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O-Zone: Good start

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

FOXBORO, Mass. – Let’s get to it …

Stephen from Jacksonville:

You’re right that there are no major surprises about the first depth chart of 2017, but I find it slightly interesting is listed as the starting receiver opposite . Does this say more about Lee’s talent finally coming through, a drop off in ’ level of play – or simply that the Jaguars intend Hurns to only play in the slot receiver position this year? It’s probably nitpicking on my part, but does the listed order of the Jaguars’ top three receivers mean much at all? Also, with Lee and Hurns both having some health concerns, how important is it for the receiver depth chart to remain fluid, in regards to the roles everyone who is in the top six will be expected to play?

John: Lee being listed as the starter on the Jaguars’ first unofficial 2017 depth chart is significant because it reflects what has been going on throughout ‘17 Training camp – that Lee is running with the starters, and that he most likely will be a starting outside receiver in the regular season. It has nothing to do with Hurns’ level of play, which has not dropped off. It has to do with Lee being a big-time talent who earned a starting role with his play late last season – and his level of performance during the offseason and thus far in training camp. And I think it’s time to stop referring to Lee’s “health concerns.” He like very NFL player could be injured at any time, but he has gone long enough without having the stops and starts that plagued his first two seasons that people can stop painting him with that brush.

Scott from Vienna:

In a recent answer about , you said his experience at the middle-linebacker position might be an issue. I understand middle linebacker is considered the quarterback of the defense, but shouldn’t playing with Poz and Telvin help him out?

John: Without question.

Ethan from Rhode Island:

Right before the Raiders game last season I remember thinking that with a 2-3 record it could very well be the Jags’ “last game” of the season. The result was ugly; at 2-4, the season wasn’t really lost, but that was a huge punch in the gut to most fans’ hopes. Do you foresee a game of such magnitude this season? I would say Week 5 in Pittsburgh, and Week 7 in Indy, are probably the biggest games of the year. Though, again: the Jags need to win a bit beforehand to make them as important and exciting as they could be.

John: It’s difficult if not impossible to know a season’s biggest games before the season because – as you note – teams must win to make games important. I thought at the time last season the Chicago game was critical because the victory moved the Jaguars to 2-3 and meant that a victory over the Raiders the next week would get them to .500. I thought the Baltimore game earlier in the season would have and should have been huge had the Jaguars won … but they lost, so it’s not remembered as very big.

Josh from Jacksonville:

I would like to tell Scott that a free agent that cost the team $0 and loses them zero games or even hurts you for zero games cannot be your biggest free-agent bust.

John: And if you told him that you would be correct.

Dude from Dallas, TX:

Hey, Mr. O: Blake’s “mechanics” problems are a diversion from the real issue. He’s never going to be elite, so how can we win with him now? Better players around him helps. We also need to identify his strengths and play to them: Simplify our passing game, give him more intermediate throws, force vanilla defensive formations to make his reads easier, ban forced throws, up the tempo a lot … go no huddle. What do you think? Oh – and what’s it like, living Groundhog Day?

John: Your plan isn’t bad, and it’s one many teams would love to follow. Establishing the run game, and play good defense – most teams like that as Option No. 1. As for “Groundhog Day,” it’s actually not bad. I always liked Andie McDowell.

Mike from Navarre, OH:

In years past, Bortles has been labeled as “bad at practicing.” Reading all of the reports from offseason work this year, it seems as though that’s not the case this time around. Is there truth to this?

John: For the most part, yes.

Steve from Madison, WI:

I understand everyone worrying about Bortles, but there is no doubt in my mind this team is going to be better this year. This defense is going to be good; if Bortles just cuts down on his interceptions and game-losing plays this team will win at least three-to-four more games. They lost nine games by seven points or less last year … they were right there in every game even against good teams. No matter who’s coaching or playing quarterback, this team is right on the cusp. One thing I will say: I don’t believe adding will magically make them a better run team. It starts up front and they haven’t done much to change that offensive line. Do you agree, O?

John: I long have believed that the run game in the NFL pretty much starts and ends with the play of the offensive line. But there are exceptions to that, and Fournette shows signs of being an exception. I don’t know that this offense is going to be a dominant, Top 5 running team, but I would be shocked if it’s not a much better running team this season than last season – and I would be very surprised if there aren’t at least five or six games when it runs very, very effectively.

Brad from O-Man’s Office Coach:

You are shrink to Jag Fans everywhere, allowing us to unload our frustrations and thoughts. Here’s to hoping that this season doesn’t require therapy but instead high-fives all around. #DrO

John: That wouldn’t suck.

Keith from Palatka, FL:

I have been reading ad nauseam during the past months and even recently of people clamoring for Colin Kaepernick to become a Jaguar. Kaepernick had a good run when he was novel with the San Francisco 49ers, but defenses adjusted as they always do and stuffed him like a Thanksgiving turkey. When he regressed to the point that he could not win a quarterback battle against Blaine Gabbert, that should tell people all they need to know – that he is not a starting level NFL quarterback. “Kap” is a system quarterback and you would have to adjust your whole offense to his particular skill set (which as previously stated doesn’t work well anymore in the NFL). Why would the Jaguars do that? Then, there is the elephant in the room fact that he protested by kneeling during the national anthem, which he had every right as a U.S. citizen to do. In a military town like Jacksonville, with its sense of patriotism, ticket buyers have every right to protest by not buying tickets in reaction to his protests. That makes him fit in Jacksonville like a sock on a rooster. Do you think Kaepernick would be a good fit for the Jaguars?

John: No, and kneeling has nothing to do with it.

Jordan from Palm Beach, FL:

I know traditionally you play your known starters sparingly through the first two preseason games and the last. Do you think it would be a good idea to play Bortles a little more to get additional “teal time” practice? The quarterback isn’t as likely to get injured as a starting running back.

John: I think the playing time for Bortles and most of the Jaguars’ starters will be very traditional throughout the preseason.

Mark from Archer, FL:

John, I am getting annoyed with all these people saying Fournette cannot have the type of rookie season that Ezekiel Elliott of the Cowboys had last season. Elliot is not a better back than Fournette. Yes Elliot has a better offensive line. But Fournette is the kind of back that will make an average offensive line seem great because he can do so much more. I think that Fournette will lead the league in rushing next season. You heard it from me first: rushing title and Offensive Rookie of the Year – and at some point, he will be given slight consideration for MVP because of just how good he will be.

John: You go, girl.

Pauk from Duvsk:

There is no old Bortles. There is only Bortles. Hold me and pray.

John: The Jaguars play the Houston Texans in the 2017 regular-season opener at NRG Stadium in Houston on September 10.

Sandro from El Paso, TX:

Blake needs to improve decision making, we can all agree on that. But how is his throw looking? From all the tape I’ve seen it appears he isn’t falling back to bad mechanics.

John: So far, so good.

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Author J32bassPosted on August 7, 2017August 7, 2017Categories Uncategorized663 Comments on O-Zone: Good start

O-Zone: A phone call away

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Cody from Boston, MA:

Why do you feel fans want Brandon Allen trying out for a starting role? I think the majority of people are hoping he turns into a TB12 situation. I would rather put my hopes on BB5 getting a “B” grade year than hoping to find a man I can’t stop hearing about.

John: The answer revolves a simple, elusive concept: hope. Fans want Allen to get a chance to work with the first team because they believe – rightly or wrongly – that that they have seen enough from Blake Bortles to know he is not the right quarterback. They hope that maybe, maybe Allen – a sixth-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft – is the right quarterback. It’s understandable that fans feel that way this offseason. And Bortles struggled enough at times last season that fans have every right to feel that way. Fans see Tom Brady (TB12), Dak Prescott and some other examples of late-drafted quarterbacks and understandably wonder if perhaps a similar late-draft success story could happen in Jacksonville. As of right now, Allen is the Jaguars’ third-team quarterback. That’s his status because Jaguars coaches and decision-makers believe that Bortles is the best quarterback on this roster followed by Chad Henne followed by Allen. They believe this based on practices, meetings and everything else they have seen from all three players in extensive time spent around them. That doesn’t mean nothing can ever change on this front. All three will play in the preseason. Perhaps Allen will play so well during his opportunity that coaches change their stance on this matter. Perhaps Bortles will play poorly. Perhaps there will be injury. Many things can happen in the NFL, but for now Bortles is the starting quarterback with Henne as the backup and Allen No. 3. It would be an upset if that changes.

Sheriff Buford T. Justine from The Fringe:

Nice job of trying to let Jag fans down easy, O Man. Bortles is who he is: a turnover-prone quarterback who is inaccurate, throws too many ducks and can’t read defenses well enough to audible to a play that can hit for a big gain or touchdown. Other than that, he’s a fine NFL quarterback.

John: That’s a fair assessment based on three seasons. I can tell you that there have been some positive signs during camp on this front. Bortles has looked off defenders at times. He has shown signs of things veterans show – making the right throws in situations in which he previously made wrong throws. That doesn’t mean it automatically will translate to regular-season situations. That doesn’t mean the five interceptions last Saturday weren’t disturbing. It means there have been some good signs.

