Category: Uncategorized
Ask Vic: Packers must do it all now
10/16/2017
Let’s start with this for Steelers fans: No coach is better at challenging his team than Mike Tomlin. After last week’s pathetic performance against the Jaguars, he challenged his team to run the ball and play defense, and that’s exactly what he got yesterday. The final score was not indicative of the physical pounding the Steelers put on the Chiefs. That’s the hardest I’ve seen a defense hit all year.
Andreww from Woodville, OH
Vic, I know you tell us to enjoy the ride of the twists and turns of a season, but after a certain broken collarbone, are we wrong to be disappointed the ride is now much less likely to include a Super Bowl?
Disappointed? How about devastated? My heart goes out to all Packers fans today. I know how much you love your team. I know how much this hurts.
Tom from Wood River, IL
Do you think Packers fans are about to learn not to let hope turn into expectations? I will hope for a good game each week now.
You’ve achieved perspective. One win, any win, is good enough now.
Jerry from Wilmington, NC
Ok Vic, now that I know you are who you say you are, are the Packers who we think they are?
Not without Aaron Rodgers. That identity is gone. Now they must create a new identity. Now they must run the ball, stop the run, rush the passer, defend against the pass … they must do it all because they won’t have Rodgers to do it for them.
Joe from Colorado Springs, CO
Vic, first I’d like to apologize for any grammar or punctuation errors. I’ve never been much of a reader, but “Ask Vic” changed that for me and I’d like to thank you for the enjoyment I’ve had from your writing. It made me very sad when you retired; insider just isn’t the same without you. I just discovered this blog while reading the inbox and I literally jumped for joy. I’m very glad to be able to read your work once again. You are truly unique and could never be duplicated or replaced by any means. Now, onto my question. Will you be bringing back the bans? Thank you for your time and all the joy you’ve brought me over the years.
You’re banned.
Salvador from Metepec, Mexico
I found your column in the 2013 season when No. 12 went down. I came every day to packers.com to check. Do you expect any Week 17 heroics from Rodgers to keep the playoff streak going?
Expect? No. Hopeful? Yes.
Jimmy from Jacksonville, FL
In your vast wisdom, can you please explain what happened to Blake Bortles and how should GM Dave Caldwell be held accountable, if at all?
What do you want, a public flogging? All personnel directors are held accountable for their decisions, especially at quarterback. James Harris was held accountable for his decisions, and the ones in 2008 – Derrick Harvey and Jerry Porter immediately come to mind – did him in. Gene Smith was held accountable for Blaine Gabbert. Ultimately, Tom Coughlin was held accountable for the Jaguars’ salary cap problems. I wrote in this column last week the Browns are proof a team in need of a quarterback should never pass on a quarterback. That doesn’t mean you’ll pick the right guy, but you’ll never find the right one if you don’t pick one. Caldwell needed a quarterback. Bortles was largely considered to be the next guy up. Was Bortles overdrafted? Sure he was. So was E.J. Manuel, Christian Ponder, Tim Couch, Akili Smith and on and on. It’s the nature of the position. Bortles’ travails remind me of Byron Leftwich’s. It’s difficult for a quarterback to succeed if he has bad mechanics. The last pass Bortles threw in the Jets game nearly turned end over end. A decision will be made on his future by season’s end. There is still hope, but time is running short.
Tim from Madison, WI
Vic, you love Lamar Jackson. I do, too, but I don’t see how he succeeds as a QB in the NFL. What am I missing?
You’re missing the evolution of the position on the pro level. Jackson’s skill set is the future.
Bill from Sheboygan, WI
What are your thoughts on the NCAA’s failure to significantly punish North Carolina?
The NCAA sent a strong message with its ruling on North Carolina. That message is: It pays to cheat.
Jeffro from Kenosha, WI
I constantly hear the media say the Packers have one of the least talented rosters in the league, sans Aaron Rodgers. The great Ron Wolf believed roughly a third of your roster needed to be Pro-Bowl caliber players to win the Super Bowl. Do you think we have those 15 players? Glad you’re back!
Wolf said that? I find that hard to believe, especially in the salary cap era. You not only don’t need 15 stars to win the Super Bowl, you couldn’t afford to cap 15 stars. The Patriots are the proof of that. Yes, in the pre-cap years, you needed a deep and powerful cast of players to win it all. You needed the big three on offense (QB, RB, WR) and a dominant player on defense. The Cowboys had Aikman, Smith, Irvin and Woodson (among others on defense). The 49ers had Montana, Craig, Rice and Lott. The Steelers had Bradshaw, Harris, Swann and Greene (among several others on defense). The Packers had Starr, Taylor, Dowler and Nitschke (among others on defense). Today’s teams can’t afford all of those players on one roster. Look at Brady’s cast of receivers with whom he’s won Super Bowls; it’s been a revolving door.
Squirrelette from Bethesda, MD
Vic, with Aaron Rodgers possibly out for the rest of the season, how do you see the Packers’ chances to make the playoffs? I’m also worried about the defense.
The Packers’ playoff chances have taken a broadside hit, and now that becomes the storyline. Let’s play to that drama. It worked in 2013. It was one of the most thrilling Decembers I’ve ever covered. I do not want to lose my December friend. By the way, please use a real kind of name. I don’t want to start a trend of readers using tags. I won’t answer questions from people using tags.
Edward from Canton, SD
What do you think about signing Colin Kaepernick?
I’m not opposed to it.
Mark from Adelaide, Australia
Searching “Vic Ketchman” and “Ask Vic” on Google returned only your old work for the first two pages of search returns, so I thought I had misunderstood the mentions. A few nights later, I persisted by digging a little deeper and finally found your new blog on the bottom of the third page of Google search returns. Just thought you might want to know the path your former readers are taking to find their way back to you. Would you prefer the new blog flew a little under the radar, or would you be just as happy if everyone came flooding over to join the new conversation?
If no one reads this new “Ask Vic,” I make no money. If the whole world reads it, I still make no money. It’s still professional football, but for the first time in my writing career, it’s not about the money.
Kris from Copenhagen, Denmark
Vic, how much do you enjoy seeing the Jags finally having some success again?
It warms my heart. My early years in Jacksonville were my great adventure. I left home and a team I had covered for 23 years to live and work in a place I had never even visited. Everything was new. What followed were 16 wonderful years of learning new ways, and I learned more about myself in those 16 years than I had in the 44 years previous. That’s why I say change is good. It’s also why I left to go to Green Bay. Change is good. Now, I have all those memories to make me rich. They are memories of sweltering days in Jacksonville, and frigid days in Green Bay. They are memories of a team steeped in tradition, and of a team trying to establish one. Jacksonville allowed me to be a pioneer; I was there when it all began. I owe Jacksonville more than I could ever repay it. Go Jags!
Andy from Grand Rapids, MI
Vic, I know the only reason you never truly answered soccer questions on packers.com is because you were beholden by the big wigs to stick to football. Now that you are free of that burden, what are your thoughts on the USMNT failing to qualify for next year’s World Cup?
I’m OK with it because if they played the World Cup in my backyard, I’d close the blinds. If the soccer nuts broke into my house, opened the blinds and held my eyelids open and forced me to watch, I’d hold my breath until I died. If I was president, I would sign an executive order banning soccer, and I would propose a ban on immigration from countries harboring soccer.
Paula from Minneapolis, MN
Now that you’re able to watch football as a fan, do you focus on different aspects of the game than you did as a writer? If so, what?
No, I watch football the same way. I study what each team is attempting to do according to formation, motion, shifting and disguising coverages and fronts. Once I get a feel for the plan, I know what each team’s perceived strengths and weaknesses are, and then I just watch the ball and enjoy the drama.
Dustin from Seymour, WI
I was rooting for the Packers defense to get that last stop in Dallas. What’s your opinion on the arrow of the defense?
