment that doesn’t particularly inspire confidence. On the other hand, credit Marrone for having a realistic view of the situation and making a choice that he believes reflects that.

Keith from Jacksonville:
Really? Bortles is starting? We’ll be lucky to win a single game this season. #AllInForLamarJackson

John: The Jaguars will win more than one game this season.

Joseph from Jacksonville:
There is no way the decision-makers are wanting to win this year. If they win, then they won’t be in position of drafting another potential franchise quarterback in the Top 5 of the draft. So why Win?

John: The Jaguars want to win this season. Doubt whatever you want in this crazy, mixed-up thing we call life, but don’t doubt that.

Tyler from Jacksonville:
I heard some talk about trading Allen Hurns. If we ever did, the Patriots might be hurting for a wide receiver and they got a nice quarterback to trade.

John: I don’t get the sense that the Jaguars are actively trying to trade Hurns. But if the Patriots are trying to trade Jimmy Garoppolo, I think it would cost a lot more than Hurns.

Adam from Lynbrook, NY:
John, I’m depressed about this team. What can I and the rest of the fans look forward to this year?

John: The regular season starts September 10. You can look forward to seeing how the team actually does then instead of when the games don’t count.

Marc from Oceanway:
With the offensive line struggles we’ve had, I’m surprised we haven’t seen or heard anything about Chris Reed. I was fairly impressed with how he played when he got the chance to start at guard last year before he got hurt. Can you provide any insight?

John: The Jaguars indeed have struggled at guard. The Jaguars based on what they have seen in practice don’t consider Reed a solution to those struggles.

Linda from Neptune Beach, FL:
John, Is this the year Blake Bortles, Marqise Lee and Dante Fowler Jr. make us forget Khalil Mack, Derek Carr and Amari Cooper?

John: I doubt it, though I think being looped into that conversation is a bit unfair to Marqise Lee. He was a second-round selection and the Jaguars didn’t pass on any of the aforementioned players to select him. I also continue to say I’m intrigued by Fowler this season. He has shown significant signs of improvement, and he may be able to take a pretty big jump. I’m not doing cartwheels and guaranteeing the possibility, but he’s worth watching.

Mark from Richmond, IN:
Jaguars should sign Tim Tebow and put Jacksonville back on the NFL map with a lot of wins and a playoff berth. Millions would love to see it.

John: The Jaguars’ regular-season opener is September 10 against the Houston Texans.

Dave from Orlando, FL:
This season could be somewhat of a scientific experiment as to which coaching style works best, the nurturer or the pressure cooker? All variables don’t remain the same, but close enough. Thoughts?

John: My thoughts are this Jaguars season will be decided as many NFL seasons are decided – by the ability of the quarterback to play at a high level, and by the ability of the rest of the team to make enough plays consistently around that to win consistently.

Kent from Oak Harbor, WA:
I was coming out of a pizza joint in Baymeadows and noticed Brad Allen about to get into his car. He saw a pair of elderly ladies trying to get across the street. He got out and went to help them even though the light had changed and he had to make cars stop. Good kid that Brad.

John: Play the kid.

Robert from Jacksonville:
I once saw Brad Allen hit a bald guy in the back of the head from 90 yards out. What’s your favorite BA story?

John: That one. Play the kid.

Renee from Jacksonville:
Hey there, John! So, here is the one and only email you will be getting saying a resounding “YEAH” for BB5. Give me the “gunslinger.” Give me the quarterback THAT – “Damn it” – at least has the potential to put together a fourth-quarter drive that wins the game. The moaners and groaners with the boo birds will be out in force with their whinny, pipsqueak voices lamenting “He can’t read defenses, he throws into double, triple, no make it quadruple coverages.” Here’s what I’m shouting! “Guess what, people? FOOTBALL IS THE ULTIMATE TEAM GAME! Every player out there needs to do their job.” There is no reason with the talent the Jags have that they are not winners. Put in the work, it will pay off. You know what I think the Jag Nation needs? We need to find our “Joy.” First and foremost, football is a game. Ask Tom Coughlin why he does what he does. The long hours, the dedication, the frustrations … it’s for the love of the game. The players and the fans need to find their football joy. I have a friend who says you are either working in your bliss or working for your bliss. I for one will NOT wallow with the moaners and groaners. Yes, the Jags have been “losing” far too long. Yes, it is so easy to fall into despondency. Ask a Browns fan. So, here’s one for Bortles, here is to my hope that he and his teammates find their “football joy” and here’s to Jag Nation – may they claw themselves out of their ” pit of despair.” Why should you ask? They are our Jags. They are our team, they are our football joy. GO JAGS!!!

John: This wasn’t the only pro-Bortles email, but hey … one — and a very long, very passionate one – fer Bortles!
 
 

 

 

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O-Zone: Keeping the faith

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Jay from Jacksonville:
Why has this team been so resistant to drafting a quarterback every year? I think a strong case can be made for keeping a pipeline of quarterbacks in your system even when you think you might have “the guy” at that position.

John: A pipeline of drafted quarterbacks is a nice theory, but it’s not realistic for NFL teams to draft a quarterback every year. If you drafted one every year you wouldn’t have time or repetitions needed to develop them all, so you would end up with a lot of waste. That’s why teams don’t do this even with pundits and analysts often suggesting that they do so. As for the Jaguars being resistant to drafting quarterbacks, recent history suggests that isn’t the case. The Jaguars used first-round, Top 10 selections on the position in 2011 (Blaine Gabbert) and 2014 (Blake Bortles) and it seems very possible they could use another first-round selection on the position in 2018. That would be three in eight years and another later-round selection in 2016 on Brandon Allen. That averages to the Jaguars selecting a quarterback every two years. That’s a pretty strong commitment, whatever the results of the actions.

Dave from Duval:
In the scenario that the Jaguars lose while having Chad Henne and Bortles starting multiple games, do you think that the Jaguars just try Brad Allen?

John: The Legend of Brad Allen grows and grows. #playthekid

Benjamin from Jacksonville:
Why did Dave Caldwell not draft Patrick Mahomes III? It was my understanding that quarterback is the most important position in all of professional sports and – at my last count – the Jaguars’ roster does not have a player at that position capable of winning games. Seems to me a general manager in that situation would do everything possible to find a player capable of filling that critical deficiency. Can you shed some light on Mr. Caldwell’s bewildering and perhaps career altering decision?

John: Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin has had final say over football decisions since January. The Jaguars selected running back Leonard Fournette No. 4 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, and did not have another first-round selection before the Kansas City Chiefs selected Mahomes No. 10 overall. The idea behind selecting Fournette was that he could give the running game an explosiveness/consistency it otherwise lacked – and that playing a run-oriented style was the best way for this team to begin winning immediately.

Marc from Oceanway:
I seem to be in the minority amongst Jag fans who believe that Chad Henne can and will play better than he did in the past. John, can you think of any examples of quarterbacks whose careers went similarly to Henne’s in that they struggled early, became a backup for years, and then when given the chance later showed they did improve despite not starting for several years?

John: Not particularly – and make no mistake: history does not suggest that Henne will become an elite quarterback. But Marrone and the Jaguars can’t be concerned about that right now. What Marrone must worry about is choosing the best option for the Jaguars as of September. That appeared last week to be Henne, and the situation is murkier after Thursday. Murky quarterback situations aren’t ideal ever, particularly in late August, but hey … here we are.

Jason from Honolulu, HI:
I have no confidence in the offensive line. Is that the best we can expect from them? None of our quarterbacks are good enough to overcome this kind of offensive line play. Is there any chance that Josh Wells is a good enough left tackle that Cam Robinson can be tried at left guard?

John: Though I wouldn’t rule that out as a possibility, I doubt it will happen. The Jaguars see Robinson as a left tackle. I thought throughout the offseason Branden Albert would start at left tackle with Robinson at guard. With Albert retired or whatever, I’ll be surprised if the Jaguars move Robinson. It’s something I would try because the Jaguars need to figure out guard, but I doubt it will happen.

Tim from Winston-Salem, NC:
The answer to the quarterback issue is SO obvious. Trade Bortles to Green Bay for Aaron Rodgers. Can you pass this along to Mr. Caldwell?