Julio from Oak Hills:

What’s wrong with Calais Campbell? Why is he not practicing? Should this be a concern?

John: Campbell has been out much of training camp with an undisclosed injury. I have heard or seen nothing to indicate it’s a major concern. I really don’t care if Campbell plays a preseason snap. I don’t think the Jaguars deep down care that much if he does, either. If he’s healthy for the regular season – and there’s no reason to think that won’t be the case – he will be fine.

Brett from Jacksonville:

Is one of the bigger benefits of practicing with other teams on special teams? I imagine it’s hard to practice special teams coverage alone, because obviously you don’t have two special teams on a roster.

John: The main benefits of practicing against other teams are going against different schemes than what your team runs – and going against players who don’t know your tendencies. After months of offseason work and a week or so of padded work, a player such as Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye knows what to expect from a player such as wide receiver Allen Robinson – and vice versa. The Jaguars have worked against themselves for months. Now, beginning Monday in New England, players get to see if what has been working against teammates will work against different players using different approaches. And if it doesn’t, they must figure out how to adjust or fail. As for special teams, teams typically can get work done in that area if they so choose – especially in training camp. The roster numbers are more than adequate this time of the NFL year to have two sets of special teams.

Neal from New Jersey:

Hey, John: I’m really excited for the season. Who do you think will step up their game and be the most improved player this year? I think it would be free safety Tashaun Gipson, who will lead us in picks. Also, how have the free agents looked so far? I know that Calais has been destroying, but how about the others?

John: Gipson is a good choice when projecting the Jaguars’ most-improved player. He seems motivated, and Head Coach Doug Marrone this week sounded optimistic that Gipson would have a chance to have a good season. I also think right tackle Jermey Parnell has a chance to be improved this season. The consensus around the Jaguars is he was pretty good at the end of last season once he got healthy. As for the free agents, it would hard to look better than Bouye thus far. He’s drawing raves, and deservedly so.

Edward from Los Angeles, CA:

What exactly is a co-starter? Does that designate an open competition, or is it more like “cupcakes for everyone?”

John: It means coaches aren’t yet ready to name a starter at a certain position. Players don’t get cupcakes in the NFL.

Dave form Glass Half Empty:

John, should we be concerned? Our third- and fourth-round draft picks are currently fourth on the depth chart at their positions. Not sure how you make a team as the fourth-string anything. Our first and second corners are both on the PUP list. How can you be first team if you are technically not on the team yet? What is the latest on Calais? When do we panic? When do we come off the ledge? When is the team required to file an injury report?

John: Panic not. The Jaguars’ coaches want young players to earn positions. That’s why running back Leonard Fournette (Round 1) and left tackle Cam Robinson (Round 2) are listed as co-starters, and it’s why wide receiver Dede Westbrook (Round 4) and defensive end Dawuane Smoot (Round 3) are listed down on the depth chart. All will be on the roster this season. I wouldn’t worry much about cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey or Aaron Colvin yet either, though I might be if the regular season weren’t … OVER A MONTH AWAY. And yes, that’s the same reason you shouldn’t worry about Campbell – and you can tell I’m serious about all of this because I used CAPITAL LETTERS. Relax. Get off the ledge. I don’t know what the Jaguars’ record will be this season, but training camp on the health front is going fine.

Al from Orange Park, FL:

I know that this isn’t exactly the hot topic of the week, but have the Jags ever hosted the Seahawks before?

John: The Jaguars and Seahawks have played four times in Jacksonville – 1995 (Seahawks, 47-30), 1996 (Jaguars, 20-13), 2000 (Seahawks, 28-21) and 2005 (Jaguars, 26-14).

Bob from Sumter, SC:

Any observations so far regarding James Sample? Are Sample and Wilson competing for one roster spot?

John: Sample has been running with the reserves and is listed fourth team on the Jaguars’ unofficial depth chart. Wilson is listed with the second team.

Patrick from Neptune Beach, FL:

John, it’s interesting to see James Sample as the fourth-string strong safety. Can’t be easy to come back after what is essentially two years away from the game.

John: True.

David from Orlando, FL:

Senior O – I just read your “Expertly Speaking” article and it reminded me of a question I’ve been meaning to ask. When it’s time to draft a quarterback, wouldn’t it make sense if we hire a quarterback scout, preferably a successful and highly-opinionated former NFL quarterback? I know you can’t get Ron Jaworski or Trent Dilfer, but someone like that who knows what it takes to succeed in this league. Since the position is of such great importance and making the wrong decision can set back the entire organization for years, doesn’t it make sense to optimize your chances of picking the right guy by not having a “generalist” make the decision, but a former quarterback expertly speaking?

John: Playing quarterback in the NFL means you were good enough to play quarterback in the NFL. That’s an impressive accomplishment that might make you wealthy for the rest of your days. It doesn’t necessarily make you an expert in scouting and projecting the careers of future quarterbacks, and I wouldn’t invest much time or money in hiring former quarterback to help me scout future ones.

Bob from Jacksonville:

Dear Mr. O: When teams have mixed practices such as the Jags have with the Patriots next week, do the head coaches ever talk with one another?

John: Yes.

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Author J32bassPosted on August 6, 2017August 6, 2017Categories Uncategorized394 Comments on O-Zone: A phone call away

O-Zone: Our candidate

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Ben from Jacksonville:

Cam Robinson looked good Friday. I saw him stand Yannick Ngaouke up several times and he looks to be a dang good run blocker. Feeling better about the left-tackle position. What say you?

John: I say there’s reason to feel good about the Jaguars’ left-tackle position. I thought Robinson struggled a bit early Friday on plays on which I watched him, and he got beat by defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. off the edge on one early play. But early struggles are normal for rookies, and he appeared to stabilize after that. Robinson shows all the signs of a good, young left tackle. He has brawn and athleticism, and he absolutely appears to have the right mindset. I thought throughout the offseason the Jaguars’ offensive line had a chance to be improved because I thought Branden Albert could be a really good addition at left tackle and that Robinson could upgrade guard until eventually moving to tackle in a season or so. With Albert retiring Monday, the equation changes. But if Robinson can be an effective pass blocker and be as good as he looks early in the run game … yes, in that case there would be plenty of reason to feel not only good about left tackle, but better overall about the offensive line.

Scott from Fernandina Beach, FL:

Hi, Mr. O: “I said he would be our biggest free-agent bust and it turns out he was what we thought.” Ain’t hindsight grand?

John: Yes – and so plentiful, too.

Zeleznoc from Jacksonville:

Regarding Blake Bortles’ record, I certainly appreciate that he has thrown way too many interceptions – and five during one practice is really awful. However, in 2016 there were also a lot of bobbled catches that ended up being interceptions, especially by A-Rob. I do realize some were bobbled because they were inaccurate throws, but definitely not all. While Bortles definitely has a problem with interceptions, they’re not all entirely his fault and receivers let him down frequently as well.

John: There was plenty of blame to be shared in the Jaguars’ season last season, and some of Bortles’ interceptions were bobbled. It’s impossible to put an exact percentage on who should share what part of blame for what, and it’s a pointless endeavor anyway. The bottom line is Bortles too often has made things more difficult than necessary for his receivers, leading to either incompletions or interceptions. Part of quarterbacking in this league is not just throwing the ball within range of the receiver, but throwing it where a receiver can catch it without breaking stride or where he can make the catch without putting himself at undue risk. Did the Jaguars’ wide receivers drop passes at times last season? Sure. Receivers drop passes. It’s NFL reality and even the best do it. I’m not one who believes accuracy is Bortles’ major issue. I think for the most part his accuracy is OK, and that his biggest improvement needs to come in the areas of decision-making and pocket awareness. But does Bortles need to get more accurate and make things easier at times for his receivers? I think he would be the first to tell you the answer is yes.

Chris from Palatka, FL:

John, whether we agree with his politics or not, you have to at least give “Kap” a look; that’s if you truly want to win, of course. At worst, his presence makes BB better.

John: Your last sentence is impressive in its boldness and confidence. It’s not necessarily based in fact. But it is bold and confident.

Bill from Jacksonville:

If outplaying the player in front of you practice, after practice, after practice doesn’t result in you surpassing said player on the depth chart … what exactly are we doing here? What message does Brandon Allen being behind Chad Henne on the depth chart – despite outperforming him – send to other players? Thanks! Go Jags!

John: The words between your dashes are impressive in their boldness and confidence. They’re not necessarily based in fact. But they are bold and confident.

Sam from Jacksonville:

Zone, someone is spreading rumors that the Tink is not invincible…?

John: It’s no rumor. Carson Tinker indeed sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament this week and is out for the 2017 season. And while I have had fun with the Jaguars’ long snapper on occasion in the O-Zone, the reality is Tinker is a darned good guy. Here’s hoping for a quick recovery and more successful long snapping for the Tink in 2018.