It’s pointing sideways. Dom Capers is doing a lot schematically, and that always worries me. I like a defense that can line up, play it straight and win the one-on-ones. I don’t get the sense so far this season the Packers defense can play that way.
Mike from Niagara Falls, Canada
Do you find it a little too convenient a former USFL owner (who not only tanked the USFL with his ideas but was once denied ownership of an NFL team), is waging war on the NFL now that he has the most powerful office in the country? He seems petty enough to hold that kind of grudge.
Donald Trump will never get over the embarrassment of a $3 ($1 trebled) damage award to the USFL from the NFL. In his mind, he’ll always see the NFL people laughing as they left the courthouse. He pushed the envelope too far too fast. The USFL had developed a nice spring niche for itself, but that wasn’t good enough for Trump. He wanted to play in the fall. He wanted to wage war with the NFL. He made a big mistake.
Richie from Truckee, CA
How’s that for another chapter in the Packers-Vikings rivalry?
It’s the best rivalry in the NFC North.
O-Zone: Still so true
John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook
JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …
JT from Aledo, TX:
I hope Nathaniel Hackett can deliver something other than jamming our backs against the stacked box Xteen times in a row each week. Unoriginal play calling is tough to watch. Every team is game-planning for that and it won’t work forever – either that, or the backs go into concussion protocol. Where are the run-pass options, roll-outs and screen plays? We saw a little in London, but nothing since. What about two-back sets/wishbone where they don’t know whether Chris Ivory or Leonard Fournette will get the ball?
John: I realize this forum lacks experience when the main subject is a winning team, but emails this week regarding Jaguars offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s play-calling do raise the question of just what people expect. The Jaguars are 3-2. They lead the NFL in rushing. They also lead the AFC South. They’re a dropped pass from possibly being 4-1. Last I checked, those are all good things. As I write this, I hear the chorus of “YEAH, BUTS!!!! …” – and yes, that chorus will include CAPITAL LETTERS and exclamation points!! I realize people are concerned with the lack of passing efficiency – and at some point the Jaguars will have to throw to win. But realize this: Hackett is calling plays within the context of this team’s philosophy – and that philosophy is to run effectively and play defense. It’s not going to be a pass-happy team. It’s going to run a lot, and it’s going to follow running a lot with … running a lot more. The Jaguars have a pretty good idea what happens when they stray from that; they strayed from it the past few years to the tune of a ton of interceptions, a ton of sacks and a ton of losses. Hackett last week in Pittsburgh was calling plays against a defense that thrives on pressuring the quarterback and forcing check downs, and he was calling plays with a backup center. He also was calling plays in a game in which the Jaguars’ defense was dominating – and in the second half of that game, there was a priority in figuring a way to keep that defense off the field. I’m as big a Passing Game Guy as you’re going to find; I love an imaginative, high-powered offense. But if you consider Hackett’s play-calling unoriginal I supposed I’d ask, “Do you want original 1-4 or unoriginal 3-2?” I’ll hang up and listen to your answer.
Jeremy from Dodge City, KS:
O versus Heath Evans … I’ll take O man every time!!! #fightnight
John: Heath Evans knows where to find me.
Steve from Upper Tract, WI:
Put me at the top of the list of people who don’t want Eli Manning to be a Jaguar. Overrated, old outgoing quarterback is not what the Jaguars need. I’m not exactly sure what they need for quarterback but I’m pretty sure Eli Manning is not who we need.
John: I don’t think the Jaguars are going to trade for Eli Manning, and I don’t believe the New York Giants want to trade Manning. As for your flurry of alliterative Os … yeah, he’s a little older and closer to the end of his career than the beginning, but overrated? No, no, no.
Joe from Hall of Fame City, OH:
Yo, John: Why on earth would the Jags trade for Eli? The way I see it, we don’t need a high-priced arm to win. Our formula seems to be coming together, so keep BB5, run it down there gullet, and let the defense continue to dominate. I mean, would you trade?
John: Sure. If the price was right. If the price is a first-round selection? No. If it’s a third-round selection? Sure. But one reason I shy from discussing trades much here is they’re usually conjecture, unrealistic and a waste of time. This feels like a combination of the three.
Tim from Fernandina Beach, FL:
John: Zac had a point about defense winning the Ravens’ and Bucs’ Super Bowls. The rules have changed since then. Now, with the game resembling basketball on grass, I doubt those defenses could win it without a respectable offense. What say ye…
John: Yes, those teams could win Super Bowls now. The rules favored passing then, too. Seattle and Denver have won Super Bowls in recent seasons with dominant defenses as the team’s signature unit. It absolutely can be done again.
Brett from Raleigh, NC:
Jalen Ramsey‘s and Tashaun Gipson‘s comments after last season ended had me worried since Todd Wash was coming back. They both are looking good and having fun in the new scheme. Can you describe the changes Wash has made from Gus’ scheme?
John: I never worried too much about aftereffects of those comments. Players often speak from frustration at the end of difficult seasons; often, more is made of such comments publicly than is felt privately. I sensed that to be the case after last season, and that indeed was the case. As far as the Jaguars’ defensive scheme, it’s essentially the same as the one run under Head Coach Gus Bradley in recent seasons – and to the one coordinated by Wash last season. There’s little difference up front, and – as Wash noted Thursday – the Jaguars were and remain essentially an eight-man front team in base situations. They have tweaked some coverage concepts to move away from a pure single-high safety scheme in passing situations, but for the most part it’s the same scheme. Players such as end Calais Campbell, cornerback A.J. Bouye and safety Barry Church have been as good as advertised. That helps. Perhaps the major factor is the level of play of Bouye and Jalen Ramsey at cornerback. This team is very difficult to pass against. That has helped the pass rush. It has helped the pass defense. It has helped everything.
MrPadre from Kingsland, GA:
Is it simply a coincidence that this team has struggled to win at home? I realize this team struggled to win “anywhere” for some time, but I would like to think that being at home is at least some kind of an advantage. Instead, it seems to either be a wash – or could it actually be a detriment? Is it in our team’s heads? It’s one thing for us long-suffering fans to finally get to see some wins on television … but can we expect to finally see some in person?
John: I have been amazed this week by the collective perception of this issue. It has become vogue to think there is some mystery about the Jaguars’ inability to win at home. What mystery? This team struggled to win everywhere for the last decade. It has really struggled since 2012. Since Doug Marrone took over as head coach things seem to be turning. The Jaguars are 4-3 with Marrone as a head coach. They are 1-1 under Marrone at EverBank Field. The Jaguars lost to the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 because they committed too many ill-timed penalties and because the Titans’ offensive line controlled the game late. It had nothing to do with the game being at EverBank Field. If the Jaguars continue to get better, they will start to win at home. If they don’t, they won’t.
Ozzie from Duval:
O-Man, when can we refer to this defense as elite? Do we need to win the whole tourney? How close are we to the ‘85 Bears?
John: The Jaguars have played defense at a really high level for five games and are 3-2. The Bears began playing it at really high level in 1984, continued it in 1985 and may have been just as good defensively in 1986. They won a Super Bowl in 1985. I’d say the Jaguars have some doing to do before reaching that level, but sure … winning the tourney would help.
Riley from Calgary, Canada:
Aaron Colvin played lights-out football this past week. The number of times that the nickel formation is used, do you see re-signing Colvin long-term as a priority? I would think he will be looking for big money come free agency. I can’t really see the front office justifying paying three cornerbacks starter money.
John: I’d be surprised if the Jaguars can re-sign Colvin for pretty much the reasons you cite. I think he is a good enough fit at nickel and valuable enough that it’s worth exploring a way to keep him, but I doubt it will happen. I hope I’m wrong. Colvin is an intelligent kid who I enjoy interviewing; I respect how he has embraced playing nickel even when in his heart he obviously would love to be playing outside. I hope he’s here for a long time.