John: #TradeforTom

John from St. Augustine, FL:
Do you know the reason that there is only one roster cut this year?
John: The league changed the rule in the offseason so that there is one cut from 90 to 53 rather than having one cut to 75 and another to 53 as it has been in the past. It benefits players because it is another week for players trying to make a roster to play and show their abilities; it benefits teams because it gives them 15 more players for a preseason finale in which most starters and front-line players no longer participate.

Michael from Jackson de Ville, FL:
John, don’t you think it’s a bit ridiculous that we’ve gone almost three years without even selecting a late-round quarterback? The fact that Bortles unseated Henne, and now Henne three years later is doing the same to Bortles, is mind boggling.

John: The Jaguars selected Brandon Allen in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Jeff from Orange Park, FL:
Hypothetically, if the 2017 Jaguars come in somewhere around 7-9 with quarterback clearly being the limiting factor, do you see the team sacrificing most of its 2018 and maybe even some 2019 picks to go all in on a top-rated quarterback in the 2018 draft?

John: I think the Jaguars will do a lot to obtain a potential franchise quarterback next offseason, either through free agency through the draft. Could that mean trading multiple selections in 2018 and perhaps one in the future? Sure. I wouldn’t remotely rule that out.

Mike from Jacksonville:
YO, O: If you had to rate J-VILLE’S defense vs. Houston’s. HOW do we stack up on paper?

John: The Texans and the Jaguars are both good defenses. I would give the Jaguars the edge at corner, and therefore in the secondary. I would give the edge in pass rush to the Texans, which is why I would give the edge overall to the Texans. Pass rush gets the edge because unless something dramatically changes the landscape of the NFL, pass rush forces takeaways throughout a game and pass rush closes games late.

Nathan from Fort Belvoir, VA:
What do the quarterbacks coaches of the Packers, Patriots, Saints and Giants teach their respective starting quarterbacks?

John: Evidently the same thing that the quarterbacks coach of the Colts taught for so long, and that the quarterbacks coach for the Broncos taught for a couple of years after that. Coaches have that power, with their mere words often transforming average or below-average players into something approaching the gods. Because it’s always about coaching in the NFL. Always.

Josh from Pensacola, FL:
While I agree that sometimes fans gonna fan, I also think diehard fans know a little more than people think. This offseason fans had mixed emotions: excitement about the addition of Calais Campbell, A.J. Bouye, Barry Church and Leonard Fournette. The majority of true Jags fans were concerned with the signing of Branden Albert after he showed his true colors and were confused by the commitment to Bortles. Well, Albert is gone and Chad Henne started tonight. Why is it that these problems are so obvious to fans but overlooked and downplayed by the organization?

John: Fans are right a lot, especially hardcore fans. I’ve ever said different. But fans aren’t the ones making the decisions because having fans make decisions is impossible. Would there be a poll? Which fan’s opinion would get the nod? The loudest? The ones willing to sleep by the Jaguars out front and meet Coughlin on the way into the building before dawn? There are those times when fans also aren’t always right, though it’s hard to remember those cases. #Freemattscott #cutMarqiselee

Concerned fan from Loughborough:
Should we be concerned by the amount of first-team players that are injured?

John: No. The majority of the injured first-team or front-line players – running back Leonard Fournette, cornerback A.J. Bouye, wide receiver Marqise Lee, defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., cornerback Aaron Colvin, etc. – are expected to play September 10.

Dave from Duval:
So where does the blame fall O man if this season turns out exactly how the evidence is projecting and we finish 5-11 or worse? God forbid somebody step up and take responsibility for anything in this organization.

John: I imagine “blame” will “fall” where it always falls when NFL teams lose: with the people making decisions, the people coaching and the players. That’s usually how it works. Now, will the fans Thirst for Action and someone be fired? I have no idea. It’s August 26, after all, and no real games have been played. Maybe we wait for a few regular-season games to be played before we gather at the gates.

Adam from the Not so Mean Streets of East Arlington:
I still say 9-7.

John: #DTWD
 
 

 

 

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O-Zone: He doth not jest

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Jessie from Orlando, FL:
John, well, Thursday didn’t help decide who will be the starting quarterback. Do you think Shad Khan was sending a message about being fine with Colin Kaepernick?

John: You’re correct that Thursday’s game didn’t decide the Jaguars’ starting quarterback. Neither Blake Bortles nor Chad Henne seized the position, which was what Head Coach Doug Marrone wanted in that situation – and which is what any head coach wants in that situation. Will the Jaguars sign Kaepernick? I still doubt it because the team clearly doesn’t believe Kaepernick is an upgrade over Bortles or Henne. If they did, he would have been signed already. Now, I suppose the Jaguars could take the approach of, “Well, we have to try something.” That wouldn’t be unreasonable and that would be the one scenario that could lead down the Kaepernick path. As far as Khan, no … I don’t think he was sending a message when he told Mike Dempsey of 1010XL that he would be fine with signing Kaepernick. I think he was answering a question and saying if his football people thought Kaepernick an upgrade, he would be fine with Kaepernick despite the off-field issues. And remember: even with the unbelievable uproar and social-media din over Kaepernick’s beliefs and off-field actions, the fact remains that if Kaepernick was perceived in the NFL as a franchise-saving – or even a franchise-improving – player, he would be in the NFL. Teams don’t leave players they believe to be franchise-changing talent by the wayside. They just don’t.

David from Maplewood, NJ:
Start Bortles. How are the numbers produced by Henne any better than what Bortles did against arguably a better defense in less than a half last week? If not for a fake punt and an interception, would Henne have produced any points? If not for the pick with two minutes to go in the half, Henne’s halftime stats would have been 6-of-9 for 30 yards on pace for a whopping 60 for the whole game. I know it’s bad, but it is what it is, we are where we are. He may not be good enough – heck, I’d even say it’s likely at this point – but it doesn’t change the fact that as he was in his third week as a pro, Bortles is better than Henne.

John: Hey! One (very kinda reluctant) fer Blake!

George from Drummonds, TN:
Dear O, unconventional as it may be, why not play both as starters? Start a “Quarterback Controversy” and make the defense adjust. To think different just might be key to winning a less-than-average division.
John: Hey! One fer both.

Chris from Goodnight, TX:
Do you agree that Brandon Linder and Jermey Parnell are the only offensive linemen who aren’t major liabilities heading into Week One? I find it very frustrating that the only thing we did at the guard position is let Luke Joeckel walk – he wasn’t great, but he’s better than A.J. Cann, Luke Bowanko and Patrick Omameh right now. Now, whoever is starting at quarterback Week One is going to have a heckuva time dealing with Watt, Clowney, and Mercilus.

John: I think Marrone wasn’t kidding when he said “we’ve got a lot of work to do” when he was discussing the offensive line Thursday night. I also think while Cam Robinson struggled at times Thursday – and while he gave up one quick sack early – he’s going to be OK this year. The guards? They seemed at first glance to struggle Thursday, and Cann had a particularly difficult game. I agree that the Jaguars could regret letting Joeckel go. He wasn’t great, but he wasn’t nearly as bad as many fans wanted to believe. So, yeah, that Week 1 Texans match-up looks tough on paper. Maybe it will be better in real life. We’ll see.

TJ from Orlando, FL:
So … now what?

John: Now, we dance.

Jorge from Edmonton, Alberta:
Can they really afford to let Chad Henne start behind this atrocious O-line? Don’t they need Bortles’ mobility back there to bail them out a bit?

John: I’m not ready to say the offensive line is going to be atrocious. This offensive line pass blocked OK most of last season, and I have to believe Robinson’s presence at left tackle eventually will solidify the spot. But if the Jaguars’ line does struggle, then absolutely Bortles’ mobility could come into play. It needs to factor into the conversation.

Alex from Orlando, FL:
A.J. Cann isn’t looking like the third-round steal we all thought he was …

John: Not most of Thursday night, he didn’t.

John from O’Fallon, MO:
Do you think A.J. Cann is going to make this team?

John: Yes.

Otto from Ponte Vedra, FL:
I’m sad to say that we were watching the result of the Jaguars’ brain trust standing pat and not going out to sign a quarterback and offensive linemen in the offseason. (Please don’t mention Branden Albert). We must look at Kaepernick.