Sandro from El Paso, TX:

After the first handful of practices, there definitely appears to be a higher demand of work ethic and expectations from every individual player. Of course, the players won’t talk ill of their head coach, but do you sense the players prefer this style of coaching rather than the “good-job guys” coaching from recent years?

John: Players are human beings. Some like some things on some days and some complain about things on other days. Some of the players who complain about things on one day like those same things the next day and some who like some things one day complain the same things the next. If the Jaguars win, players will like this disciplined style and buy in. If the Jaguars don’t win, players will be less likely to buy in. That’s how it usually works.

Tom from Virginia Beach, VA:

Blake Bortles has a tendency to throw interceptions that are returned for touchdowns, maybe the highest average ever? My question is: Do they practice him holding the ball and running or throwing it away instead of trying to thread the needle with a bad result?

John: Bortles doesn’t practice differently than any NFL quarterback practices. He works in individual drills and team drills, and interceptions are discouraged.

Tim from Jacksonville:

I understand you can only glean so much from training camp practices but has Dawuane Smoot looked more like the third-rounder we selected in the 2017 NFL Draft or the first-round he was projected to be prior to returning to the Illini for his senior season?

John: Smoot through a week or so of training-camp practice has looked like a promising rookie. His size and strength are impressive, though he hasn’t wowed in pass rush drills. I wouldn’t say he is impressive as first-round running back Leonard Fournette or even fourth-round wide receiver Dede Westbrook, but those are skill position players with more chances to “flash.”

Gamble from Brasilia, Brazil:

What kind of season does Bortles need to have to prove he is worthy of a long-term deal?

John: He needs to reduce his game-turning interceptions and fumbles, and needs to show command of in-game situations – particularly late-game situations with the game’s outcome in the balance. Those would move the Jaguars a lot closer to winning. The more winning the Jaguars do, the better for Bortles’ long-term future here.

Jeff from Jacksonville:

If Brandon Allen were a starting-caliber quarterback, other teams would probably be offering the Jags draft picks to get him. I think every team has enough tape to on him to determine he’s probably not the next Tom Brady. This all boils down to the fact that everyone’s favorite player is the backup quarterback.

John: Allen has looked good at times in Jaguars Training Camp. He hasn’t done enough to make the Jaguars think he should be starting. What he primarily hasn’t done is played enough to make fans dislike him – and yeah, everybody loves the untested backup.

Gabe from Washington, DC:

What are the chances that the team adds a starting-caliber offensive lineman via free agency before the season begins?

John: Slim.

Mark from Archer, FL:

John, I have been reading from other media sources that Bortles’ mechanics are starting to revert to their old form. Can you confirm this to be true or not? Is this a bad sign for the upcoming season? I mean, he spent months working on fixing his mechanics and if they are already reverting to his old ways in practice, what is going to happen in real games when the pressure is more intense?

John: As closely as Bortles’ mechanics are going to get watched this training camp and season, people are going to see times he looks like the old Bortles. That’s unavoidable, and I suspect so long as he plays NFL quarterback people are going to pick his motion apart find traces of “the old Bortles.” He for the most part has looked a lot better mechanically – and when I say “a lot better” I mean a lot better – in training camp than he did a lot of last season. I suspect he will keep working on it, and I suspect he will have some throws that look good mechanically and others that don’t look great. I also suspect that his decision-making and pocket awareness do more to shape his season and the Jaguars’ season than his mechanics.

Paul from Gainesville, FL:

Luke Bowanko for President!

John: I’d click on that.

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Author J32bassPosted on August 5, 2017Categories Uncategorized68 Comments on O-Zone: Our candidate

O-Zone: Down in front

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Tommy from Fernandina Beach, FL:

John, I know Blake Bortles needs to reduce the turnovers during games, but do we really need to sweat out every interception he throws in practice? I mean: it’s practice, after all … and I’d rather they happen there than in a game. Practice is where you learn, so a mistake once in a while shouldn’t be that big a deal.

John: This is a fair point, and practice absolutely is the time to test plays and take risks. Still, Bortles’ interceptions in practice aren’t “nothing,” and there’s nothing wrong with media reporting them and fans worrying about them. It’s also a pretty natural reaction to what has gone on here the past three seasons, because the reality is if Bortles hadn’t struggled mightily with interceptions during that time, media and fans wouldn’t focus on his practice performances – particularly his interceptions – nearly as much. If this were Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, there would be no furor. But when you have thrown 34 interceptions in two seasons – and when reducing them is a constant topic – it’s going cause a Twitter/internet firestorm if you throw five in the first padded practice in training camp.

Dude from Clermont, FL:

Hey Mr. O: Leonard Fournette‘s progress sounds good. However, any running back can only be as good as the opposition allows. Alabama stifled him in three games. Are Blake and the receiving corps good enough to take advantage?

John: Excellent question.

Brett from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

With Cam Robinson our left tackle now, what do you think of the interior of the line turning into: Brandon Linder, Luke Bowanko and A.J. Cann? Bowanko did pretty well starting for us, and if he is serviceable, then our guards are much better and our best linemen can help out the rookie. Thoughts?

John: I think people continue to want Brandon Linder to move from center to guard and I don’t sense any urgency by the Jaguars to do that. He has worked at center every day during training camp, and I doubt that will change. I think the starting line will be Robinson at left tackle, Patrick Omameh at left guard, Linder at center, Cann at right guard and Jermey Parnell at right tackle. I also think Tyler Shatley could make a push at one of the guards.

Hatter from Jacksonville:

JZ (Johnny Zone), in the last 48 hours on radio and articles/tweets around JAX, I have been told: Blake looks really good, Blake cannot be an NFL Quarterback, Blake can’t throw interceptions, Blake needs to make sure he doesn’t get timid, Blake needs to keep his aggressiveness, Blake needs to take more check downs, Blake needs to still throw deep, Blake needs to raise his completion percentage, Blake needs to feed his top receivers. Blake needs to run more, Blake has had really good moments in two-minute offense, Blake turns it over at exactly the wrong time. I really hope we kick it soon!

John: Welcome to my inbox, Hatter.

Chris from Hamilton:

Why doesn’t Brandon Allen get to play with the first-team offense to show what he can do? He has a very strong arm being an Arkansas Razorback supporter and watching his college career. Not that I don’t want Blake to succeed, but we have to be extra cautious going into the year at a crucial position. I’m hoping Tom Coughlin will make the right decision come kickoff for this position.

John: Allen isn’t working with the first-team offense because right now is he the Jaguars’ third-team quarterback. That’s because right now – based on practices, meetings and being around all three quarterbacks – Jaguars coaches/decision-makers believe the order of the quarterbacks is Bortles, Chad Henne and Allen. That’s going to bother many, many people who want Allen to get a chance with the ones. I would be surprised at this point if those people get what they want, but hey: I’ve been surprised before. Who knows?

Big Brother from Duval:

O-Man: In all honesty, it’s not the losses year after year that have me down. It’s not the misses in free agency year after year that have me down. It’s not the missed first-round picks, or that the Jags held on too long or not long enough with the last staff that is still on staff. It’s the notion that the front office believes that they are making good decision after good decision. It’s the arrogance that the organization exudes that has me down.

John: OK. Sure. I guess. Yeah.

Chris from London, England:

Mr. O, it now seems Robinson will be starting at left tackle. I have heard you say in the past that rookie pass rushers rarely hit it out of the park in their first season. For somebody relatively new to the sport, can you confirm if this is also true of a left tackle? Basically, how worried should we be that a rookie is starting at left tackle in the most important season of Bortles career??

John: Starting rookies is rarely ideal regardless of position, but Robinson has the feel of an exception. I like his approach, his confidence and I like his body type for the position. I would be surprised if he gets overwhelmed physically or mentally – even as a rookie. Left tackles historically have been able to come in to the NFL and play well early. It’s tougher to find examples of this lately because there hasn’t been a run of great left tackles lately, but players such as Taylor Decker of Detroit have done it in recent seasons. Can Robinson come into the league and play well quickly? He will have struggles, but my gut is he can be good early.

Josh from Pensacola, FL:

You defended Branden Albert this offseason when many fans including myself were upset that a 32-year old tackle was skipping voluntary workouts for more money. I think we all understood the “voluntary ” part; it’s just that it made us question his character and his willingness to compete and win. I said he would be our biggest free-agent bust and it turns out he was what we thought. Did you also question Albert at the time or did you really feel he was going to be valuable to the team?

John: I thought Albert was going to be a valuable to the team. I’ve covered plenty of veterans who didn’t participate in voluntary workouts who played at a high level the following season. Albert turned out not to want to play football anymore. Hey, sometimes some fans are right – and this case, perhaps they were right. And sometimes fans want the team to cut Marqise Lee. Around and around we go.

Henry from Section124:

I’d like to point out that Myles Jack deserves a “tip of the hat” for his interview with the media after practice the other day. We always hear so much about when players make “mistakes,” but I haven’t seen any recognition for him supporting the family of fallen Marine Joseph Murray. Can I get a “one fer Myles Jack (and Sergeant Murray)?”