John from Jacksonville:
Very frustrated that we beat the Steelers handily, are finally leading the division and so much talk about who the next quarterback is. Is it not OK to win on the ground? Does that mean Blake Bortles didn’t throw four touchdowns to beat Baltimore? Can’t we just enjoy wins without finding something to make up about Blake? In three wins we have scored over 100 points – and not all defensively. The offense has capitalized both in the air and on the ground on our turnovers; we are leaving very few turnover opportunities out there. Here’s one fer Blake and I hope he continues to run this offense to many more wins as this team and he have worked very hard to get here. Can’t we simply enjoy that?
John: No, because fans gonna fan.
O-Zone: Whoa there
John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook
JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …
Todd Gurley from Los Angeles, CA:
O-Zone, am I the only one that sees we match up well against your defense? Pittsburgh had two wide receivers over 200 yards; we have four. Whereas Le’Veon Bell is an excellent running back, I am near the top of the league in total yards. My young quarterback (Jared Goff) is excellent at ball distribution and your young, aggressive defensive has shown problems staying at home. We, too, are a young, ascending team – and we feel we can go into Jacksonville and steel (pun intended) this game just as you did in Pennsylvania. Our defenses are more alike statistically than people realize. Some might say it’s a wash in the run game and we have the advantage in the passing game. Why do you all think this is a slam dunk?
John: Whoa there, Todd. Whoa. Who said it was a slam dunk? I’ve been saying all week – on Wednesday’s Zone Blitz among other places – that this Sunday’s game against your club is a very difficult matchup for the Jaguars. The Rams played the Seattle Seahawks tough this past Sunday and easily could have won had it not been for a couple of first-half fumbles and a second-half interception. The Rams moved well offensively – and, as you say, there’s little questioning the Rams’ talent on defense. The main storyline this week around the Jaguars is how they need to win at EverBank Field and “finally” win consecutive games. What those storylines often have neglected to mention is that Sunday’s game doesn’t really qualify as a “should win” for the Jaguars. It is, in fact, one of the tougher games remaining on the schedule.
Michael from Fruit Cove, FL:
I’ve hated Blake Bortles as much as most fans have, but someone mentioned trading for Eli and I decided I’d rather stay with Bortles. This is the best we’ve been in a long time and Bortles is the quarterback. I think we should stick with this unless something really changes for the worse.
John: Hey, one fer Bortles! Except for, you know, the part about everyone hating him.
Omegatron from North Charleston, SC:
Do you think the Jaguars would go after Alex Smith or Kirk Cousins next offseason?
John: It’s possible, but a couple of things need to happen. Smith would have to be available, which considering the way he’s playing this season is far from a guarantee. The Chiefs, remember, would need to release him; he has a season remaining on his contract after 2017. And while Cousins may be available this offseason, he also has a relationship with San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. I’m not saying neither Cousins nor Smith would be an option for the Jaguars, but they hardly would be gimme putts.
Scott from Gilbert:
Zone, I don’t know if anyone ever said Leonard Fournette wasn’t worth the fourth overall pick … for a team that already had a quarterback. I believe the fan narrative here has been that the Panthers were very transparent about their desire to move up for Fournette, and that the trade value would have offered at minimum Deshaun Watson and a pretty good running back. Knowing we’re not going to get twenty points off turnovers and play with a lead every week, can you honestly say you wouldn’t rather have an ascending quarterback that can run, extend plays, and has thrown for twelve touchdowns with a rating of 100-plus over his first four-and-a-half games? I know… the Jags didn’t feel he was worth a Top-10 pick, which simply illuminates the underlying problem surrounding this organization’s inability to identify quarterback talent for the better part of the past two decades.
John: I honestly can’t keep up with fan narratives. There seem too many to count sometimes. So if you say the fan narrative involves the Panthers and transparency … sure. Why not? The Jaguars didn’t want Watson in the Top 10 last offseason. So, does a five-game sample size of his career illuminate an underlying inability to identify quarterback for decades? Sure. Why not?
Joe from Hall of Fame City, OH:
Hey John, you might wanna let everyone know that THE TEAL IS ONCE AGAIN VERY REAL!!!!!! #DTWD
John: OK!!
Vishwa from Jacksonville:
Hi Zony, I am hearing more and more about many folks saying the Jags should make a move now and trade for a veteran quarterback. Do you agree? If you were the general manager, would you do it for, say, an Eli Manning or Philip Rivers … say, for a third-rounder?
John: If I were a general manager, I absolutely would trade a third-round selection for Eli Manning or Philip Rivers. I also would be embarrassed to call another general manager and offer a third-round selection for either of those quarterbacks. I’d also hold the phone away from my ear to avoid hearing the guffawing laughter on the other phone.
Bill from Rochester, NY:
Have you ever seen a better cornerback duo than A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey? Not necessarily covered, but seen, in general.
John: It’s honestly hard to say. I don’t say that to avoid the question, but I tend to want to see production over an extended period. Ramsey and Bouye have played just five games together; if they do it for a season or two, then historical comparisons start to make a little more sense. But, yes: they’re playing at an extremely high level. It’s intriguing to think what they can accomplish.
Justin from Tallahassee, FL:
Does there seem to be more unity in the locker room this year compared to years past? Obviously, wins bring people together but even at the start of the season has the team’s bond seemed more unique to other years?
John: This team seems unified and tight, and there are many players who attribute that to a tougher-than-normal training camp under Head Coach Doug Marrone. I’m sure there is a bond. But teams also tend to be very tight when things are going well and not always tight otherwise. This team’s tight. The players seem to get along well. Better than other years? That’s honestly hard to say.
Scott from Jacksonville:
If the Jaguars are in the hunt for the playoffs by Week 15, would it be possible to reactivate Allen Robinson? I wasn’t sure of the severity of his injury and if it was possible, but what a surge that would create for a playoff team, huh?
John: Robinson sustained an anterior cruciate ligament. His goals for returning involve next season.
Sandman from Jacksonville:
Tyler Shatley looked good against a good defense. Is it time to move Brandon Linder to guard? Would that be a better option than the left guard we have now?
John: No.
Jeff from Wake Forest, NC:
Just curious why the Jags are playing at 4:05 Sunday. Are they just swell guys who believe in making the opposition as comfortable as possible by playing on their timetable and not taking advantage of jet lag? Oh and also, how about a little one-fer for our AMAZING rookie left tackle. I think he has performed pretty admirably for his first few games in the league.
John: The Jaguars are playing at 4:05 p.m. Sunday because that’s when the NFL scheduled the game. And yes … one fer Cam Robinson. It’s hard to start an NFL career much better than he has started his.
Chris from Roseville, CA:
The season ended last week and the Jaguars are one-and-done in the playoffs. Kansas City loses in the AFC Championship game and offers Alex Smith for 2018’s 1st and 3rd. Do you make the trade?
John: Perhaps, but if I’m Kansas City and I just lost in the AFC Championship Game I don’t know that I would be in an all-fire hurry to trade my quarterback.
Jeff from Castle Rock, CO:
I looked at the remaining schedule and none of the teams scare me. With the defense playing as well as they have in four of the first five games and the running game being better than average, the Jags could potentially win out. I’m not saying they will end the season 14-2, but it’s also not out of the realm of possibilities. The coaching staff needs to put together more game plans like the London game against the Ravens and this team could dominate both defensively and offensively. The talent is finally here (except for consistency at receiver) to become a playoff team. Any chance they go find at least one receiver to improve the passing game?
John: Again, I say: Whoa there. And I must admit I stopped reading when you started talking about “winning out.” Look, this is an improved defensive team. When it gets a lead and creates turnovers, it can look dominant. But it’s a team that’s probably going to be in close games if it can’t create turnovers and close games sometimes go the other way. I think the Jaguars can get to eight or nine victories – possibly a little higher. But let’s pump the brakes on 14-2. There is quite a lot of improving to do, and quite a lot of consistency to show before anything close to that happens.