John: You can ask me not to mention Albert all you want, but the fact is the Jaguars didn’t stand pat on the offensive line in the offseason. They did trade for Albert (they just did) and they selected Robinson in the second round of the draft. Now, the Albert trade didn’t work out, but that doesn’t change the fact they made an effort to get him. As for the Jaguars having to look at Kaepernick, who knows? I seriously doubt they will, but stranger things have happened.

Tony from the Land of Confusion:
It seems to me like the big quarterback question was rendered unanswerable by the poor play of the offensive line and the running backs in pass protection. Henne was pressured on just about every down and neither quarterback had access to a functional running game until the fourth quarter. Do you think Doug will make his decision about Blake and Henne anyway or will he actually play the ones next week in Atlanta to try to get a better sample?

John: You make a valid point about the quarterback play being tough to evaluate because of the struggles of the offensive line; Marrone mentioned this prominently after the game Thursday. Marrone on Thursday also mentioned the possibility of Henne and Bortles playing next week. I’d be surprised if that happens, but I was surprised Thursday when Marrone played the offensive line nearly the entire game, so I’m hardly beyond being surprised.

Superman from Supertown, USA:
I feel like we saw exactly what we can expect from each quarterback. Henne is safe but doesn’t really make exciting plays. Bortles makes exciting plays, but also some really bad ones … which is better, Mr. O?

John: This pretty much defines both quarterbacks. I would probably go with Bortles because I like his mobility and ability to create, particularly considering the offensive-line play thus far. I also have to think once the regular season begins he would have at least a chance to get back to the level he played the last two games of last season. But I still think the Jaguars go with Henne. He just seems to have the momentum.

Frank from St. Augustine, FL:
I guess it wasn’t Gus after all.

John: No, it’s always coaching in the NFL.

Glenn from Fort Leavenworth (not the prison):
You’re right … he scores if he’s got the ‘stache. I read once that the unique aerodynamic characteristics of the Fu Manchu can take a full tenth off a man’s 40.

John: This was written in response to a tweet of mine stating that Henne would have scored on a first-half run Thursday had he still had his famous/infamous Fu Manchu mustache he sports each November. I stand by the tweet.

Ed from Ponte Vedra, FL:
Why do some fans that read the O-Zone think that if you give your opinion or analysis, it’s like set in stone? I benefit from your insight. But if I say we are going to beat Houston and we don’t, at least nobody wants to stone me at the plaza.

John: My 51-year-old eyes aren’t what they used to be, and when I first read this email I thought it read, “Stone me with pizza.” I laughed at that.

Derrick from Jacksonville:
O-man, you wrote: “If I were a general manager, I personally wouldn’t have a problem with the Kaepernick’s politics or off-field actions; I tend to care very little about a player’s off-field actions when considering his ability or right to play in the NFL. What would concern me as a general manager would be the potential distraction that Kaepernick could create.” Aren’t you contradicting yourself? I tend to lean toward the Al Davis thought of “Just win, baby!”

John: I lean that way, too, but I wasn’t contradicting myself. I personally care little about a player’s off-field actions when considering his ability or right to play in the NFL. Just because I feel that way in no way means a player wouldn’t be a distraction.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:
This season will be an unmitigated disaster unless dramatic improvements/changes occur in a very short time.

John: Marrone said Thursday, “We have a lot of work to do.” He didn’t say it like he was kidding.
 
 

 

 

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O-Zone: Tough three weeks

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Gabe from Washington, DC:
Who do you see having a “better” year, Myles Jack or Dante Fowler?

John: This is tough for a couple of reasons: the positions are different, and Fowler at defensive end is judged more by one statistic – sacks – than is the case for Jack at linebacker. I’ll go with Jack, because Jack likely will be at the nickel linebacker position that suits his skillset about 65-to-70 percent of the time. I think he’ll excel there. I’m intrigued by Fowler, though. He has had more flash moments in full pads this training camp and preseason than he did last training camp and preseason. There’s a cautious optimism around the Jaguars that this could be a sign of good things to come. The regular season is a different animal, so we’ll see if things stay optimistic for Fowler, but the past few weeks have been encouraging.

Sac from Gainesville, FL:
I feel that Chad Henne could be very similar to David Garrard in terms of being a game manager when we last went to the playoffs: a good running game, good receivers, and a good defense. He doesn’t need to light the world on fire, just be consistent and don’t lose games. Thoughts?

John: That’s the hope.

Joseph from Sacramento, CA:
Come Thursday’s game against the Panthers and neither quarterback performs well … what happens then? Also, why keep three quarterbacks on the roster when decision-makers don’t think Brandon Allen is good enough to surpass Blake Bortles and Chad Henne?

John: If both quarterbacks struggle Thursday, I think you’ll see the Jaguars go with Henne. I don’t know how many quarterbacks the Jaguars will keep on the roster. That’s fluid until next weekend when the team cuts the roster from 90 to 53.

Steve formerly of Woodbine, GA now of Upper Tract, WV:
If they’re not going to give Brandon Allen a chance with the first team ever, according to you, then why do they keep paying him every week to hang around?

John: NFL players aren’t paid until the regular season begins.

Mark from Richmond, VA:
It’s just really sad that we have key players in a lot of other positions ready to go and we farted around on the most important position. Of all the people in this entire world, you mean to tell me there are only 31 people that can be NFL winning quarterbacks!?!? I feel like there might be one or two guys out there that can lead us. We just don’t have the guts to go get them.

John: I wouldn’t ever tell you there are 31 people that can be NFL winning quarterbacks. I would tell you that number is way too high.

Jerry from Jacksonville:
Personally, I wish the fans/media would let Blake play and stop killing him over every single preseason rep. I would take 35-15 with five rushing touchdowns – let him run an aggressive offense as we did the last two games last year. I think the results with this defense would be very good. Is it too late for that?

John: It’s not too late, because I think Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone legitimately wants to see Henne or Bortles take control of the position. I think he is leaning toward Henne, but if he was certain, he already would have named Henne the starter. So, while time is running out for Bortles, it’s not too late. As for Bortles getting killed over every preseason repetition … yes, that has happened. But quick-trigger/real-time analysis and overreaction is part of the deal for an NFL quarterback in the Twitter era. It’s no one’s “fault” – not fans or media – and it’s sure not going away.

Hippy from Fleming Island, FL:
The offensive line’s lack of push probably won’t be improved from last year, most likely leading to the same struggles in the run game. Add the left tackle now being a rookie. Ouch. Henne seems to get rid of the ball more quickly and hit receivers in stride. He’s gonna need to. Maybe this team is far enough along to utilize a game-management-style quarterback and the offense will click. Please, O-ski, tell us what we have for Henne to now succeed.

John: I’m assuming your first sentence is your premise. If your premise is correct – that the offensive line won’t get push – this team is in trouble. The area didn’t look good against Tampa Bay. It needs to look better against the Panthers Thursday or the Texans in Week 1. Or sometime early in the season.

KC from Miami, FL:
If the Jags’ quarterback was Brady or Rodgers, this obviously wouldn’t matter. But since this is not the case, would you agree that whoever is starting at quarterback for this team will only be as good as the offensive line lets them?

John: There’s some truth to that, because this team really needs to run and protect the passer. Neither Henne nor Bortles to this point in their careers have shown themselves to be masters of pocket-awareness/decision-making along the lines of Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers – the best of the best in this area in my opinion. The best of the best in that area can make calls at the line of scrimmage and get rid of the ball under press consistently enough to make average lines look good. Both Henne and Bortles need quality protection, particularly Henne. One positive Bortles brings is the ability to at times make plays above the Xs and Os when protection breaks down. That’s not as much Henne’s strength and is a concern if the offensive line struggles.

Caleb from Augusta, GA:
Hey O, I complimented someone’s Jaguars T-Shirt at church this past week. They thought I was making fun of them. Isn’t it sad for fans to feel like they are being made fun of even when it’s the exact opposite? Seems like winning is the only option to change the perception of the Jags and their fans.

John: Correct.

Rob from Brunswick, GA:
John, I know you said on the radio that you thought Blake and Chad would be No. 1 and No. 2. But if Chad Henne starts the season at quarterback, why would we keep Blake Bortles at all? If he gets hurt, it’s gonna cost us a fortune. Players get hurt in practice all the time, so being a backup can still cause one to get injured. I’m of the opinion that if he gets benched he should also be cut. While he may be a better backup than Brandon Allen, it’s not worth the risk. What say you?