John: Absolutely.

Tim from St. Augustine, FL:

What’s the time frame for Jalen’s return to practice?

John: There’s no official time frame for the return of either cornerback Jalen Ramsey or defensive end Calais Campbell. I also don’t expect to hear a time frame in the next day or so. That being said, I haven’t heard or seen one thing that makes me remotely concerned both players won’t be on the field against Houston in Week 1.

Chad from Yulee, FL:

Here’s an idea for the NFL, reduce the amount of air time for teams with players that pile up suspensions. I am sick of the Cowboys on this training camp coverage. Since 2014, they have had 15 players suspended for 100 games. That does not count the possibility of Elliot getting suspended this year. How about telling Jerry to clean it up or get the “Jaguar” treatment.

John: The NFL doesn’t control what teams get covered by news outlets. The outlets determine that based on fan interest.

Dave from Glass Half Full:

Zone, team speed should not be an issue this year. Would you consider the Jags in the Top 5 in team speed now? I think it has been a point of emphasis while upgrading our roster the past few years. All appears to be working towards that goal.

John: I have no idea if the Jaguars will be in the Top 5 in the NFL in team speed this season. They appear to be faster this season, particularly on defense. Speed should be a strength. A Top 5 team in terms of speed? I’m not sure. Let’s see if they look as fast on the field as they do on paper. Then we’ll have a better idea where they rank.

Tom from Loughborough, England:

After one week of training camp, how does it look like the defensive line will line up in Week 1?

John: Side-by-side-by-side-by-side in three-point stances.

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Author J32bassPosted on August 4, 2017August 4, 2017Categories Uncategorized662 Comments on O-Zone: Down in front

O-Zone: Bloody that nose

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Dave from Duval:

Blake Bortles had one of the worst stretches for a quarterback I’ve ever seen in any level of football last year. This is a fact that most observers of the team agree with. How could a professional general manager put all of his eggs into the basket that is Blake Bortles and not have a backup plan? The only way any of it makes sense is that Dave Caldwell is too proud and doesn’t want to admit that this very well could go from bad to worse.

John: A couple of thoughts on your thoughts. One is while I agree Bortles struggled mightily – very mightily – last season, your statement that he had one of the worst stretches at any level of football is more an observation and opinion than “fact.” And while Bortles’ bad stretch last year was by any measure bad, I can’t say it marked a historic low point in the sports’ annals. As for your second statement, I can’t disagree that Caldwell believes in Bortles. Caldwell drafted Bortles in 2014 and never has wavered in his support. But Caldwell wasn’t the only person who decided on the team’s direction entering 2017. Jaguars Executive Vice President Tom Coughlin, Head Coach Doug Marrone and Caldwell decided that. That’s not to say Caldwell doesn’t have influence on decisions, but to paint the Jaguars’ quarterbacking direction this season as Caldwell being stubborn and prideful at the very least doesn’t reveal the entire picture.

Bill from Folkston, GA:

I am not sure if you can answer this question. However, based on your experience in covering the NFL, I would love to know if you think Blake Bortles can improve to the point of being able to lead this team to victories or if he is destined to be let go at the end of the season. Also, I have seen your predictions of a seven- or eight-win season and I agree. Do you think that is really possible with Bortles as the quarterback?

John: I think it will be difficult for Bortles to improve to the point of leading this team to a .500 season. I think that because he has yet in three seasons to eliminate the game-turning mistakes from his game. If he can improve in that area and improve his overall decision-making, then, yes, the Jaguars can win with him at quarterback. That’s a big ask, though not an impossible one. Can the Jaguars win seven or eight games this season with Bortles at quarterback? Yes, but again – mistakes must be reduced.

Nick from Phoenix, AZ:

There are quite a few websites and/or reporters that fans can follow to learn how the team is doing in training camp. However – especially, regarding No. 5 – some lean (almost always) negative while others seem more … impartial. Fans are gonna fan, of course! Keeping track of Blake Bortles’ interceptions is important due to the stigma of last season. I have even seen Ryan O’Halloran’s (much-appreciated) stat lines. To put things into better perspective for us fans, what would you guess Blake’s touchdown-interception ratio to be over the last week? Thanks!

John: I don’t breathlessly track practice statistics because they frankly can be misleading. While Bortles’ five interceptions on Saturday night were a good measure of his struggles that night, to say that he threw five or six touchdowns on Tuesday – which I believe he did – doesn’t really reflect too much because the Jaguars were working a lot of red-zone offense that day. I think Bortles had six total interceptions over the first six practices, and I think he had a lot more touchdowns than that. I think there were times Monday following the Saturday practice that he seemed to be a little cautious, and I think that’s normal. I think except for Saturday he for the most part has looked good more often than bad, and I think the team hopes that can continue to be the case.

James from Jacksonville:

Do you think Luke Bowanko could be our starter at center again? And if so, do you think that this may help the line?

John: I think Brandon Linder is the Jaguars’ starting center, and I think people waiting for him not to be the starting center will have a long wait.

Will from Riverside:

Dear Ombudsman: We get it. Decision-making is of most importance, and Blake obviously makes bad ones. But without proper mechanics and arm strength to go with it, even a good decision can turn bad. The NFL is a game of inches and microseconds. Sure, Drake may look like he is throwing better now, because he is thinking about it. It’s not second nature, and at this level, it must be. Why is this so hard to understand?

John: Drake has to get better. I think we all get that.

Bill from Hammock, FL:

In your opinion, does Branden Albert retire if Gus is still the coach with veterans’ days off, etc.? I think Marrone’s tough camp saved the organization $9-to-18 million in cap space.

John: I think you’re overthinking this one, though I don’t think you’re alone. Albert retired after one padded night practice. It was a physical practice, but it wasn’t so physical that the veterans were sobbing in their SUVs afterward. This is a tough camp, but let’s keep it in perspective: the weather is relatively cool and there are no two-a-day practices. This isn’t the Junction Boys; players won’t be sneaking out in the middle of the night. All signs point to Albert deciding that after nine seasons he didn’t want to play football anymore. It happens. It’s not that complicated.

Zach from Keystone Heights, FL:

Had Albert stayed, do you think Cam Robinson would have been backup learning all season? Or was he a starter somewhere for you no matter what?

John: I think Robinson would have started at guard had Albert started at tackle.

Jaginator from (formerly of Section 124):

Let’s imagine two teams want to improve the run and “impose their will” on opponents. Team A spends a high-second-rounder on a running back in Year 1. They sign one of the biggest free-agent running backs available in Year 2. And they spend the No. 4 overall pick on a running back in Year 3. Team B takes a different approach. They spend a high-second-rounder on an offensive lineman in Year 1. They sign one of the biggest free-agent offensive linemen available in Year 2. And they spend the No. 4 overall pick on an offensive lineman in Year 3. Which team do you think is most likely to end up with the better running attack at the end of those three years?

John: I understand your point and I philosophically agree that building a dominant running game is best done by building a dominant offensive line. The question, then, revolves around the quality of players available. I’m all for taking, say, an offensive lineman No. 4 overall providing there is an offensive lineman worthy of being selected at No. 4 overall. That’s not always the case.

Mike from Egan, MN:

I know there’s much ado about Blake and Branden, but I’ve been reading some rumblings that Jason Myers has been shanking kicks … what have you seen? Are we going to see the Myers of old this season, or has he looked better?

John: I have seen Myers miss a couple of kicks I thought he should have made in camp thus far. This is not meant to imply that I have watched every kick he has attempted in training camp, or that his training camp has been a bevy of shanks and nothing else.

Dylan from Tulsa, OK:

John, you’re probably swamped with questions about Branden “The Flake” Albert so I’ll try and break the monotony by asking how Myles Jack had looked at Mike? Does he seem confident or flustered? Should we move Poz back to the middle?

John: Jack looks neither confident not flustered, and the best I can tell you is it’s too early to know how he’ll play in the middle. His teammates and coaches have spoken positively of the move. There’s nothing yet to indicate it will be a negative. How will it play out once the Jaguars start playing games and without the experience of Paul Posluszny in the middle? That will be the test. It’s something that may be difficult to discern from just watching the game because it will be about teammates’ confidence in him and how they react when he’s getting them into position, etc. My guess is he won’t be quite as good this early as Posluszny, but there’s no reason to think he won’t get good at it quickly.

Jim from Middleburg, FL:

There is no better way to motivate an offensive lineman than a bloody nose and being told this position is wide open!! This is not a disaster folks. It’s our best chance at really getting better quick. #GO CAM WE LOVE YA

John: #DTWD

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Author J32bassPosted on August 3, 2017August 3, 2017Categories Uncategorized520 Comments on O-Zone: Bloody that nose

O-Zone: Happy football people

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Rob from Brunswick, GA:

John, how many wide receivers are we expecting to keep this year on the roster? With the Brothers Allen and Marqise Lee all expected to make the team and Dede Westbrook and Rashad Greene Sr. in camp as well, can we keep all six? And if not, who do you feel has the best shot of being No. 5?