O-Zone: Good advice
John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook
JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …
Josh from Pensacola, FL:
What has surprised you more this season: the level of dominance the defense has achieved or the play of the offensive line?
John: I must say the defense’s level of dominance has surprised me more than anything else about this team. I expected this defense to be good; I think most observers correctly and safely assumed a team that added defensive end Calais Campbell, safety Barry Church and cornerback A.J. Bouye to a defense that already was good at least would be good defensively. What I didn’t expect was for the Jaguars to lead the NFL in sacks through five games, and I absolutely didn’t expect them to lead the NFL in takeaways and points off turnovers. The Jaguars have scored 74 points off turnovers. That’s a staggering pace through five games. So, no, I didn’t expect them to reach this level. As for the offensive line, I thought it was a better pass-blocking unit than people thought last season – and while I didn’t expect the Jaguars to lead the NFL in rushing this season, I thought the focus on the running game would at least make the Jaguars better in that area. This much better? No, but at least better.
Don from Jacksonville:
Aren’t enough go-to weapons in the pass game? What did we draft Marqise Lee in the second round to be? Why did we resign Hurns to a big contract? BB5 is definitely not the only problem with the pass game.
John: A lot of parts of the passing game need to play better.
Chris from Jacksonville:
Where was that incredible launch over the line in the Jets game when we got stuffed twice on third-and-1? No doubt 4Net is better than I thought but even if he ends up being the best back in the league, it still wouldn’t justify taking him (or any running back) with the No. 4 pick. This is a quarterback league and we will forever regret not taking Deshaun Watson. Give me Watson and Chris Ivory and you can have Blake Bortles and 4Net. Running backs can be found anywhere in the draft (Kareem Hunt, Aaron Jones, etc). Watson is a franchise-changing player that also happened to match our biggest need in the draft. Ouch.
John: If Fournette becomes the NFL’s best running back, he indeed would be worthy of the No. 4 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. As for Watson being a franchise-changing player, he has looked really good in his last three games. Perhaps he’ll fulfill your expectations. We’ll see.
Steve from Upper Tract, WR:
I could have sworn that I saw “sweetness” on Sunday.
John: I wrote Sunday that Fournette’s dive over the line in Pittsburgh indeed was reminiscent of Walter Payton – and LaDainian Tomlinson. I neglected to include Marcus Allen, whose ability in this area was absolutely on par with Tomlinson and Payton. Will Fournette prove to be as proficient in this area as the aforementioned trio? Time will tell, but Sunday was impressive.
Josh from Pensacola, FL:
I never have really cared about the national media attention that the Jags get, but lately it has been very frustrating. Heath Evans in particular got visibly upset when talking about the Jags. He basically took discounted every victory we’ve had so far. Said we would’ve lost to the Texans if Watson was playing. Said Big Ben is an “atrocious quarterback” and so on and so on. Did the Jags do something to him in the past? Maybe these teams aren’t as bad as the experts say and maybe the Jags’ defense is just that good. Heath Evans’ hate for the Jags is real, people; just watch the clip.
John: The list of national media whose opinions on the Jaguars I generally dismiss is a relatively long one. Evans without question is on the list, and that’s OK. I suspect he has little regard for my thoughts on many topics, too. As for “respect,” it strikes me the Jaguars are at least getting some version of it this week. The national types are talking about Fournette. They’re speculating on trades. They’re getting mention. None of it means anything come Sunday, but if you wanted the Jaguars to get attention or “respect,” this is what that feels like. Whee.
Kyan from Le Mars, IA:
I’ve read some people say they think the Jaguars should look to trade for Eli Manning. Do you think this is a realistic possibility knowing the Giants’ record and the relationship between Eli and Coughlin? Do you think it would improve the team?
John: This is something that has been floated and discussed in recent days, and there are plenty of circumstances that make it enticing: the Giants’ 0-5 record, the Jaguars’ struggles at the quarterback position and Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin’s relationship with Manning (he coached Manning from 2004-2015). But while this speculation perhaps has a touch more merit than most such speculative trade talk, I don’t know that it’s much more than a touch. I imagine the Giants would want significant draft equity – i.e., a first-round selection. I also don’t know that the Giants would be all that interested in trading Manning. This is a franchise that went 11-5 last season and has to believe it can win next season. If Manning was in their two-or-three-year plan at the start of the season – and it’s hard to imagine he wasn’t – I doubt he would be out of that plan a month later.
Ryan from Chicago, IL:
The “Teal Curtain” is a better nickname for our defense. The offense, quite frankly, has not earned a nickname suitable for our younger fans to hear. Which wide receivers would you target in a reasonable trade to help keep defenses from stacking the box against Fournette?
John: I wouldn’t.
Marcus from Jacksonville:
The Jaguars have had some significant cap space in recent years and used a lot of it to sign some high-dollar free agents. Those signings, by and large, have worked out well. But how does their cap situation look for the future when it comes to signing their drafted players? They’ve got a good number of young guys who are going to demand some big contracts, so will they have enough to keep the team – especially this defense – intact, or are they going to have to let some guys walk?
John: We’re not really nearing a crisis on this point yet. Remember: Linebacker Telvin Smith and nickel corner Aaron Colvin are the only two “core” defensive players whose contracts expire at the end of this season. If all of the players people are considering good players develop as such, then the Jaguars probably won’t be able to keep all of them. But they have enough cap space to sign players identified as “core” players. A player such as Jalen Ramsey, for instance, certainly will command a huge salary after the 2018 season – and I have no doubt at this point the Jaguars will meet those demands. Players such as Yannick Ngakoue and Dante Fowler Jr. will have to be addressed, too. An intriguing story in the coming months will be Smith, who will be an unrestricted free agent following this season. He is a key player on this defense, but outside linebacker is a tricky position in free agency. Will the team identify Smith as a can’t-live-without-him core player? We’ll see. I’d advise to relax on this front: time will solve some of the issues that seem urgent in the short term.
Marcus from Jacksonville:
This team really is a conundrum. I can honestly say that there will probably not be any games this season that I am overly confident about, but also no games that I feel are hopeless. This team is good enough to beat any team in the league and bad enough to lose to any team in the league. It’s frustrating and wonderful at the same time. I’m so confused, John!
John: Welcome back to the NFL, Marcus.
Fred from Naples, FL:
Can we at least hold on to Jason Myers until AFTER this Sunday? The Rams’ kickoff returner leads the league in kickoff return average. Out of the end zone is a must this Sunday.
John: OK.
Len from Erie/Jacksonville:
Big O: Well, it’s obvious we are going to be a running team as much as possible. Can we get creative? Jet sweep with Corey Grant, Chris Ivory and Leonard Fournette in the same backfield once in a while. What you think? Don’t be so predictable.
John: I think I don’t care if I never see another “jet sweep” as long as I live, but if the Jaguars want to mix one in to Grant … sure. But remember: the Jaguars are ranked No. 1 in the NFL in rushing. They are 3-2 and an overtime loss from 4-1 playing the way they want to play. I don’t know that they’re going to be particularly inclined to make major changes.
Duh! from Duval!:
If Tom Coughlin and David Caldwell have any brains, they will TRADE BORTLES FOR ELI MANNING!
John: CAPITAL LETTERS AND EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!
O-Zone: Philosophically speaking
John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook
JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …
Jeff from Jacksonville:
As one of the few luddites left in this world who still pays for a print newspaper subscription, I have the privilege of reading all about the Jaguars beyond what is on this site. The Florida Times-Union reporters seem to change their feelings about the Jaguars’ odds of success more frequently than I change my underwear. That’s what I like about you, John. You stay level-headed and consistent through the good times and bad. How often do you change your underwear?