John: I agree it’s risky, but I also still believe the Jaguars will – and should – keep Bortles as a backup if Henne starts. While the $19 million is a huge risk, the Jaguars already showed they are willing to take that risk; they showed that when they exercised the fifth-year option. The idea entering the season is to have the best 53 players on the roster, and the Jaguars have shown they believe Bortles and Henne are the best two options at quarterback; if they felt otherwise, Allen would be getting first-team reps. It’s also clear Henne isn’t miles ahead of Bortles; if they felt otherwise, Henne would be named the starter. If Henne were unavailable or ineffective early in the season, Bortles would be as good or better an option as pretty much any other option available. Now, the one thing that would poke a giant hole in this theory is if the team truly believes Bortles has played so poorly that there are other options outside the team that are better, or that there is no way they can win with him. If either is the case, then they absolutely should release him. This isn’t something that people are going to say as they head into the third preseason game. We’ll find out on that front soon enough.

Marcus from Melbourne, Australia:
Moving away from quarterback for a minute, is it possible that Josh Wells moves to left guard now that it’s likely Cam Robinson will start at left tackle?

John: Extremely unlikely.

Howie from Buford, GA:
I can see the Jags cutting Blake Bortles, then doing what Minnesota did last year and trading for a quarterback with a team that has two solid quarterbacks on the roster, then letting Henne start a game or two while the new guy gets up to speed. Thoughts?

John: I think this is a feasible plan. I also think it’s important to know exactly what the “capable” available quarterback will cost – and if there indeed is such a player available – before knowing if it’s a good idea.

Burnedout Jacksonville:
Do you approve of Marrone cutting players’ careers short? You know, by pushing them too hard?

John: As someone who covered a decade and a half of two-a-day training camps, I find it difficult to believe that Marrone is cutting players’ career short by having them practice hard once a day for two-to-three weeks.
 
 

 

 

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

O-Zone: Perfectly reasonable

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Kevin from Jacksonville:
It hurts to think about Chad Henne being the starter. We’ve already seen this movie and the ending was not very good. Why not at least give Blake Bortles the third preseason game? Then if you need to pull him, do it.

John: I’m sorry you’re hurt. Hurting can be … well, hurtful. And it’s understandable that people believe they have seen the Henne movie before. We have seen it, and it’s unlikely given Henne’s body of work that he’s going to suddenly be an elite, franchise-level quarterback if he starts this season. But a case also can be made that Henne and the Jaguars could fare significantly better if he starts this season than they did in his previous stints as the Jaguars’ quarterback. When Henne started from 2012-2014, the team was at a low point in terms of talent. I don’t know that this Jaguars’ roster is the “playoff-level” roster so many fans believe, but I do believe there is enough on defense and some key offensive positions that the team can play defense, run, play smart on offense and push for .500. That’s not ideal, but that’s the hope. As for why you don’t “give” Bortles the third preseason game, you need to see Henne for some extended work at the beginning of a game. His body of work this preseason is comparatively small, and you would like to see at least a little more before naming him the starter.

Josh from Pensacola, FL:
If Alex Smith ends up not starting in Kansas City, he would be the ideal answer for the Jags at quarterback. I know it’s very unlikely, but what do you think the Jags would have to give up to get him if they did make a move for him?

John: I like Smith as an option, too – and I imagine Smith would cost at least a second- or third-round draft selection if this scenario plays out. The problem is he’s not really an option. The Chiefs are a contending team with hopes of reaching the Super Bowl. To move away from Smith, even to a rookie as promising as Patrick Mahomes, would be very out of character. Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid said this week Smith is their quarterback and he didn’t sound iffy. I’d be surprised if he sounds iffier any time soon.

Donald from Orange Park, FL:
So, before this quarterback issue started last week, you said you could see the Jags winning 7-9 games this season … obviously, that was with Bortles starting … do you a different win total prediction if Bortles isn’t starting?

John: No. That’s still about right.

David from Broward County, FL:
O-Man, did any reporter covering the Jags ask Doug Marrone about the kicker position? I realize quarterback is far and away the No. 1 issue, but kicker is very important and they brought in two free agents for tryouts. Myers is seriously struggling. They must bring in competition, right? If they fail again to provide real competition for key play making positions, I have some doubts about this front office/head-coach decision making. Talk me off the fan “ledge.”

John: Marrone has been asked pretty much every day this week about the kicker position; it has, in fact, been the second-most discussed topic around the Jaguars this week. The Jaguars addressed this issue by trying out several kickers this week, including former Bills kicker Dan Carpenter. If Myers struggles again Thursday, the Jaguars have options they can put into play quickly. Bear this in mind: the Jaguars have reasons for wanting Myers to succeed. He is one of the best kickers in the NFL in terms of touchbacks on kickoffs; his leg strength is very, very impressive. He also has hit some big field goals for this team in recent seasons. That’s not saying the team won’t make a move if his struggles continue, but there are reasons the team hasn’t moved on from him yet.

Sam from Orlando, FL:
Alex Smith for a third-rounder, Chris Ivory and maybe one of the many receivers we have? Yay or nay? You’ll say nay.

John: I’d say yay if I thought the Chiefs wanted to trade Alex Smith. Or if I thought the Chiefs would take that trade. I haven’t yet heard the first is true, so I hesitate to discuss the second too much.

Cliff from Callahan, FL:
Despite Jeremy’s certitude, I’m pretty sure you can’t be “outcoached” in a preseason game …

John: But of course you can. Coaching always is the overriding issue in the NFL, preseason or not.

Bill from Folkston, GA:
Hey John, you might have mentioned this already, but when are the first cuts?

John: There is one cut-down date in the NFL this season. It’s after the fourth preseason game, when teams trim rosters from 90 to 53.

Charlie from Jacksonville:
I have a pretty good idea what will happen if the Jaguars stink it up again Thursday evening. But what if both Blake Bortles and the Jaguars look like playoff contenders?

John: I think if Bortles looks very, very good against the Panthers it will be hard for him not to start Week 1 – and think it would still be a very hard decision. I also think Marrone would like for Bortles to make it a very hard decision.

Mike from Section 238:
Johnny O – are you delusional? How could you think the season hasn’t started yet? All the fans seem to say the season is over. That many people can’t be wrong, can they?

John: No, the fans are always right.

Charles from Midlothian, VA:
Why so little faith in Brandon Allen? You don’t think if they cut Bortles, they keep Allen as the backup? I would think if they cut Bortles it’s because they trust Allen as the backup and that he is progressing well. Not because they plan to get Kap or any other fourth-string quarterback sitting at home watching NFL Network.

John: I think the Jaguars will keep Bortles and Henne on the roster because the Jaguars’ actions so far this preseason have shown they believe those two players are clearly the best quarterbacks on the roster. If they thought otherwise, Allen already would have taken first-team repetitions.

Ed from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
How many other teams in the NFL have a quarterback problem or uncertainty at this point in time like we do?

John: At the moment, the Jaguars are pretty unique in this area.

Ryan from Dallas, TX:
O-Zone the great and wonderful, let’s play general manager for just a second. IF you were general manager of the Jags, what reasons would you have to NOT bring Kap in for a look?

John: I’ll start by saying because I’m not a general manager I haven’t dug as deep into the film study and knowledge of what the 49ers did offensively compared to what the Jaguars do offensively to know how exact the fit would be for Kaepernick and this scheme. On the surface, I would like the fit – and I would like what Kaepernick’s mobility would bring. My reasons for not bringing him in would be that I like pocket passers who can win games from there, and I don’t love Kaepernick in that vein. If I were a general manager, I personally wouldn’t have a problem with the Kaepernick’s politics of off-field actions; I tend to care very little about a player’s off-field actions when considering his ability or right to play in the NFL. What would concern me as a general manager would be the potential distraction that Kaepernick could create. If he good enough to start and make you better? And if you aren’t sure if that’s the case, is it worth creating the distraction? That’s the ultimate question.

Jeremy from Dodge City, KS:
Good old fans over reacting … IT’S PRESEASON!!!