John: You actually listed five possible wide receivers, not six, but hey … who’s counting? Wide receiver is one of the more intriguing positions of Jaguars 2017 Training Camp. Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee unquestionably will be on the team, and the same appears true of rookie fourth-round selection Dede Westbrook. It gets fuzzier after that. The question may come down to whether the Jaguars keep five or six receivers. I believe they will keep five because of needs at other positions. My best guess: Robinson, Lee, Hurns, Westbrook and Arrelious Benn will make the team – probably somewhat in that order. Benn is a very good possibility because he is a very good special teams player in addition to being a reliable receiver. Greene is something of an X factor. Can he earn his way on as a punt returner/backup receiver? That seems very much undetermined.

Mike from Cortland, NY:

Just maxed out my credit card on a 600-mile trip to EverBank Field for Week 13 vs Indy. I really hope we aren’t 3-9 going in.

John: Goodness, I hope that, too.

Mason from Palm Bay, FL:

I agreed with your starting offensive line prediction prior to Branden Albert’s sudden retirement, but how do you think things shake out now?

John: Left tackle Cam Robinson, left guard Patrick Omameh, center Brandon Linder, right guard A.J. Cann, right tackle Jermey Parnell. Tyler Shatley could make it interesting at right guard.

Keith from St. Augie:

By “throw that crap out” is Marrone saying the coaches need to call a system that highlights the strengths of the players? What a concept. We really might be on the right path. … Hume would agree, I believe.

John: When Jaguars Head coach Doug Marrone said “throw that crap out” following Blake Bortles’ five interceptions on Saturday, he meant there might be plays the Jaguars need to not run if Bortles doesn’t like them or if he doesn’t run them well. I didn’t get the impression he was making a broad-brushed statement on the Jaguars’ offensive philosophy.

Just a Fan from Fanville:

Fans gonna fan … yet, the Jaguars’ front office is what gives us the motivation to do so. First big offseason trade was for a player who practiced just three times after holding out the majority of the voluntary workouts. We gonna fan, but the Jags make it so easy to do so.

John: Branden Albert actually missed all voluntary workouts during the offseason, then practiced six times with the Jaguars – three times in mandatory June minicamp and three more times in training camp. It’s frustrating for the franchise, and a bad look. As for how the team was supposed to know Albert would be ready to retire … that’s a tougher question to answer.

Jeremy from Jacksonville:

I can only go with what has been reported by the media since I am not in the front office or on the team, but with everything that transpired with Branden Albert, is it safe to say the perception is Albert’s heart was never in JAX? Just seems like maybe he wanted to be released by the Dolphins and pick where he goes (I understand that sentiment, if true), but was traded instead and didn’t dig it. Isn’t that part of pro sports, though? Anybody can be traded … as Hyman Roth once said, “This is the business we’ve chosen!”

John: I think it’s reasonable to think Albert’s heart wasn’t into football anymore. That happens; these guys are human beings. I don’t know that his heart not being in it had anything to do with the Jaguars specifically, and I have no reason to think that it did.

Travis from High Springs, FL:

Hi John, for years I’ve heard an old football cliché that says defenses typically start out better and faster than offenses because it takes a while for offenses to get their timing down and really gel together. Do you believe there’s any truth to this? And if so, do you think that this could’ve played a part in Saturday night’s practice?

John: I think it’s reasonable to think the Jaguars’ defense is ahead of the Jaguars’ offense early in camp. That happens; these guys are human beings. I don’t know the defense being ahead of the offense had anything to do with Blake Bortles’ practice Saturday specifically, and have no reason to think that.

Keith from Palatka, FL:

I do not relish being right about Branden Albert. I predicted in the spring that his missing “voluntary” OTAs might be a bigger problem than just wanting more money. I thought he wanted to retire. He gave up too much ground to Cam Robinson during his absence and it was obvious in the one-on-ones Saturday night that he was not what he once was. That’s good news for Robinson and bad news for the Jaguars. I am glad that Albert came to his senses and walked away with a modicum of his dignity still intact. Losing the competition to a rookie, and then getting cut because $8 million is too much to pay a backup swing tackle would have been, for a player of his stature, humiliating. I wish for him peace, dignity and prosperity in his retirement. He’s a good man and deserves that.

John: When you’re right, you’re right – and if you sensed in the offseason that Albert wanted to retire … well, it’s hard to say you weren’t right.

Tom from Charleston, SC:

I have asked this question a number of times and will continue to pose it until I get a response. Blake can go to California or anywhere else for that matter and work on his mechanics. He can become the league’s most mechanically fit quarterback; that doesn’t mean a thing until he becomes mentally complete. He has shown every season that he has (can) not mastered the mental requirements to be a successful NFL quarterback. There is no Tom House for Blake to visit with over the offseason that can fix his mental shortfalls. What, if anything, can be done to fix his under-the-helmet shortfalls? The organization has already given him more opportunity than any previous quarterback including Blaine Gabbert, Byron Leftwich and David Garrard. How far do you expect them to go before they take a different route to success? Bringing in true competition would be a start.

John: Can you repeat the question?

Joshua from Jacksonville:

In light of the recent performance by Blake, and the fever to put in Allen last year, do you foresee Allen’s performances in preseason to be a hot topic among the fans?

John: I think someone might bring it up. Fans gonna fan after all.

Sandro from El Paso, TX:

Every regular season game is important; we can’t possibly let Blake tank two or three games before we move onto a new quarterback. Is it possible the Jaguars make a change if he shows no promise in preseason?

John: I don’t think Bortles or any Jaguars quarterback will start if he throws five interceptions in a regular-season game with anything remotely resembling regularity. I think Bortles will start the regular-season opener for the Jaguars if he is healthy.

Mitch from Atlanta, GA:

Well, I thought it would be preseason before it was time to ask this, but after a night of practice where by all accounts bad decision-making by Bortles led to five interceptions, how are Chad Henne and Brandon Allen looking in camp so far? What are the odds right now one of them is the starter in Week 1?

John: Slim. Very, very slim.

Dave from Orlando, FL:

Johnny O – I don’t question Blake Bortles’ work ethic or desire to succeed. What I’m concerned about is his ability to overcome his shortcomings. If he knows he needs to cut down on interceptions, but he keeps throwing them, maybe improvement is beyond his ability? Are we really waiting for this penguin to fly?

John: We’ll see. Waiting for quarterbacks to improve – or to “get it” – is part of the process with young NFL quarterbacks. How long will Bortles be a young quarterback? How long will he get to continue to improve? Well, again … we’ll see.

Derrick from Jacksonville:

I remember reading a blogger who said the Jags would be sorry for drafting Blake Bortles because of the many interceptions and bad decisions he made while in college. Today, the guys seems to have pegged it correctly. My question is how do you teach one to be better decision maker at quarterback?

John: That’s a great question. Find a good answer and you will have found a way to become very, very wealthy and make a lot of football people happy at the same time.

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Author J32bassPosted on August 2, 2017August 2, 2017Categories Uncategorized423 Comments on O-Zone: Happy football people

O-Zone: Just not funny

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

James from Jacksonville:

With Blake looking so bad and the front office seemingly content with not bringing in any competition, do you think any of this had to do with Branden Albert’s decision to retire? I mean … $18 million reasons to stay and fight it out, but nope. … He just retires without any warning.

John: No, I do not think Blake Bortles had anything to do with Branden Albert retiring. I got many emails asking this same question; no matter how many ways it was worded, the answer didn’t change. While I understand how it could look that way from afar, to think that a player would walk away from $9 or $18 million because a quarterback struggled in a practice – or because of any one particular player – is to completely misunderstand the logic and reality of the NFL. Why do I think Albert retired? I think Albert is 32, and realized in the last few days that his full heart, desire, etc. wasn’t into football anymore. I also think he may have realized that the rust of early training camp may have been a little more than rust and very hard to just brush off. When those last two things are true, it’s very difficult to play in the NFL.

Jeff from Orange Park, FL:

Huh, wait what?

John: Yeah, that got out of hand in a hurry.

Marcus from Jacksonville:

You kept saying for weeks and weeks that Branden Albert’s non-participation in voluntary work was a non-issue until it became an issue. I would say that it has now become an issue, but I’m curious to see if you believe the contract dispute and his sudden retirement are linked, or if they are two separate issues.

John: I don’t think Albert retired because of a contract issue. I think Albert retired because he realized he didn’t want to play or because he didn’t think he could play at a high level anymore. And I think maybe in retrospect not being in organized team activities may have been as much about not wanting to be in OTAs as it was about his contract, but that last part is just a theory.

Jagsfan69 from Jacksonville:

Hi, John. Albert retiring comes as a bit of a surprise. My question: Will the NFL grant the Jaguars any compensatory picks in the 2018 NFL Draft? A few have said Miami would be on the hook for one of their 2018 picks. I don’t think that’s right. A deal is a deal … right?