John: I was as guilty as any observer of misjudging this team during the preseason. I thought the offensive line and quarterbacks were struggling in a big way, and it was hard at that point to predict how dominant this defense was capable of playing. But since the regular-season opener, I haven’t seen much reason to change my view of this team week-to-week. If you’re watching the team, it’s easy to see what it is so far. When it stays in games and gets leads, this defense is capable of closing games and setting up scores; it actually has done those things to a remarkable degree thus far. In the team’s one one-sided loss, the major problem was that the offense put itself in a series of miserable down-and-distance situations that allowed the Titans to get control of the game – and Tennessee’s offensive line dominated after that. I still wonder if this team will generate enough consistent offense to push into the 9-7 range. It seems a big ask for the defense to make enough game-changing plays to get to that point. But I’m starting to wonder if it might be possible. As far as changing my underwear… I mean, I guess I see the point in theory. But every week? That’s a bit much from my view.
Terry from Miami, FL:
Our Defense!!!!!!!! The Firm, The Law Firm of Ramsey, Church & Bouye, Cat5 Cats or #shutdowntown. This group needs a name! What do you think?
John: Sure.
Jimmy from Duval:
I think it’s time Doug Marrone gets the respect he deserves for being a great football coach. May I get a one for Coach Marrone?
John: Absolutely. One fer Marrone – until the next time the Jaguars lose, of course. That’s when most readers will want him fired and the ones who don’t will be waiting at the gates at EverBank Field wondering why Leonard Fournette didn’t get 32 carries instead of 29.
Tony from San Antonio, TX:
Jason Myers continues to miss extra points every few attempts. This team has much to address before it can contend over a long season. I’m actually optimistic the passing game can improve as Leonard Fournette occupies defenses’ attention, but I see Myers costing us a game at some point with a short field-goal miss or an extra point that we wind up chasing in a close game. There are accurate kickers out there who may not give you as much distance, but who will make all the mid-range kicks.
John: Are there?
Noel from St. Augustine, FL:
No doubt, Sunday was a great win. I am enjoying it. The issue a lot of us fans have is that it’s a waste because it seems everyone outside of the organization knows and has known that Bortles is not the answer at the most important position on the field. There have been numerous draft picks and free agents available that are playing better than BB5. (Even without using the fifth and fourth picks, respectively – if that is your response.) So it’s aggravating knowing that our team will only make it so far without better play from the quarterback, which essentially makes the season – and arguably last season – a waste.
John: If as a fan of a team you resist enjoying victories because of what a team is not you’re going to miss a lot of the joys of being a fan. The Jaguars aren’t yet perfect. What I’ll probably do is watch and write about how far the Jaguars go this season, because unlike you and “a lot of us fans” I’m not intelligent enough to know what the rest of the season will bring. The season thus far includes three 20-point victories, an overtime loss and another loss in which the Jaguars had allowed no touchdowns well into the second half. A lot of teams would trade for that resume through five games.
Sebastian from Austin, TX:
No real question, O: I just wanted to say Tom Coughlin came here to revive the franchise not coaching, but off of the field with his football knowledge. He is looking like a football genius/guru/god – whatever you want to call him. He stated we would run, be physical, have a tough opportunistic defense, show grit. To check so many boxes off in one offseason and five games in is ridiculous. It’s definitely a combination of many factors, but if this season turns out to be as bright as it’s foreshadowing, he’ll deserve lots of credit. Plus, how are the Giants doing without him?
John: #TCTWD?
Other Mike from Atlanta, GA:
What are your thoughts about Dante Fowler Jr. He got a nice sack Sunday, and I couldn’t find a highlight reel of it. So, I re-watched the game to see it again. You talked about hitting on first-round players. Could he be getting there?
John: “Getting there” is the right way to put it. I don’t know that I would call Fowler’s journey complete yet. You would like to see more consistent pressure from him and more consistency overall, but that feels like nitpicking. He has four sacks through five games this season after registering four in 16 games last season. He has been disruptive at various times in pretty much all five games. He has a fumble return for a touchdown. He’s improving. He’s progressing. Yeah, he’s getting there.
Limo Bob from Neptune Beach, FL:
Is it OK that I am so confident in this team that I don’t care about next year’s draft yet?
John: Yes.
Ken from Vero Beach, FL:
Here is another vote for taking the leash off of Bortles. Every team that drafts a quarterback takes the ball and does what they did in college. Not Jacksonville; the Jaguars ruin every quarterback they draft. Why do they draft these quarterbacks if they won’t let them play their game? I don’t understand, do you?
John: There’s no vote on this issue. The Jaguars’ offense in the first five games for the most part has been what they want, and how they planned to play this season. They’re 3-2 and they’re a dropped pass from having a real chance at 4-1. An argument could be made for 5-0 if they haven’t had a slew of second-half penalties against Tennessee; not a strong or good argument, perhaps, but an argument nonetheless. Should the Jaguars go back to throwing as they did the last few seasons, exposing Bortles to more potential for sacks and interceptions? Considering the team’s success this season compared to past seasons, I’d be hard-pressed to recommend dramatic change right now.
Matt from Jacksonville:
Draft picks: Ramsey, Jack, Fournette, Robinson, Robinson, Fowler, Ngakoue, Smith, Colvin. Free agents: Campbell, Bouye, Church, Gipson, Ivory, Jackson. Just a few short weeks ago, people were calling for Jaguars General Manager Dave Caldwell’s head. Hmmm …
John: Yeah, remember that?
Jeff from Jacksonville:
Let’s see if the Jags can keep these Monday morning talk shows discussing how every team they beat has “serious issues.” I have a feeling they will be discussing the Rams’ serious issues next Monday!
John: I have been struck by the inability of some observers to miss the fact that this is a good defense. Twenty sacks and 15 takeaways? Those things only can be considered coincidental for so long.
Steve from Denver, CO:
On television Sunday they showed the statistic that on second and third down, our four-year starter, dedicated pocket passer is in last place for completion percentage. Randy Moss might say “dead last, homie.” When will you admit that unless they coach Blake Bortles to try more rollouts, mix in a few naked bootleg runs and more short wheel route passes to our running backs, BB will never be anyplace near a legitimate productive NFL starting quarterback?
John: When I believe I’m wrong, “homie.”
Biff from Jacksonville:
Why the concerns for the future? Marcus Aurelius wrote, “Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.” Blake Bortles isn’t Aaron Rodgers, but I don’t see a slew of rings on Rodgers’ fingers? Let’s just let the season play out, enjoy the success, and deal with the quarterback position when it’s all said and done. Maybe, just maybe, the future has a balanced Bortles thanks to all around him finding level.
John: Woody Allen wrote, “I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve it by not dying.” This has little to do with Aurelius, but at least I understand it.
O-Zone: Day of atonement
John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook
JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …
Tim from Jacksonville:
I still have no idea what kind of a team the Jags are. Please help me understand, John. Can you recall a season with so many ups and downs to this point?
John: The Jaguars’ season indeed has had highs and lows, but many NFL seasons have highs and lows; it’s a week-to-week league. And it’s really not hard to figure what kind of team the Jaguars are through five games. They’re a team with a defense that can force turnovers and create sacks. When the team is trailing – as was the case against Tennessee in the second half – it’s hard for the defense to play to its strengths. When the team is in the game or is playing with the lead – as has been the case in the other four games – the defense can play to those strengths. The Jaguars won three of the games other than the Tennessee loss, and they lost in overtime to a New York Jets whose 3-2 record is as good as any of the Jaguars’ five opponents thus far this season. That’s what this team is: a team that can create turnovers and run effectively. It needs to be ahead or close to have a chance to win consistently.
Steve from Hudson, FL:
Feels good. Should I gloat?