John: I’m the first to tell you that fans gonna fan, but fans have a legitimate reason to fan this preseason: The reaction to what has gone on thus far is understandable. The Jaguars after two preseason games have opened the quarterback position to two players who have quarterbacked a lot of losses around here. Why in the world would fans like that? The Jaguars also struggled to run early in a preseason loss to Tampa Bay Thursday. That wouldn’t be alarming except that this is a team that has said over and over again in the offseason that it wants to build its offense around running. Now, just because the team struggled to run Thursday – and just because there’s uncertainty at the quarterback position – doesn’t mean disaster looms. Perhaps one of the quarterbacks will take enough control of the offense to get functional play from the position – and I still believe this team will run better than last season. I also believe the defense during the regular season will play far better than it did early Thursday. But those things haven’t happened yet; based on what has happened, you can’t blame fans for fanning. I would be shocked if they hadn’t.
 
 

 

  Trivia Time with Joe Zelenka:

In the first 3 years of his NFL career, who has the most fumbles?

A) Tom Brady
B) Brett Favre
C) Blake Bortles

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

O-Zone: Many thanks

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Greg from Section 122 and Jacksonville:
O-Man, given what we have seen so far in our two preseason games, what do you think the most important goals are for these last two? Determine what direction to go at quarterback? Get the defense synchronized and looking like what we were told they are? Figuring out what to do at kicker? Seems like this team has a lot to figure out and not a lot of time to do it in. It’s sad, but I have a gut feeling if Blake Bortles doesn’t show something in this game, his tenure as a Jaguar would be over.

John: The most important three issues in the final two preseason games are finding the starting quarterback, finding the starting quarterback and finding the starting quarterback. After that, finding the starting quarterback has to carry at least some importance. The biggest task after that? Making sure the offensive line is better than it looked Thursday against Tampa Bay. I’m not worried yet about the Jaguars’ defense; I’ll think the performance Thursday had something to do with dead legs until I see a few more listless performances to prove me wrong. As far as Bortles, I agree he needs to show something against the Panthers to have a chance to start in Week 1. But I’m not getting the feeling he will be released if he’s not the Week 1 starter. I’m in the minority on that, but that’s OK. I’ve been there before.

Chad from Sinking Spring, MD:
John, what – if anything – can Shad Khan, Tom Coughlin or Doug Marrone say to the new fans and the ones like myself that have been through it all the last 20-plus seasons that continue to watch the same old, same old to stick with it and continue the support?

John: They can say, “Thank you.” Beyond that, there is nothing to “say.” The only thing to do is perform on the field and win. I don’t know if that will happen this season, but that’s what has to happen. A Coughlin phrase I seem to remember from covering the team in the 1990s is “Deeds, not words.” That applies here.

Scotty from Points North:
How can I take Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone seriously when the program is in such disarray? They love to give terse answers to reporters’ questions. In the name of all that is football, how could you not bring in serious competition for the quarterback spot for this team? I just can’t take them seriously. Tell them to take their gruff football answers and try them somewhere else. Every fan of the Jaguars knew this was going to be a problem and have said so for a couple of seasons now. Get your head out of the Florida sun; someone’s not thinking straight. Think the owner and the staff owe the fans an apology for this junk. Yes, it is time to start talking about the draft.

John: The Jaguars’ 2017 season begins September 10. Games that count begin then. Until then, the Jaguars are 0-0.

Jeremy from Newport, RI:
After watching the game against the Bucs again, we were out-coached and out-hustled on so many plays. Add in that we don’t have a clear leader at quarterback and this is going to make for yet another frustrating season, isn’t it?

John: The Jaguars’ 2017 season begins September 10. Games that count begin then. Until then, the Jaguars are 0-0.

Edward from Los Angeles, CA:
Based on what you’ve observed, do you feel that Chad Henne gives the Jaguars the best shot at fielding a competitive team this year?

John: Henne has been the best quarterback on the roster during training camp and preseason. I won’t say he has been overwhelmingly the best, but he has been the best.

C.C. from Duval:
What’s the chances that we trade for AJ McCarron? You think we should?

John: Answer to your first question: slim. Answer to the second: it depends on what the Bengals want.

Otto from Ponte Vedra, FL:
John, I understand it usually would be tough for a good safety becoming a good cornerback. Is the reverse true?

John: It’s generally not as difficult for a good cornerback to move inside. Ronnie Lott did it, as did Rod Woodson and Deion Sanders. Then again, those players were great corners, so it’s really not fair to say it would be easy.

Tim from visiting Philly, home of the Iggles:
Don’t you think the powers that be looked at this year’s quarterback class as well as last year’s and are waiting for the stronger crop of quarterbacks? We’ve forced three first-round quarterback picks that haven’t panned out. Why make it four?

John: I definitely believe the Jaguars believed no quarterback available to them in this year’s quarterback class was worth taking. I assume they – like most other football observers – believe next spring’s is a stronger quarterback class.
Scott from Daytona Beach, FL:
Last year at this time everyone was talking about the Jags going 9-7 or better. This year everyone’s saying we’ll be lucky to go 3-13. So, maybe – just maybe – we go 9-7.

John: I think the Jaguars this season will be closer to 9-7 than 3-13. I think this because I think they’re better than many fans believe right now. I don’t believe they’re a playoff team and I have been consistent with that through the offseason. We’ll see.

Steve from Jagsonville:
O, could the struggles that Bortles seems to be having be just in his head – and could that have come from the media (social media included)? Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve seen stories in some national media outlets that have already labeled him as a “bust.” I find it hard to believe that a young player like him never sees that with the way everyone is “connected” these days. I guess my question is, could his problem be mental rather than physical? As a followup question, if it is mental, how do the coaches fix something like that?

John: I do believe some of Bortles’ issues are mental, and he does seem to have lost some confidence. That’s not surprising; it would be more surprising at this point if he didn’t doubt himself at least somewhat. Bortles said he doesn’t read or listen to the media, and he doesn’t get on social media much. I believe that to be true, because I imagine he has wisely done what he can to shut out the outside noise. Still, it’s hard not to hear the noise when the noise is this deafening. How do you fix it? That I don’t know. I do know if you’re going to play quarterback in the NFL these days outside noise is going to be there and you must be able to handle it. It’s part of the NFL landscape these days. It’s not going to go away unless your play dictates it. And even then it’s probably not going all the way away.

John from Jacksonville:
Back in 2014, in the third game of the regular season against the Colts, the crowd cheered when Henne was pulled after lackluster performances thus far and the coach put Bortles in the game. I can’t say that the thought of in 2017, three years later, our coach contemplating pulling Bortles in favor of Henne occurred to anyone. I think I’m in a time warp.

John: ‘Tis quite the story.

Joe from Hall of Fame City, OH:
Hey John, is it me or am I the only one who thinks the “open quarterback competition” might just be what the doctor ordered when it comes to Bortles? We have all seen it where the starter is pushed by the same competition fans call for. I say BB5’s brain will click with his behind and he shows us all he is the franchise quarterback we all hoped he would be.

John: ‘Twould be quite the story.

Ryan from Durham, NC:
If Chad Henne beats out Blake and Blake is subsequently cut, do you think we then see a quarterback picked up (i.e Colin Kaepernick) or a trade happening?

John: I do not believe the Jaguars will release Bortles if Henne wins the job. But things have had a tendency to change fast in this story, so IF that does change and Bortles is released then I do think you would see a quarterback added from outside the team. I don’t think it would be Kaepernick for the very simple reason that I think if that was a possibility it already would have been done. But we’ll see.

John from Jax:
So, about a month ago, I bought your tab here at a local establishment thinking it would bring our team good fortune. I fear I’ve done a disservice to this community. I’ve doomed us all. In all seriousness, great to meet you, class act. But not money well spent.

John: That wasn’t me, but a very handsome, distinguished man who’s irresistible to the ladies owes you a big thank you.
 
 

 

 

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O-Zone: Two-house race

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Andrew from Charleston, SC:
Do you really think we can win with Chad Henne? It seems to me this season hinged on Blake Bortles‘ improvement and that doesn’t look like it’s panning out. Give me your gut feeling on this. Can we win with Henne?

John: This depends on what you mean by “win.” NFL quarterbacks in a sense can be separated by those who will win you games, those who can manage games and those who will lose you games. The ones who “win you games” can take a team that might have been a six- or seven-victory team and get that team to 10 or 11 victories. A game manager can take a team to where its overall talent level will take it, and a quarterback that loses you games … well, that obviously goes the other way. I think Henne can be one of those quarterbacks in the middle, so do I think the Jaguars can get out of the double-digit-loss abyss with him at quarterback? Can he manage them to that level? Yes. Can they get to a winning record? Or the playoffs? That’s a big ask considering this team won three games last season.