John: Albert retiring indeed was a surprise, but no: the Jaguars won’t receive any compensation from the NFL. Compensatory selections don’t work that way. The Jaguars will recoup from Miami the 2018 draft selection they acquired in the trade for Albert providing Albert doesn’t play in three or more games for the Jaguars this season.

Joshua from Jacksonville:

So after coming to Jax and sitting out voluntary workouts hoping for more money Branden Albert retires right after camp starts. Bizarre. I didn’t like him to begin with, but this has to hurt. What do you think the Jags will do – if anything?

John: I don’t know that what Albert did is really so bizarre. He played nine years in the NFL, and apparently while beginning a 10th discovered that the motivation or the skill to play a 10th was no longer there. Upon that discovery, he decided to retire. If that’s Albert’s story – and I have no reason to believe otherwise – that sounds strikingly normal and understandable to me. As for what the Jaguars will do, I expect they will explore options in free agency and/or waivers during preseason. They might even acquire a player via one of those routes. But I don’t expect them to acquire a starting-level player that way. Front-line contributors aren’t often found in early August. There are exceptions, but that’s the rule.

Jeff from Orange, CA:

Do you expect Cam Robinson to get above average playing time in preseason to better get up to speed with the team and if so, how much more?

John: I think Robinson will get a little more preseason playing time than your normal starter. Whereas a normal starter might get a series or two in Preseason Week 1, a quarter or so in Preseason Week 2 and a little more than a half in Week 3, I would guess Robinson somewhere along the line might get a couple of series beyond that. I would think a few other potential offensive-line starters also might get a few more series than “normal” because the Jaguars are trying to figure out the best five offensive linemen. But overall, I expect any increase in preseason playing time for Robinson or other front-line offensive linemen to be minimal. Either Robinson is capable or not; he won’t be playing into the fourth quarter throughout the preseason just because he’s a rookie.

Dave from Duval:

How has Brandon Allen looked so far in? Has he made Chad Henne expendable yet?

John: OK. No.

Jaginator from (formerly of) Section124:

Do you still want to tell me about how the Jags have improved their offensive line from last year??

John: The Jaguars originally addressed their offensive line by trading for Albert and selecting Robinson in the 2017 NFL Draft. I believed that would mean 40 percent of the line changing because I believed Albert would start at left tackle with Robinson playing guard. Now, it appears the Jaguars will have changed 20 percent of their line with Robinson playing tackle. That obviously is a different equation. It means the offensive linemen on the team such as Jermey Parnell, A.J. Cann, Brandon Linder and perhaps Patrick Omameh must improve from last season. That’s not impossible, but it’s a lot harder to explain than the previous equation.

Rick from Jacksonville:

So do we get our seventh-round draft pick back now?

John: Yes. Almost certainly.

Rhonda from Jacksonville:

Ah, the start of a new year. Hope springs eternal for an NFL fan in July, August and September but by October reality sets in. Let’s hope it’s a new reality and we’re not talking about the draft. It’s hard being a Jags fan: Like being married to a bad woman. They say they won’t do it again. We’ll see. Can a Jaguar change his spots? #don’tbreakmyheartagain

John: #DTWD

GPP from Savannah:

John, the decision by Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone to not have competition at only one position – quarterback – may be the worst decision this team has again made. This from two respected coaches who strongly believe in competition.

John: While I agree that there has not been significant competition at the quarterback position, I would disagree it is the only Jaguars position at which there isn’t much competition. Most positions on the team enter camp with the starters pretty much decided and something unexpected and unusual needing to happen to change it. That’s the case at quarterback, and linebacker, and cornerback, and wide receiver, and …

John from Daytona, FL:

I’m a bit of an optimist, John: Four practices, three decent ones from Bortles. If it was the regular season, we would be 3-1 and maybe in first in the division. Why is everyone worried?

John: Because.

Mike from Middleburg:

Mr. O. Who do you think could wind up the first franchise tag in years that are on our roster now?

John: I doubt the Jaguars will use the franchise tag in the coming offseason. They have cap space and seem to be of a mind to lock up worthy young players to long-term deals. I would say wide receiver Allen Robinson would be the most likely candidate if the franchise tag indeed were to be used.

Mike from Jacksonville:

The Jags are not in the real world. Mechanics will not fix Blake Bortles. He does not have an NFL caliber arm. Velocity is very important with the tight coverages in the league. Plain and simple, he does not have it. What say O’Man?

John: I say while Bortles’ arm strength may not be otherworldly, it’s plenty strong enough to play competently or better in the NFL. I also believe he generally speaking is accurate enough to play competently or at a high level in the NFL. The major issues with Bortles are decision-making and turnovers, which in a very real way are really close to one overriding issue. He has 34 interceptions in the last two seasons and 11 lost fumbles. A lot of those have come at bad times, and have led to momentum-crushing, game-turning touchdowns for the opposition. If you reduce those, then Bortles’ arm strength and accuracy get discussed a lot less. I don’t know if he will reduce those or not, but I do it’s the key issue for this team entering the season.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

Well, I guess Cam Robinson is the starting left tackle now. It would be pretty hilarious if Julius Thomas goes on to have a 10-touchdown, Pro Bowl-type season.

John: I wouldn’t LOL at that.

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Author J32bassPosted on August 1, 2017August 1, 2017Categories Uncategorized668 Comments on O-Zone: Just not funny

O-Zone: Experience is key

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Chris from Downtown London:

O Man, did I hear right? Five interceptions in the first practice with one returned for touchdown? Wow, it’s as if nothing has changed for years – it’s as if it’s not going to change after another year. I predict with the same quarterback we will get the same results, the same poor suffering fans and the same O Man downplaying Bortles’ poor quality. Thank God we will have another top-five pick next year in a draft class expected to be strong at quarterback. In better news, only 14 months until a season of hope begins!

John: Wow. A BIG reaction from across the pond, and you know I mean “BIG” because I used CAPITAL letters. And indeed: The inbox unsurprisingly remains stuffed with Bortles questions, angst and anger. That’s to be expected in the wake of the five-interception clunker of a practice as Bortles turned in Saturday. But while I have been as pointed as anyone about the need for Bortles to dramatically improve – and while I have long said it’s Bortles’ decision-making rather than his accuracy that is the major concern – we should remember that Saturday was one practice. He has not in his Jaguars career rolled out a slew of five-interception practices, and he hasn’t had five-interception games. He finished last season playing better than he started it, and throughout his career he has had plenty of games and days far better than Saturday. This is not to say Bortles is a Pro Bowl quarterback, but it is to suggest that Saturday probably is an outlier. Still, there’s no question the storyline for the coming week(s) is set. The pressure on Bortles already was intense. It’s only going to be more intense after Saturday.

Chris from Downtown London:

O Man, I just had a thought: Surely the five interceptions were due to our beast of a defense and newfound pass rush???

John: Well …

David from Maplewood, NJ:

John, let the Blake bashing begin. I know that he hasn’t been good enough yet in his career but I also think I know that one training-camp practice in July does not mean the end of the world. Sure, if he is bad this year you may hear about Saturday night being a telling sign, but it’s just as likely that three months from now no one will even remember it.

John: Oh, I imagine people will remember Saturday’s practice for a while. You don’t see five interceptions from a quarterback in practice that often – particularly from a quarterback scrutinized to the degree that Bortles is being scrutinized right now. So, in that sense I can’t tell you Saturday wasn’t notable – or that it wasn’t a bit concerning. But I do agree that the night must be kept in perspective. If he plays well moving forward, Saturday will be remembered as a blip. If not …

Scott from Fernandina Beach, FL:

Hi, Mr. O: I for one am not “overly concerned” about Blake’s interceptions on Day 3 because it was Day 3. Also, because it is Blake and he’s not suddenly Brady/Rodgers/Brees just because he went to California. He’ll have more bad practices. For sure it wasn’t a great look and if he throws 5 picks in a real game I’m sure my disposition will change greatly.

John: Yeah, five interceptions in a game wouldn’t be good.

Otto from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

John, it seems here we go again with BB. Hopefully TC will help David Caldwell see the light and admit he was wrong with his first-round draft pick in 2014.This year it appears that we have a team that will be competitive in the NFL. By waiting for Blake to somehow overnight improve his mechanics and more importantly his decision making is not happening. The Jags need to make a change now before it gets worse. Whether that be Brandon Allen/Chad Henne or pick up a backup off another roster. An old saying I heard years ago seems to apply here. “The worst thing about being wrong, is staying wrong.”

John: This is one of many, many emails I’ve received suggesting the Jaguars change quarterbacks because of Saturday night’s practice. It’s not the first slew of emails I’ve received making such a suggestion, and I assume it won’t be the last. If the Jaguars didn’t change quarterbacks in the offseason, they’re not going to change based on one practice – nor should they. That’s probably the best place to leave this topic for now.

J. Hooks from Orange Park, FL:

Shirley, I absolutely got pumped by Doug Marrone’s responses about Blake’s Saturday performance. “We gotta get that crap out of there” and my favorite not direct quote – if he needs a pep talk at this point, then we’re in trouble … good stuff from an old crony.