John: Absolutely. You’re a fan – and you’re a fan of a team that has had a lot of lean times. So, enjoy it. Gloat. Stick your chest out. Feel great. Go watch the game again and fast-forward to the pick-sixes, The Wave and the 90-yard run. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. Until Wednesday. Then it’s time to look ahead.
Daniel from College Station, TX:
Good win. Now we just have to focus on consetantce and we will have a good year in my opinion. Can we give some props to the offensive line? They actually played really well considering they had to do some reshuffling this week. I think people see these Grade A offensive lines like dallas and forget how many first-round picks are invested in it – and yes, I left dallas not capitalized cause they are not America’s Team. So, short version: one for the O line.
John: Absolutely, one fer the offensive line – and while we’re at it, throw in a couple for consetantce. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 100 times: if you don’t have it, there’s just no way you can win in this league.
Steve form Upper Tract, MD:
That was an awesome win; progress is definitely being made. Now, they must come home and beat a team they’re supposed to beat in front of their home fans. Winning at home seems to be something they’re not very good at. Must turn the corner on that. I sound like Captain Obvious!
John: I agree the Jaguars need to win Sunday, though I don’t know that I’m all-in on the Rams being a team the Jaguars are supposed to beat. The Rams are 3-2 and are ranked fifth in the NFL in total offense. Like the Jaguars, they believe they’re an ascending team. This will be a tough matchup.
Brian from Gainesville, FL:
Big O, you used to say how this team needed to improve its pass rush to win football games. I’d say that box is now checked.
John: Whether or not the Jaguars could be a slam-the-door pass rush in obvious passing situations was a fair question entering the season. It’s not as fair to keep asking that anymore.
Scott from New York, NY:
In a world where Mrs. Ozone gets everything she wants …
John: O-Zone nods and says yes. He then checks his checking account using his online app. While feeling temporarily good about himself because of his ability to stay attune to this crazy “online generation,” he sees the balance. He cries silently and nods again.
Tony from Jacksonville:
I am so excited about this defense. I absolutely love our corners, but this has really been a team effort. Four different guys get interceptions? How many of those were caused by the D line pressuring the quarterback? To me, what’s most exciting is that this defense is young. Other than Poz and Calais (who are playing great), the rest of this defense could be around for a long time. Go Jags!
John: The core of this defense is young, confident and very talented. The future looks bright, but the future is difficult to project in the NFL. This defense right now looks good and it looks like something that can be the foundation of an improving, capable team this season. That’s the best thing that we’ve been able to say about this team on the field in recent memory.
Steve from Queenstown, MD:
I drove over four hours to make the trip to Pittsburgh, and boy was it worth it! Go Jags!!!
John: #DTWD
TJ S from Orlando, FL:
If you told me we’d be in a seven-way tie for second in the AFC and in first place in the AFC South in October, I’d have laughed hysterically at you before the season opener. Now, I’m not screaming Super Bowl by any means (yet), but I’m pretty excited about where this team is right now. If our passing game gets consistently good, I will start screaming those words though. Fair warning. #DTWD
John: The Jaguars have done what they needed to do through the first five weeks. They have navigated through a tricky stretch that included three road games and just one game at EverBank Field – and they have gotten through that stretch with a 3-2 record. I thought before the season if they were 2-3 or better at this point they would be in good shape. They are now 2-1 on the road. They have beaten a team on the road (Pittsburgh) that looked very good entering the game and they have a road victory over the defending division champions (Houston). So, you’re right to feel good about where the Jaguars are through five weeks. They’re in good position and have six home games remaining. While there’s no such thing as an easy or favorable schedule, there’s nothing about the remaining schedule that makes you think it’s not navigable. There is plenty that’s not perfect, the passing game in particular. But I’ll repeat something I’ve said a couple of times in the last few days. The NFL isn’t a league of perfect teams. Most teams have flaws. Most are entering this week with something they feel they must improve in a hurry. Most of those teams don’t have a defense that’s gaining confidence, leading the league in sacks and takeaways and looking like an improving unit that can carry the team a long way. The Jaguars have that. That could make the rest of the season very interesting.
Ryan from Charlotte, NC:
This was a game that, when the schedule came out, everyone (including me) just chalked up in the loss column. When’s the last time we won a game like that? I honestly can’t remember.
John: Week 1, sort of. But you’re point is well-taken. For that and many other reasons Sunday was this franchise’s biggest victory in a long, long time.
Jerell from Columbia, SC:
14-2? I think so!!!!
John: God love him.
Zac from Gainesville, FL:
An inefficient offense and strikingly dominant defense. I’ve seen this formula win the Super Bowl before.
John: It’s October 10, so I’m not going to go giddy talking Super Bowl. But the formula for getting to the Super Bowl is to win in the regular season, keep improving and to continue improving once you make the playoffs. This team clearly has a foundation on which it can build and improve, and that foundation point looks strong, young and confident. That’s not a bad place to be through five games.
Chris from Goodnight, TX:
I take it all back. Leonard Fournette is a Greek god.
John: I actually missed this email Sunday night, but hey: it’s never too late for a “Hey-Zone-I-Was-Wrong-So-I-Come-to-You-in-Your-Infinite-Wisdom-Begging-for-Atonement” email. Chris from Goodnight indeed questioned Fournette late last week, wondering if he was worth the No. 4 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. Fournette rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns against the Steelers Sunday, with one touchdown coming on a 90-yard run and the other coming on a two-yard dive on which he left the ground somewhere near the Steelers 4-yard line and landed somewhere outside Heinz Field near the Allegheny. They were both next-level plays, and they were far from Fournette’s only memorable moments Sunday. Just as memorable were multiple plays on which Fournette took on Steelers defenders – particularly safety Mitch Mitchell – and showcased his dominant, physical style. We’ve discussed ad nauseam the play when he waved Mitchell toward him, but when you add it to the rest of Fournette’s day, it’s fair to wonder the last game in which one Jaguars player set so obvious a tone. When Fournette gets physical, it inspires the Jaguars. Clearly, it inspired you as well, Chris. So, yeah, consider yourself atoned.
O-Zone: Go ahead… flex
John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook
JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …
Tom from Section 141 and the First-Place Mean Streets of Nocatee:
I don’t want to overreact, but do you think last week’s loss will be pivotal in determining whether or not we get home field and a first-round bye?
John: Well, at least you’re not overreacting – or getting ahead of yourself. And I thankfully sense the tongue is at least somewhat firmly in cheek. On a serious note, this may be a good time to welcome Jaguars fans back to the reality of the NFL winning. When you win and get in contention, every victory and every loss matter. Every game seems critical that week – because every game indeed is critical. Such is the nature of this week-to-week league. Every victory is cause for celebration; every loss is cause for pitchforks and torches at the gate. Will the Jets loss a week ago linger and look big at the end of the regular season? Perhaps. But the Steelers game could look equally big in the other direction. It’s a long season. There will be more disappointment. I get the feeling there could be more jubilation. Buckle up. Oh – and enjoy it. Jaguars fans of all people should know good moments such as Sunday’s don’t come easy.
Brian from Section 235:
It’s sad. Our defense is so good. Our offense has all the right pieces except for the quarterback.
John: The Jaguars beat the Pittsburgh Steelers by 21 points at Heinz Field Sunday. I’ve been covering the NFL 23 years and never have covered a team that won by 21 points in Pittsburgh. I’ve been back covering the Jaguars since 2011 and have never covered a team above .500 after September. I’ve never covered during that span a Jaguars team in first place in October. I’m not completely convinced I’ve ever covered a team that intercepted five passes in a game, though my memory may be failing me there. I’ve only covered one other Jaguars team that had a runner run for a 90-yard touchdown, and that run was one by Fred Taylor that might rank as the best run I’ve ever seen in person – though again, my memory may be failing me. My point in mentioning these things is not to point out that my memory at 51 may be failing. It is to point out that for Sunday and for a while on Monday morning, there’s not that much “sad” about the Jaguars. Breathe in. Smile. Pick a flower. Stuff it up your nose and sniff. This was a memorable one. Enjoy it.