Kris from Neenah, WI:
I would rather see Brad Allen start than Chad Henne if Bortles fails. Chad Henne is not an improvement from Bortles, plain and simple.

John: This Brad Allen guy is picking up a lot of momentum with the fan base. Play the kid.

Mac from Jacksonville:
Are Bortles and Henne going to split first-team reps in Preseason Game 3? I feel like we may get a good indication of where Doug Marrone’s head is at by who plays when (and for how long).

John: Bortles and Henne shared repetitions with the first team in practice Saturday and Sunday, and Marrone said that would be the case in practice this week. I see no reason why he wouldn’t take that approach Thursday against Carolina. As far as his thinking on the quarterback situation … yeah, the game will be good indication. Or maybe just listen to his postgame presser. That was a pretty good indication of his thinking last week.

Ben from Memphis, TN:
Over/under 50 percent chance Brandon Allen starts a game this year?

John: Under by 50.

Aaron from White Hall, AR:
So after Thursday’s night game, I decided to take a couple of days to get my thoughts together. I’m one of Blake’s biggest fans and have seen every throw he has made since he has been here and watched a ton of his interviews. I’m worried after watching his postgame interview everything has finally gotten to him. Your thoughts?

John: I think Bortles did seem discouraged when speaking to the media after Thursday’s game. I think considering he had just been told by Marrone that he no longer had a firm hold on the starter’s job after nearly three seasons it was quite natural he be discouraged. This wasn’t an easy situation. We were seeing it in real time. It would have been sort of superhuman if he had been giddy.

Keith from Palatka, FL:
At least Jerell is in mid-season form.

John: It’s impressive.

Jeremy from Wise, VA:
This team will have difficulty being competitive in each game because, as currently constituted, the offensive line is not that good. Cam Robinson looks decent so far. Patrick Omameh looks OK pass blocking. Brandon Linder is good. A.J. Cann is not good. Neither is Jermey Parnell. The ability of the group to run block is very suspect. And I don’t see a quick fix without a trade or a surprise cut. Worried.

John: A traded or released player usually isn’t a quick fix because teams typically don’t allow players to leave if they’re capable of fixing other team’s situations. This line struggled Thursday, particularly Omameh. Shoot, pretty much the entire team struggled. Some of the issues thus far on offense may be that players are still adjusting to a new offensive scheme. Some of the issues overall Thursday may have been a bunch of dead legs after what has been a difficult training camp. Players weren’t saying that after the game, but they sure looked drained. Did those issues hurt the line? Maybe. Whatever it was, the group has to be better. It’s too early to give up on the group, but the run is too important to this team for performances such as Thursday’s to not be a concern.

Brandon from Athens, GA:
I have watched a few preseason games this year and one of things I have noticed is the good quarterbacks (i.e. Matt Ryan, Aaron Rogers, etc.) move their teams methodically down the field with confidence. I noticed the same movement with Henne minus the touchdowns (knowing that he’s not a Rogers or Ryan). Not really a question, just an observation. Maybe a one fer Henne?

John: Henne has looked good in practice for the most part, and he has looked good for the most part during this year’s preseason appearances. And while it’s not accurate to say he has looked like a dramatically improved/changed/made-over quarterback from the player who quarterbacked the Jaguars from 2012-2014, he at this point has looked better for the most part during camp than Bortles. That’s why it feels like this thing is leading in Henne’s direction. So, sure – one fer Henne. He deserves it.

Kim from Buffalo, NY:
Do you think the Jags will start either Bortles or Henne? Could they potentially trade or sign a quarterback that will start for us?

John: I think the Jaguars will wind up starting Henne. I could be wrong, but that’s the direction it feels like it’s headed. Could an outside quarterback happen? It’s always a possibility because circumstances can change. I get no sense that that’s the planned direction at this time.

Mark from Archer, FL:
I would like to make two points. First, if Henne is the starter I think the Jags can play and win more games. He is an average quarterback, which would at least complement every other aspect of our team. Secondly, I understand your reasoning for why they are not giving Brandon Allen a chance. But my argument is that maybe their judgement is not that great. The coaches after all are the ones who up until the second game of the preseason thought that Bortles was the answer at being our starting quarterback.

John: I understand your argument. I understand it because I have read it from fans over and over and over again in recent days. That argument is not going to change the Jaguars’ approach because the decision is not up for argument, but I understand the argument.

Don from Jacksonville:
So, let me get this straight: Every outside professional, scout, and talent evaluator over the offseason unanimously thought we should go in a different direction than BB5. Dave Caldwell (who drafted Bortles) did nothing. He doubled down and stated publicly that he still believed in him. That is why we are in this situation and why this franchise has been the worst over the last seven years. The fact that Dave Caldwell is still employed by the Jags says it all.

John: Dave Caldwell drafted Bortles in 2014. He had final say over football decisions at that point. That was not the case this offseason.

Matt from Jacksonville:
Maybe they should give Andie McDowell some first team reps at quarterback.

John: I’d watch that.

Ray from Vernon, FL:
Has Brandon Allen ever gotten reps with first string? Why not at least give him a try … sure couldn’t hurt. After all, the Jags have wasted years experimenting with quarterbacks to no avail. Your thoughts, O’Man?

John: This won’t happen.

Jon from Ocala, FL:
Hi O, there hasn’t been much discussion about Cam Robinson. I guess that’s a good thing.

John: Cam Robinson has done fine at left tackle thus far. He as of last week was still splitting some repetitions with Josh Wells at left tackle, though Robinson did start against Tampa Bay and appeared to be taking more first-team repetitions in practice last week. I expect Robinson will start Week 1, and I expect he will play well this season for a rookie. He’ll have some hiccups, but the general feeling is he will do well in the short- and long-term.

Marcus from Jacksonville:
It’s funny to me that you are so confident that Allen won’t get a shot to become the starter. You’re probably right that this is a two-house race, but you were also very confident two weeks ago that Bortles would be the Game 1 starter, to the point of mocking and ridiculing any fans who thought otherwise. You seem to like to make these divinitie statements about things when in reality there is nothing divinitie at this point. I think Henne will be the starter, but it could be Bortles, it could be Allen or it could be someone else altogether.

John: I’m glad you’re amused. Being amused is cool. People like it. I’ll be the first to say things can change fast in the NFL, and the Jaguars’ quarterback situation changed fast in a big way. But this is a two-house race. That’s divinitely true, and it’s not going to change.
 
 

 

 

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O-Zone: Sage advice

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Jason from the North Pole, AK:
I don’t understand why people seem excited about the possibility of Chad Henne starting. Why would I be excited to know our franchise quarterback is a bust? Henne isn’t going to take us to the Super Bowl and next year we will be back to searching. It’s all very depressing; it feels like the season is over before it began.

John: I don’t sense high excitement from most fans about Henne possibly starting. I do sense many fans don’t want to see Blake Bortles anymore – that those fans are comparatively pleased to be seeing anything else. That’s the nature of the beast when a starting quarterback struggles: anything else will be applauded with the assumption it can’t get worse. That’s not always the case, and I do understand your skepticism regarding Henne. It’s hard on the surface to believe Henne will be a major upgrade from Bortles; he was, after all, a backup to Bortles for nearly three seasons. But I guess I’m not as pessimistic as many when it comes to Henne. Did he struggle in his previous starting stints for the Jaguars? Yes, but his Jaguars starts came in 2012-2014 when the roster was at one of its lowest points in franchise history. Any quarterback would have been hard-pressed to perform at a high level at that time. I’m not going to write that I believe Henne will be great this season if he starts, but can he be better than he was in 2012-2014? And can the Jaguars be better than they were during that stretch? I believe he can, and I believe they can.

Daniel Since Day One:
Henne has always thrown better than Bortles. Now that the team isn’t all rookie receivers and linemen, that will translate into more points and fewer catastrophic mistakes.

John: That would certainly seem to be the hope.

Tommy from Jacksonville:
Well, this was inevitable. I sent a question earlier this year stating we should cut Blake Bortles to avoid the $18 million guaranteed. Do you believe the team will do this? This ship is out of orbit. No sense of waiting if you ask me.