John: I’ve had some readers say they don’t like Marrone’s press conferences. I like his approach because I think he’s legitimately trying to answer questions pretty much as best he can. He also has been up front about things he doesn’t want to answer at certain times. He occasionally also is pretty entertaining. He certainly wasn’t trying to entertain the other night discussing Bortles, but he was pretty up front about what he saw and yeah – it was good stuff.

Richard from Orange Park, FL:

Has Brandon Allen taken any snaps with the number ones?

John: No, and I wouldn’t anticipate that any time soon.

Stephen from Glorieta:

Predictions are worthless. That’s why they play the game. I like it that way … much more exciting. I predict the Jags will play every game this season and will try to win them all.

John: OK.

Larz from Jacksonville:

I love seeing Dante Fowler Jr. blow by on a speed rush, but doing it on Branden Albert doesn’t impress me. Albert is clearly just going through the motions. He clearly doesn’t want to play here.

John: Albert needs to perform better than he did the other night in the Jaguars’ first practice. I thought he looked slow off the ball on one of Fowler’s edge rushes in one-on-one pass-blocking work. I don’t know that it’s fair to say he was going through the motions, though. I haven’t gotten the idea listening to Albert that that’s the case. Still, I did get the idea watching him in pads Saturday that rust must be shaken off. Quickly.

Donald from Orange Park, FL:

Do you think Jacksonville can be a Top 5 offense given the weapons we have? Thanks.

John: Top 5? No, but I think the Jaguars can be improved offensively in 2017 and I think the weapons give the offense a chance to score a lot more meaningful points than it did in the last two seasons. I doubt the “Top 5” part because Top 5 offenses operate with remarkable consistency; they put together multiple long drives per game and make the offense look efficient and easy at times. The Jaguars have made offense look hard – really, really hard – in recent seasons, and that was even true in 2015 when the team produced some impressive passing statistics. Going from what we have seen in recent seasons to high-level efficiency is a big jump. Now, I do believe this can be an efficient, effective offense that can use the threat of the run to be effective in the play-action passing game. If that can lead to being better on third downs, then the offense and the team can improve dramatically. That would be a really good step in the right direction.

Thurman from Southbound Brook, NJ:

John, how do you feel about the Jags this year? And do you think there’s a shot to go to the playoffs?

John: I think the Jaguars will be better than last season, and I think that gives them a realistic chance to go 7-9. I’m conservative by nature, so I have difficulty predicting more than a four-game improvement for a team that went 3-13 last season. Still, if you can win seven games there’s a chance you can win nine … so, sure, there’s a shot for the playoffs. But I can’t predict playoffs for a team that went 3-13 the previous season. That’s too lofty for this conservative old hack.

Keith from St. Augustine, FL:

Let’s see what Brandon Allen can do. How has he looked? Put Hume in with the ones for a practice or two. What’s the definition of insanity?

John: Look, I’m as big a fan of David Hume as the next guy. I long have believed the eighteenth-century Scottish philosopher is somewhat overlooked and underrated in the pantheon of great thinkers. And I, like Hume, am a big believer that there is no such thing as innate knowledge and that all human reasoning is derived from experience. I mean, who could think otherwise? Ammiright? But I do not for one second believe that he is the answer to the Jaguars’ quarterback issue. To believe otherwise … well, that indeed would be insane.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 31, 2017July 31, 2017Categories Uncategorized571 Comments on O-Zone: Experience is key

O-Zone: Feed the beast

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

La Shae from Maryland:

Blake threw four interceptions in one practice. Aaarghhhhhh!!!! Time to jump ship!! Season is over!!!!!

John: Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles actually threw five interceptions in Saturday night’s practice on the practice fields adjacent to EverBank Field. His doing so does not mean the season is over. That needs to be said first. At the same time, Bortles didn’t look good and he didn’t appear to make good decisions. That decision-making has been an issue far too long. Does Saturday mean Bortles will be terrible all season? Of course not. But does it mean he has to look a whole lot better and figure out what went on? Absolutely.

Bill from Jacksonville:

The first practice that mattered – the first one – and Blake was horrendous. Please tell us, John, why this isn’t a problem? Thanks. Go Jags!

John: Of course, it’s a problem. Why wouldn’t it be a problem? Head Coach Doug Marrone clearly wasn’t happy after Saturday night’s practice and said it’s a concern. He’s right. It doesn’t mean it’s not fixable. But it must get fixed.

Jerrell from Columbia, SC:

John, John, John … what will it take for this organization to just cut Blake???? Five picks in practice??? Really??? If they walk this bum out on the field for 16 games, the record will be 3-13 easily. You would think they would have gotten the memo by now.

John: Saturday night was bad. No question.

Different year, same Blake:

So much for that lit fire you said Blake had. If you’re in the Jags front office and after seeing that performance and seeing nothing has changed, do you start making alternative plans for the season or do ride it out and have another three-win season?

John: Your question implies Bortles lacks motivation. Five interceptions in practice, while not good and honestly bad, doesn’t say he’s not motivated. It says he had a bad practice.

Dave from Duval:

Dear, Mr. O: Tell Blake not to sweat it. As the great Allen Iverson once said, “We’re talkin’ about practice!”

John: OK.

Zac from Coughlinville:

Four INTs in one practice. I can see Coughlin’s face now!! Lol.

John: It was five. And no one was Lol-ing.

Jean from Jacksonville:

Why does the media continue to interview Marrone when every one of his sentences begins with “obviously?” If everything he says is so obvious, how is that newsworthy?

John: The media interviews Marrone because he is the head coach and therefore what he says about the team is news. Obviously.

Cliff Lives in The Underworld:

Sorry ’bout your inbox John.

John: Me, too.

Stu from Sandy:

Hi John, Do you think we’ll look back at the 2016 season and see it as a critical season for this team? I wonder if we had gone maybe 6-10 would we have had a head coaching change, would the pressure to improve been on Blake Bortles as much and would we have gone running back in the first? I feel if we had gone 6-10 none of these would have happened and the Jags would be doomed to average to poor play for many, many years.

John: I think if the Jaguars had gone 6-10 last season this past offseason would have played out pretty much as it did. I imagine there still would have been a coaching change, and I believe there would have been pressure on Bortles to improve this season. Now, that doesn’t mean 2016 wasn’t critical. It produced a coaching change, and a regime change. Any season that does that is by definition a turning point.

Josh from Pensacola, FL:

How is Myles Jack looking so far in camp? Any causes for concern and/or optimism?

John: He looks fine. He looks fast. He looks athletic. The pads go on this week and that will matter for Jack and the entire defense. Stay tuned.

Jon from Jacksonville:

I am fan. Hear me roar. I want wins. We will win. We will lose. We will have injured players. We will have cuts. We will have surprises. We will have disappointments. We will have lots of Moodachays. We will have great highlight plays. We will have some lowlight plays. We will have swimming pools. Fans will be respectful. Fans will curse. Fans will complain about London game. Fans will appreciate we still have team. Coaches will work hard. Players will work hard. John O. will work hard. Owner will keep mustache.

John: #DTWD

Aaron from White Hall, AR:

True or false: By the end of the season Allen Robinson will be considered a Top 5 receiver? I say true. What do you say?

John: I say the tricky part to this question is “will be considered.” By who? Jaguars fans? Robinson himself? A consensus of fans and media? I think Robinson has a chance to take a big leap this season because I like what I’ve seen from his focus, intensity and offseason approach. If he takes that step, he will be among the better receivers in the NFL. I don’t know who would consider him what, but that would be pretty good.

Greg from Section122 and Jacksonville:

O-Man? You are 51? Wow. You wear it well. I am getting ready to turn the big 50 in a couple of months. Any advice? My wife is already planning a humiliation event (she calls it a birthday party). Does it get better after the 50?

John: Life? No, life never gets better.

Big Dwayne from Miami, FL:

Oehser, TV writers aren’t worried about accuracy or research; they’re trying to elicit emotional responses from viewers. It’s a bigger bonus for them if the response results in praise/complaints in the week following an episode. That comment written into last week’s episode did a couple of things: it set up the closing idea of moving a fictional franchise to Las Vegas in the shows story line, and it gave Fins fans in NoFlo a chance to feel a tiny bit better about themselves in the short term. I’d say ol’ Greg from the Du’ will be coming back for more … especially once the Jags start laying it down on the rest of the league this year. You smell it Johnny-boy … you smell it!

John: I smell something. I do know that.

Baby Boi from Jax:

Why do we play the Chargers every year? I love you.

John: The Jaguars and Chargers play every season because that’s how the NFL schedule rotation falls. Wait … what?

Otto from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

John, what is the advantage of putting a player on the PUP list at start of training camp?

John: Placing a player on the physically unable to perform list is often a precautionary move. If a player begins training camp on PUP, it allows him to potentially be placed on PUP at the start of the regular season – therefore preventing the team from having to decide whether to keep the player on the active roster or injured reserve. A player on regular-season PUP doesn’t cost a team a roster spot and the player can be brought back during a specified window during the regular season. A player on injured reserve often is lost for the season. There’s a lot to explain, but the bottom line is you can’t place a player on PUP once he practices; if you want that roster protection, you have to place him on PUP. There’s also no risk to the move because a player on PUP can be moved to the active roster at any time.