Daniel Since Day One:
They stopped the run, and they stuck with their own run. Did we throw the ball in the second half? Great game plan and execution! 3-2 baby!
John: #DTWD – and yes, the Jaguars threw once in the second half Sunday. It was incomplete. I don’t remember the play.
Nick from Panama City Beach, FL:
Can we just five picks every game?
John: I’d click on that.
Jon from Ocala, FL:
Hi O, Jalen is special! That is all!
John: Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey indeed is special – and so not coincidentally is Jaguars running back Leoanrd Fournette. I made the point on Sunday in one of the Quick Thoughts I do with jaguars.com senior correspondent Brian Sexton after each game that the duo’s performance vividly showed the importance of hitting on Top 5 selections. Both players made above-the-Xs-and-Os plays in the first half Sunday – Ramsey’s diving interception and Fournette’s flying two-yard dive that came on the drive after Ramsey’s interception. Without either play, the Jaguars might have been trailing or tied at halftime. With the plays, they led by one point and were very much in the game. The Jaguars suddenly look like a team with a lot of talent. Ramsey and Fournette are two major reasons for that look. It’s a good thing to hit on Top 5 selections. It matters.
Jeff from Jacksonville:
Any doubt that No. 20 is one of the best corners in the league have been erased. Ramsey/Bouye 1-Brown/Bryant 0.
John: True.
David from Maplewood, NJ:
John, that guy last week was right: Fournette is completely overrated! This team has enough talent and ability to play with anyone on this schedule. That doesn’t mean they will win every game but execution will decide it. They can play with anyone if they play up to their abilities, period!
John: I didn’t hear from the Fournette-isn’t-worth-the-No.4-selection-guy Sunday. I imagine I’ll hear from him again next time Fournette doesn’t run for 181 yards with a 90-yard touchdown. And yes: the Jaguars can play with anyone on the schedule. They have to play to their formula and they probably can’t let opposing offenses get away from them, but barring that … yes.
James from Destin, FL:
John, I get that Blake is tough. However, there is another member of the Jaguars that is tougher. To my knowledge, he has never missed a game or a practice. He has fought a lot of criticism with style. He has worked through countless finger cramps and never complains. That’s right, it’s you John.
John: Fair point.
Wilfredo from Corpus Christi, TX:
I hate to be negative after a win, but we can’t rely on our defense scoring points every single game to win. We can’t rely on just the running game offensively. At some point the passing game has to come alive. It’s pretty sad when the defense scored more points than the offense for most of the game.
John: Look, this Jaguars offense may be a ways away from being an efficient, balanced machine. Shoot, it may not be an efficient, balanced machine at any point this season. It doesn’t appear right now with wide receiver Allen Robinson out that there are enough go-to weapons in the passing game to scare defenses. All of that is true, and there are probably going to be some moves to address these issues come the offseason. The Jaguars aren’t a perfect team, but there aren’t many perfect teams in the NFL. This Jaguars team has shown it has a formula that can work. That formula is about playing defense, forcing turnovers and running offensively. That worked pretty close to perfection Sunday, particularly in the second half. The focus moving forward obviously will continue to be ways to squeeze enough production out of this offense so the defense doesn’t have to carry so much of the load. I expect that will happen some weeks and I expect there will be weeks in which the inbox is frustrated. And so it goes.
Pradeep from India:
Hi John, when Our D plays like this it’s career-threatening for opposing quarterbacks. Our D ended Tom Savage’s career early with Texans and almost ended Joe Flacco. Now big fish Big Ben. Can’t ask for more!!
John: I can’t say the Jaguars’ defense “ended” Flacco or Roethlisberger. I can say that when this defense is right it’s forcing some pretty decent quarterbacks into some strikingly ineffective play. Pressure up front and tight coverage bothers any quarterback, but to be bothering quarterbacks to the extent the Jaguars are doing … well, it’s getting interesting. I can say that, too.
Oscar from Palm Coast, FL:
Hey O, defense outstanding, run game great – but no pass game that’s not gonna help in the long run.
John: An NFL season through five games isn’t about the long run. It’s about figuring out what you are and winning enough to stay in it until you hopefully figure out who you are enough to stay healthy and get hot late. There are a lot of teams in the NFL around 3-2 and 2-3. Those teams have some strengths and some weakness. I can guarantee you this: Not all of those 3-2/2-3 teams have a defense that has shown it can play at the disruptive, dominant level this defense has shown. That sort of strength is something that can last. Don’t overlook it or take it for granted. It might make this season really interesting.
Rob from Kansas City, MO:
Back-to-back pick sixes FOR the Jaguars! What planet am I on Sir?!?!!!!! (You know I’m serious because I used !!!!!!!)
John: I do know you’re serious! Whatever planet it was on, it’s rare. Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone said afterward he didn’t remember being part of a game where it happened. I’m not sure I remember it, either. The Jaguars’ defense is starting to show the ability to do a rare, special thing. It’s one thing for a defense to dominate and create points when it has the lead and knows the other team must pass. Doing it when games are still in doubt and an opposing offense can be multi-dimensional is quite another. The Jaguars’ first three takeaways all led to touchdowns – including the pick-sixes by linebacker Telvin Smith and safety Barry Church. The first two takeaways – Smith’s interception and a first-half interception by Jalen Ramsey – came with the Steelers leading. That means this defense is not only capable of slamming the door on teams, but it’s capable of creating scores with the game in doubt. That’s elite-level stuff. Then again, 20 sacks and 15 takeaways through five games is elite-level stuff, too.
Josh from Harrisburg, PA:
Well, it sure looked like Sacksonville went into Picksburgh and flexed their muscle.
John: True.
O-Zone: Time to run
John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook
JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …
Pradeep from Bangalore, India:
Hey, John: by looking around the league at the number of quarterbacks getting injured, are we lucky that Blake Bortles has not missed any games in the last four years?
John: The Jaguars have been fortunate in that area – and Bortles’ durability and ability to play through physical issues is something that’s often overlooked. He did, for instance, take several huge hits on Sunday against the Jets and played through them. That durability arguably allowed the Jaguars to at least have a chance to get back into the game in the fourth quarter. The other side of that is Bortles didn’t appear as accurate or sharp after the hits, and he perhaps could have shown better pocket presence as the game wore on. But that’s nitpicking. The big picture is Bortles indeed has been remarkably durable and tight-lipped about playing through injuries and pain. The guy has been sacked a lot throughout his career and he has been hit a lot more than that. For him not to have missed a game without question is notable.
Josh from Fernandina Beach, FL:
O-Man, what matchups should be favorable for the Jags Sunday, and which positions/players’ success will be critical in getting a W (other than the obvious, Bortles)? Thanks, O.
John: It’s hard to say the Jaguars have any overriding matchup advantage in this one, but a positive is the presence of cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. They could allow the Jaguars to limit Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown; limiting him goes a long way in limiting the Steelers’ offense. Another key matchup: the Jaguars’ defensive line against Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. This matchup actually goes beyond the line to the linebacking corps. Bell is a dangerous runner who thrives on finding gaps in a defense; considering the Jaguars’ struggles in this area against the Jets last week, improving in that area is paramount.
Martavis Bryant from Pittsburgh, PA:
John, I am no joke at wide receiver. Isn’t the idea of covering who lines up in front of you to give a cornerback a break from trailing a No. 1 wide receiver all day in the NFL? I know other cornerbacks do it all the time in the NFL, but with your two cornerbacks being SO good is it not a luxury that might keep their legs a little bit fresher in the fourth quarter when you do not chase vert routes all game. Could not it be said I am their No. 1 wide receiver right now anyway?