John: This question refers to a much-discussed fifth-year option under which Bortles will make $19 million if he is on the roster in 2018. The Jaguars opted to exercise that option this offseason. By doing so, it meant they were assured of his rights for the 2018 season – which will be his fifth NFL season. Under that option, the Jaguars have the right to release Bortles and probably not have to pay the $19 million for 2018. The one scenario under which they would have to pay Bortles the $19 million is if he is injured this season and not cleared physically by early next March – shortly after the start of the NFL’s 2018 League Year. It’s the $19 million that has people wondering if the Jaguars will release Bortles if Henne is named the starter; the rationale is that there’s no reason to risk Bortles being injured if he’s not the starter. As of right now – August 20 – I’m getting the sense that Bortles will be on the roster for 2018 whether or not he is the Week 1 starter. The risk of a serious enough injury to have him not cleared physically is relatively low — and if the idea is to carry the best possible 53-man roster, then Bortles as your backup would be in line with that idea. It’s a risk, but it’s a risk the Jaguars understood when they exercised the fifth-year option, and the risk would be substantially lower if he is the backup and not the starter.

Josh from Lynchburg, VA:
Do you understand how difficult it is to be a Jaguars fan?

John: Of course.

Bergis from Section 202:
Brandon Allen has looked like one of the best players on the field and has all but dominated when playing, so why not give him a couple of series with the ones? How else are we going to find out? Yes, the coaches see him day-in and day-out, but wasn’t Bortles considered at one time to be a gamer and not a practice player. Give the kid a shot, Doug. This next game will be his last opportunity.

John: I continue to get versions of this email, and I suppose I will continue to get versions of this email so long as Allen is on the Jaguars’ roster. Fans see Allen succeed late in preseason games and wonder, “Why doesn’t he get a shot?” Here’s why: because coaches and decision-makers have watched practice and decided that this clearly is a two-quarterback competition. The difference between the first two quarterbacks is such that it is going to stay a two-quarterback competition between Henne and Bortles until either Henne or Bortles is named the starter. I have no wish to denigrate Allen, who seems like a very nice person, but I have no sense that he is going to get first-team practice or game reps because coaches/decision-makers do not believe his performance in games or practice merits such a move. This undoubtedly will anger and frustrate fans. That anger and frustration likely will remain.

Steve from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
Have you seen the movie “Groundhog Day?”

John: Yes. I’ve made this clear: I’m a big Andie McDowell fan.

Bill from Jacksonville:
If the potential quarterback of the future (guy that can lead them to playoffs/Super Bowl) isn’t on the team (which he’s not), the season is a waste … already. We literally might as well start talking about the draft. Please tell me why I’m wrong, Johnny O. Thanks! Go Jags!

John: I can’t tell you why you’re wrong, Bill. The only thing that can prove you wrong now is the Jaguars winning. Maybe they will. We’ll see. Go Jags!

AJ from Pensacola, FL:
Will Brad Allen, or Brandon Allen have an opportunity to get first team reps? And, what number does Brad wear? I can never find him on the field.

John: Keep looking. He’s there. He must be. Play the kid.

Dylan from Tulsa, OK:
Do you think we will ever draft another player from Oklahoma State? Or were we burned too badly by Justin Blackmon to touch the school again? One fer the Pokes?

John: If the Jaguars think a player from Oklahoma State is the best player available when it’s their time to draft they would have no issue making the selection.

Matt from Fernandina Beach, FL:
Who made the decision to let Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye, and Leonard Fournette sit up in the box during the game Thursday? Granted, all three players are injured and not playing. But wouldn’t they have been better served on the sidelines with the rest of their teammates and with their position coaches? I was shocked to see this.

John: I wasn’t shocked. Injured players sitting in the press box is a common practice.

Logan from Wichita, KS:
How long until our entire defense throws in the towel and says to heck with trying because our offense is so terrible that our defense will be handcuffed to loss after loss after loss (repeat 13 times more)?

John: This isn’t an issue and I expect it will be a while before it’s an issue – if it’s ever an issue. Besides, while I expect this to be a good defense this season, it didn’t play well enough against Tampa Bay to be throwing towels or saying the heck with anything.

David from Duval:
Thursday night was one of the Top 5 worst performances I’ve ever seen from the Jaguars when the score has been kept. The defense played with effort it seemed like and kept the Bucs out of the end zone multiple times down in the red zone. That’s all I got to say about that.

John: I say this not to be cute or snide, but I’ve seen five worse.

Paul from St. Auggie:
I can understand throwing on third-and-1 at the end, but why go for another low-percentage pass play on fourth-and-1? We could have run for a first down and likely a touchdown. Makes no sense to me. There was plenty of time left.

John: I’ve gotten more than a few questions on this. I honestly haven’t thought much about it. I have thought more about things like a quarterback competition and the first-team offense and defense struggling on Thursday than I have about the final seconds of a preseason game.

Bob from St. Augustine, FL:
So, I’m in our truck traveling out of town. My wife sees me on my phone and asks what am I doing? I said “Reading Johnny O and catching up on Jaguar news.” Wife be like, “Why waste your time? The quarterback sucks. The team is pissed and they are going to have another losing season. What more do you need to know?” I immediately started writing this note … how do I respond? Help me Oh Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.

John: Tell her she should stay in her lane. Literally.
 
 

 

 

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O-Zone: The real deal

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – And. Away. We. Go.

Let’s get to it …

Trent from North Dakota:
Chad Henne and Brandon Allen played well Thursday. It stood out how much fun they were having – and how freely they played. It just looks like Blake presses so hard. Now, I don’t want 15-plus-interception Blake Bortles, but part of the reason he gave us so much hope before was he had the look/played more like the other two did against the Buccaneers. He looks like he’s not even having fun anymore. There’s more to playing quarterback than “looking like you’re having fun,” but it’s tied at the hip to playing confidently. Right now, he doesn’t appear to be playing with any confidence. Why? I don’t know, but if it’s affecting his play, maybe it’s time to give Henne an even more extended look.

John: I think it’s safe to say Henne’s going to get a very extended look very soon. I still believe Bortles also will get a look, the length of which remains to be seen. But I do see a lot of what you see in Bortles. He has appeared to be pressing, and he understandably doesn’t look like he’s having fun. I thought he looked encouraging in the final two games of last season, and I thought it was logical to assume he would achieve at least that level this season. He didn’t achieve it for the most part in practice, and he certainly didn’t achieve it Thursday against Tampa Bay. It’s possible the enormity of what this season meant to he and the team created pressure. It’s possible every throw became so scrutinized that it was impossible to relax and play freely. It’s possible an offseason of hearing from everyone with an opinion on the Jaguars – including people running the organization – that he had to reduce interceptions, raise his level and improve his accuracy created an environment in which he couldn’t play freely. Maybe it was none of these things, or maybe it was a combination. And maybe Thursday’s events will serve as a turning point. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to understand why things perhaps haven’t been fun lately for Bortles. And whatever the reason, his time to improve is very obviously shorter than before.

Gamble from Brasilia, Brazil:
You know what feels dispiriting? The Jaguars brought back Tom Coughlin with hopes that he would review the roster’s weaknesses. Yet, we went through the offseason by oddly extending our on-thin-ice quarterback and throwing a patchwork solution at our “offensive” line. Let’s be clear: can this team truly “win now?”

John: Bortles lost his hold on the starting job by mid-August, and the major offseason offensive-line acquisition – left tackle Branden Albert – is no longer on the roster after a well-documented retirement (or whatever that was). Not every offseason roster decision works. Those two didn’t. While the line struggled against Tampa Bay, I don’t think it’s time to give up that group yet. As far as Bortles, well … As for your final question – can this team truly “win now?” – that remains the goal. I think this line can be serviceable at minimum, and it feels like it’s leaning toward “In Chad We Trust” at quarterback. He’s capable. He has had success. He can manage games. Can he do more? Stay tuned.

Mark from Ponte Vedra and Section 215:
High-ankle sprains sometimes take several weeks to heal. If Marqise Lee is not ready by the beginning of the year what are the IR/return options available to the Jaguars? Would they use one this early?