Brian from Gainesville, FL:

Big O, what’s wrong with these people? Passes or pass “defensed” is the nomenclature of gridiron football. The system in question – in this case football – gets to decide on its own preferred language. This is not about formal vs. informal or written vs. spoken. There is no debate here.

John: Not from this writer, there isn’t.

Peggy from Jacksonville:

Remember that time you scored four touchdowns in one game?

John: I never scored four touchdowns in a game. I played basketball, not football. And while playing the weakest of possible forwards, I did score 16 points in a February ’83 loss to Hilliard in the old bandbox gym at Jacksonville Episcopal High School. I started the game on fire – off the bench, obviously – and had 10 scalding points by halftime. I inexplicably started the second half equally hot and had my 16 sometime in the third quarter. My coach, John Howard, and my teammates were undoubtedly perplexed by this sudden outburst from Doctor O. Still, they fed the beast; visions of ascending into the pantheon of the game’s greats – and, of course, NBA stardom – danced in my head. Alas, beset by fatigue, Doc’s performance inevitably found its talent level and I missed my next two jump shots from the foul line. Having played my streak for all it was worth, Howard pulled me from the game. I sat gasping on the bench, my hot streak now history and my NBA dreams inevitably drifting from my very winded grasp.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 30, 2017July 30, 2017Categories Uncategorized535 Comments on O-Zone: Feed the beast

O-Zone: A trendy guy

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Clyde from Jacksonville:

If Dante Fowler Jr. would have broken the Jags’ rookie sack record like Yannick Ngakoue did, wouldn’t we be going mad about him and this year? Do you believe Ngakoue will get double-digit sacks this year? Sure seems hungry! Go Jags!

John: I do believe Ngakoue will get double-digit sacks this season; I like the professionalism he brings, and I think he has the work ethic and skill set to be a consistent NFL pass rusher. And you’re right: there’s no question Ngakoue entering this season is somewhat overlooked because of Fowler. That’s because Fowler was the No. 3 overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft whereas Ngakoue was a third-round selection in ’16. Is it fair that Ngakoue is overlooked for that reason? Probably not, but the glare of the spotlight isn’t always fair. Ngakoue indeed is capable of getting double-digit sacks. If he does, the spotlight will shine his way soon enough.

Jonathan from Yulee, FL:

O, can you fill us in on what to expect from Marquez Williams at fullback? Do you think he will start – and how good can this kid be compared to, say, Greg Jones? I know most teams don’t utilize the fullback position. Had this kid been drafted 20 years ago would he have gone earlier, or is he a victim of the times? Either way, I’m excited to see the Jags get back to ground and pound. I just hope our run game looks like the old Greg Jones blocking for Freddy T and Mojo. Williams getting Leonard Fournette into the secondary will be fun to watch for many years if he’s that good.

John: It’s too early to know if the Jaguars’ fullback in 2017 will be Williams or Tommy Bohanon. Williams has yet to participate in a padded NFL practice. When he has participated in a few, we’ll have a much better idea of how he will fare in the NFL. He has a long way to go before he is a blocking fullback on the level of Jones. Then again, so do most young fullbacks.

Steve from Jacksonville:

John, Dante Fowler says “I don’t have an immaturity problem.” Followed by I’ll learn and grow so that I don’t make stupid decisions in the future. That is the very definition of immaturity and defines Dante’s career to date and that of the Jaguars that last few years. When do they reach maturity? Hopefully this year. We’ll see.

John: Yes, we will.

Aaron from White Hall, AR:

So, this year I hope to go to my first game at EverBank Field. I want to one day be able to go to every NFL stadium. So my question is outside EverBank, which stadium would you recommend?

John: Media members often are bad people to ask about stadiums. We see press boxes, locker rooms and bowels of stadiums more often than we see the stadium amenities fans enjoy. From my standpoint, I like LP Field in Nashville for its sightlines and ease of access. I also like Lambeau Field in Green Bay for its history.

Bradley from Carson City, NV:

Minimal injuries, at least even on turnover differential, players and coaches being held accountable, Bortles playing like Steve Grogan. Could make playoffs. I’m ready for some football.

John: Why would you want Bortles to play like a 63-year-old … Oh, you mean Steve Grogan when he played for the New England Patriots in the late 1970s and 1980s. Yeah, that actually could work.

John from Boynton Beach, FL:

Do these players really fear Tom Coughlin, or are the fans thinking too much of how he was as a coach in the past? I would think he’s probably more insulated from the players than fans perceive.

John: There’s absolutely a respect for Coughlin among players, and there’s an awareness of his presence in the building. That’s understandable because Coughlin is in charge of football operations and will have significant input over roster decisions and direction of team. But the idea that players’ actions on a daily basis are dictated by Coughlin’s presence misses the point that Doug Marrone is the head coach of this team. Any discipline and “fear” that players feel on a daily basis is coming from Marrone more than Coughlin.

Bill from Springfield, VA:

Just read a column with NFL predictions; Jags were at 8-8. A far cry from the days of no respect. If the media is starting to notice us, is 8-8 a low prediction, in your opinion?

John: I don’t much care what the media says about the Jaguars. I see the Jaguars with a realistic chance to go 7-9 or so. I’d be surprised if they surpass .500, but I’ve been surprised before. And surprises are cool. I like them.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

Who is the team to beat this year? The Patriots have this guy named Tom Brady who refuses to age. Also, he’s a pretty decent quarterback. The Falcons have a great passing game and a few players on defense that look like they have bright futures. The Cowboys looked good though you have to wonder if Dak Prescott will have a sophomore slump. I’m still waiting on Aaron Rodgers to bring the Packers back to the Super Bowl. Who you got?

John: I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a team that seems more the team to beat than the New England Patriots in the AFC this season.

Tom from Loughborough, England:

John. Dede Westbrook was the Biletnikoff award winner and was nominated for the Heisman trophy. Surely, he could be extremely useful to the Jags this year playing in the slot, drawing weaker corners and providing Bortles with a safe pair of hands who can do a hell of a lot after the catch?

John: Westbrook indeed was the Biletnikoff winner and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. That means he played college football last season, which means he will have an adjustment period before we know just how effective he will be in the NFL. For now, the Jaguars’ plan is to work Westbrook at outside receiver. He missed much of the offseason program, so I anticipate it will be a few weeks at least before the team feels comfortable moving him around in the offense. And, of course, stop calling me Shirley.

David from Jacksonville:

Ozonator, let’s say Branden Albert starts at left tackle and A.J. Cann and Tyler Shatley start at guard. Are you OK with the Jags’ second-round selection riding the bench?

John: I’m not going to throw myself off the Coliseum over Cam Robinson starting or not, so I suppose I’ll be “OK” with whatever decision the Jaguars make. I would be surprised if Robinson isn’t starting somewhere on the Jaguars’ offensive line Week 1. Marrone has said the plan is to find and start the best five offensive linemen and I expect Robinson to be among that group.

Cornell from Jacksonville:

We seem to have a possibly good offense around Blake Bortles, and a defense that (if they gel) can make some serious noise. With everything hinging on Blake’s performance for our season, would it make sense to bring in some competition to light the quarterback fire? If we have such a good supporting cast, why not bring in someone like Colin Kaepernick to push him to the next level? Competition does bring out the best in players.

John: Bortles is well aware that he must perform well this season. His NFL career may depend on how he plays this season. His financial future may depend on that, too. Bringing in Kaepernick two weeks before the first preseason game will not light his fire any more than it already has been lit.

Scott from Jacksonville:

I just read an article on ESPN about Le’Veon Bell. The comment was that he is not under contract so he is not a hold out or cannot be fined for missing training camp. They also said he can skip games and still be paid. How is this possible if he’s not under contract?

John: He is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ designated franchise-tag player.

Travis from St. Louis, MO:

When do we get to hear the pads click and clack?

John: The first padded practice of Jaguars 2017 Training Camp is scheduled for Saturday night. It is open to season-ticket members.

Steven from Duval:

What do you think the chances are of Keelan Cole making the team? He has looked really good in training camp.

John: Cole, an undrafted rookie wide receiver from Kentucky Wesleyan, has done exactly what an undrafted rookie wide receiver from Kentucky Wesleyan must do early in training camp. He made an impressive play on Day 1, then stood out with three long receptions on Day 2. He showed the ability to get open deep, then followed that by showing the ability to play and catch the ball. A good practice or two does not guarantee a rookie wide receiver a roster spot, but if he continues as he has started he will have a chance.

Non-trending from Jacksonville:

Do you actually find your sombrero more trendy than a Jaguars cap?

John: I’m not trendy. I’m 51.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 29, 2017July 29, 2017Categories Uncategorized672 Comments on O-Zone: A trendy guy

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