John: Teams now can bring two players per season back of injured reserve. It’s possible this mechanism could be used on Lee, but I doubt it. A high-ankle sprain can be a six-week-ish injury. That would possibly put Lee back in Week 2 or 3 of the regular season. It very likely could be worth keeping Lee active for such a short time rather than place him on injured reserve and use one of their two IR activations.

Chad from Yulee, FL:
Is it possible that part of the move back to the middle for Poz is due to him not excelling at SAM? I am sure much of it is that Myles Jack is not as good in the middle as Poz in base, but I doubt seriously that the staff ever thought he would be this year. Poz has always seemed to be very uncomfortable with the switch and I sense this is as much about him as it is about Myles Jack.

John: It’s possible, but not probable. This is not a matter of Jack being bad in the middle in base as much as it is a matter of Posluszny being really good there. And while Posluszny indeed has voiced discomfort at strong side at times, that discomfort was more about Posluszny holding his level of play to a very high standard. His honesty about what it would take to play at what he considered a high level may have caused some fans to believe he was playing poorly there. That wasn’t the case, and the move wasn’t about Poslusnzy struggling on the strong side. It was about him being the best choice to play the middle.

Jeremy from Dodge City, KS:
O-man, I’m currently trying to convince my wife to move to Jacksonville. Problem is, she has never been there and hasn’t heard the best things about J-ville. What would you say to convince your wife to move to Jacksonville (if you had to convince her)?

John: I’d just do what I always do, which is say, “This is how it is because this is my wish and because I say so.” Isn’t that what all men say to their wives?

Daniel Since Day One:
Henne has always looked sharper than Bortles. The difference now is that he’s not playing behind a rookie offensive line. Bortles has not improved after three years so the whole strategy of letting him develop under pressure has failed miserably, like it does to almost every young quarterback.

John: Perhaps letting young quarterbacks develop under pressure is what causes many to fail. More likely it’s the exceedingly difficult nature of the position and the exceedingly small number of people on the planet capable of playing it at a high level.

Jeremy from Wise, VA:
Remember the other day when I asked if Jason Myers is in danger of losing his job due to his struggles? You said, “Not at this time.” How about now? And he isn’t the only one, either.

John: I do remember – and I remember writing “Not at this time” because at that the Jaguars were not trying out other kickers. I would not write “Not at this time” if asked the same question now.

The Third from Boston, MA:
A lot to be concerned about.

John: True that.

Ron from Section 118:
Everything I’m hearing says it’s a battle between Bortles and Henne. Though I’m not hearing much about Brandon Allen, Thursday he seemed to be the only one that really moved the ball with authority. Granted, the touchdown drops didn’t help Henne, but Allen seemed to own it. I know Coach Marrone threw his name in kinda afterwards in his presser, but it seems he’s making a strong case for himself to no longer be ignored. Or am I being fooled because he’s playing against third and fourth strings?

John: Right now it’s more a case of the latter – that a lot of Allen’s success is coming against third and fourth teams. Preseason games also must be viewed with the understanding that there’s very little game-planning involved, so coaches must project how a quarterback will handle not only calling his own team’s offense but playing against more complex regular-season defenses. The battle indeed seems to be Henne-Bortles. Everything Marrone said after Thursday’s game indicated as much, and that was the feeling in the postgame locker room. Things change, and maybe that will, too – but that’s how it is now.

Jerell from Columbia:
Why in Jacksonville are the quarterback and kicker never held accountable?

John: You may need to change the tense on this question.

J. Hooks from Orange Park, FL:
John and crew, I just wanted to give a “One fer” to the entire staff at jaguars.com. This website is stacked full of awesome new videos and innovative ways to get fans information about the team and individual players. Just an all-out bad-ass job on all your parts! I can’t say enough about how you guys and gals keep upping your game! Makes me wonder if some Khan funds might have been accidentally reallocated your way, but we don’t need to get in to that … or do we?

John: I missed the reallocated funds memo.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:
This team stinks. There is no hope for this franchise. The quarterback is a bum. The line can’t run block. The defense is overrated. This franchise has a black cat running around it.

John: Go, Jerell, go.

Bill from Melbourne, FL:
You made him up. Jerell is not real.

John: I’m not that good.
 
 

 

 

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O-Zone Late Night: Buccaneers 12, Jaguars 8

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Gary from Orange Park, FL:
We got ourselves a CONTROVERSY!!!!!

John: Well, there’s no doubting you’re serious – what with your subtle use of not only CAPITAL LETTERS, but exclamation points!! as well. That’s VERY, VERY SERIOUS!!! But yes, that’s pretty much where we are in the 2017 Jaguars Training Camp Quarterback Saga now. It festered and percolated cozily and controllably under the surface this week, but when Head Coach Doug Marrone gave backup quarterback Chad Henne first-team repetitions in Preseason Week 2 against the Buccaneers Thursday, it marked the beginning of a question that at some point before Week 1 must be answered: Who will start at quarterback? Will Marrone stick with Blake Bortles or will he go with Henne? Is it a controversy? Well, controversy is a pretty controversial word. But whatever it is, the Jaguars’ quarterback situation is murkier than it was a week ago and whole lot murkier than it was a couple of hours back.

Tommy from Fernandina Beach, FL:
O-man … O-line stinks!! D-line, no pressure … same results!! UGH!!!

John: Those were pretty common takeaways from the first quarter and a half Thursday, and it was hard to argue. The offensive line struggled to run block early with the starters in the game, and the Buccaneers got pressure on Bortles in some big situations. And the defense? Well, it allowed 187 yards and 12 points on the Buccaneers’ first three drives – and the score could have been worse than that. As middle linebacker Paul Posluszny said afterward, the defense just did not come out fast. The Jaguars’ defense was without its top three corners – Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye and Aaron Colvin – and the absence of those players can’t be overlooked. The absence of running back Leonard Fournette and wide receiver Marqise Lee offensively can’t be overlooked, either. Still …

Jeff from Jacksonville Beach, FL:
Wow.

John: Wow.

David from St. Augustine, FL:
Face it, Zone. Marrone benched Blake Bortles Thursday. Don’t deny it. Stop defending him.

John: I don’t spend much time denying or defending things, but hey: now’s not the time for parsing through details. The reality is Marrone didn’t “bench” Bortles on Thursday, because the reality is that the plan entering the game Thursday was to give Henne time with the starters. This wasn’t announced before the game because Marrone’s not given to announcing such things before games. The reason he doesn’t announce such before games is because he doesn’t have to announce such things before games. But debating whether or not it was a benching is probably missing the main point. Whatever it was, it’s clear Marrone and the Jaguars are trying to make sure they know who the best choice to quarterback the Jaguars. That remains to be seen. As Marrone said, this thing is up for grabs.

Jaginator from (formerly of) Section 124:
Jon Gruden shortly before half talking about the Jags: “It’s tough to get excited.” Truer words have never been spoken.

John: OK.

Terry from Jacksonville:
Say this for Marrone: The guy’s got guts.

John: Yeah, I think that’s fair – and I think it’s fair to say Marrone means what he says when he talks about playing the best players regardless of circumstance. If we didn’t believe him before, he must be believed now. A lot of people grew angry in the offseason when Marrone continued to go with Bortles despite fans’ dissatisfaction with Bortles. But Marrone isn’t or shouldn’t be worried about fan reaction. He’s trying to find the best player to play quarterback. Bortles has had ample repetitions. He has had some good series, throws and day in training camp and he has had some well-publicized bad series, throws and days. He hasn’t been awful all the time, but he also hasn’t been good enough to make this topic go away. Marrone with three preseason games remaining clearly believed that, and clearly wanted to give Henne a chance to see if he’s a better option. That doesn’t mean Marrone is done with Bortles. He made clear Thursday Bortles can still win the job. It does mean he wants to make sure he knows which quarterback is the better option. That does take some guts, though I’m not sure Marrone would see it as guts as much as it being the route the makes the most sense.

Nathan from St. Augustine, FL:
After the first preseason game, I asked if there was at least a chance that Henne could be the starter Week 1. You replied with a direct, to-the-point, no-time-for-small-talk answer of No. After another game of Bortles looking awful and Henne looking confident and making good throws that should have been touchdowns again this week, are we at least up to a maybe Henne starts week 1?

John: Yes.

Scott from Aurora, IL:
Henne just looks more confident, decisive, accurate, etc. He should be the starter going forward.

John: We’ll see.
 
 

 

 

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