John: Tave! ‘Sup!? Fair point.
David from Oviedo, FL:
Where’s the dividing line for why some players are eligible to return from injured reserve and others are not? Why wouldn’t the organization work it so everyone was eligible to return? For example, tight end Mychal Rivera is out for a year due to a hand injury. Why would the team choose to shut him down for the year rather than give him a chance to recover and contribute this year?
John: The dividing line is whether you were on the 53-man roster at 4 p.m. September 2. If you were on injured reserve before then, you are not eligible to return that season. The organization didn’t “work it” so everyone is eligible to return because you have to make decisions on players; keeping Rivera on the roster at that point would have meant releasing someone else and risking another team claiming that other player. If the Jaguars could have kept, say, 60 players on the roster as of September 2, they perhaps would have kept a player such as Rivera or even wide receiver Rashad Greene Sr. active before placing them on injured reserve and thereby allowing them the chance to return. They could not because those are the rules.
Scott from New York, NY:
In a world where O-Zone gets what he wants …
John: O-Zone is married. He gave up on the idea of a world in which he gets what he wants long ago. He did so happily, of course.
Bobby from Salt Lake City, UT:
Hey, O-dude. What is going on with the Jags signing players who are not healthy? Are we walking around the hospital saying “let’s sign him and him?” I’m referring to Jaelen Strong and Calvin Pryor. Is Strong going to be available to us on Sunday? We can definitely use him.
John: It’s football. Human beings get hurt playing it. Strong practiced this week and appears to have a chance to play. And yes … the Jaguars need someone to be a factor at wide receiver. With Marqise Leenot practicing Wednesday or Thursday this week, it appears there could be an opportunity for Strong Sunday. We’ll see.
Christ from Goodnight, TX:
You and everyone else seem to be convinced that Leonard Fournetteis going to be a star. I don’t see it just yet. He “falls forward” as good as anyone else in the league, and he’s among the toughest to bring down. But I don’t see the quick-twitch acceleration that will allow him to be a perennial 1,200-yard back without a dominant run-blocking offensive line (which we do not have). What is it that you and others see that I apparently don’t?
John: The games.
Dave from Duval:
It’s really quite simple, John. When you waste first- and second-round picks from 2013-2016, it’s really hard to be good.
John: I’m hard-pressed to say the Jaguars wasted first- and second-round selections in 2016 (Jalen Ramsey, Myles Jack), but your point is correct: the Jaguars haven’t gotten enough out of some of their early selections in recent seasons. It’s hard to make up for misses there.
Tired from Jacksonville:
Oehser, u can’t keep shoving the same drivel down us Jaguars’ fans throats and expect us to keep eating/drinking it up. What say ye?
John: I write what I see, hear and interpret and try to explain what’s going on around the Jaguars best I can. That’s the job, and that’s what I do. What you eat or drink is entirely up to ye.
Stephen from Jacksonville:
Aside from Blake Bortles elevating his game and playing four quarters of mistake-free football every week, what more can the Jaguars do to play more consistently and win more games? The defense, offensive line and run game have been good enough each week that I’m hesitant to think that there are any genuine issues with these groups or realistic ways for them to improve significantly. Do you think the Jaguars’ final 2017 record is going to be determined solely by how the quarterback and receivers play for the rest of the year?
John: Not particularly. While I think the Jaguars would benefit in a big way from more production in the passing game, I don’t think the season will rise and fall on its performance. I think a better indicator will be the defense’s ability to stop the run. If this defense can get teams into passing situations I think the pass rush will be effective enough to force turnovers and keep the Jaguars in a lot of games. I think the team will have trouble winning games when the defense can’t do those things no matter how the passing game performs.
Dave from Duval:
Dear Mr. O-Zone, I was watching Thursday Night Football and I’ll tell you what: the Jags gotta make the playoffs and matchup with New England. Fournette running against that weak Patriots defense and the Jaguars pass rush against that Pats OLine. Come on, man! I want some GOAT meat!
John: Enjoy your time alone on that island.
Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
Big Ben does not play well when he gets pressured up the middle. Just saying! Go Jaguars!
John: OK.
Mike from Atlanta, GA:
How will the offense avoid routinely being in second-and-long situations? It’s good to have an identity built around the run game and not allow the other team to change that about you. However, I can’t see this offense being successful when it is routinely having second-and-long and third-and-long situations. Maybe they want to pump the brakes a bit on the halfback dive on first down? I realize I’m second-guessing with hindsight from my couch, but I feel opposing defenses have a simple formula: get Blake into unfavorable down and distance and make him beat you with good throws.
John: I don’t think you’ll see the Jaguars pump the brakes too hard on the first-down run. This is a team that wants to establish the run and control tempo; and with a back such as Fournette you’re going to want to give him a chance to get you into second-and-manageable as often as possible. As for the “simple formula” of defenses opposing the Jaguars … getting the opposition into unfavorable down-and-distance situations is pretty much every team’s defensive formula every week. Teams that are successful doing it tend to play good defense. Teams that aren’t? Not so much.
Buttercups from Jacksonville:
I challenge you to a duel. Do you accept?
John: No.
O-Zone: Perfect vision
John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook
JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …
Bobby from Doboy Island, GA:
Do you think Leonard Fournette has been a bit of a disappointment or was this past draft just a bit weak at the top? When drafting a running back that high, the hope is you’ll get an elite-level player that is a game-changer. So far, Fournette does not seem to be that caliber of player the way Adrian Peterson was when he was a rookie playing on a lousy offense, with terrible quarterback play and defenses stacking the box. Perhaps that expectation is too high and Fournette is playing exactly how we should have thought he’d play. And if this level of play is what the reasonable expectation was for a guy drafted Top 5, then that would suggest it was a fairly weak draft class at the top.
John: A few thoughts on your thoughts. First, it’s impossible to judge an NFL draft class after four games. Second, Fournette hasn’t been a disappointment; if anything, he has been more than expected. Third, your question honestly makes me wonder if they have television on Doboy Island. I have no idea if Fournette will be as good as Peterson, who perhaps was the NFL’s best running back of the last 10-to-15 seasons. I do know through four games Fournette has shown he is a difference-making, game-changing NFL running back. No, he hasn’t popped any big runs, but that can be attributed mostly to a lack of holes and defenses stacked to stop him. Still, the Jaguars’ offense is built around him – and whatever effectiveness it has had either has been because of his ability to get more from runs than what seems to be there, or because defenses stacking to stop him have allowed the offense to make plays in the passing game. On a final note, this email sort of reminds me of when I was asked by a Times-Union higher-up early in the 1998 season to write about Fred Taylor being a bust. I talked the editor out of the story. A reporter being asked to write about Fournette being disappointing so far might be wise to do the same.
Billy from East Northport, NY:
So far in the season having Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye each play a side and cover whoever lines up across from them has worked. But they haven’t faced a wide receiver of the caliber of Antonio Brown. Will Ramsey shadow Brown no matter where he lines up on Sunday?
John: Good question. That’s what I would do – and that’s no indictment of Bouye. It’s just that I would put a player of Ramsey’s caliber on a player of Brown’s caliber and like my chances. I don’t know what the Jaguars will do. It’s not exactly Head Coach Doug Marrone’s style to lay out the game plan publicly. Perhaps he will change that style on Friday. I’m not betting the mortgage.
Gary from Palm Coast, FL:
O-Man – you mentioned in your three things article that Poz was not in on two of the long runs by the Jets. Can we get past the Myles Jack-in-the-middle experiment? With our run defense ranking last in the NFL, the experiment seems to have failed.
John: It’s not as simple as that. Jack wasn’t playing middle linebacker on those runs against the Jets. He and Telvin Smith were playing nickel because the Jets were in three-receiver sets. I can’t see the Jaguars taking Jack or Smith off the field in nickel situations; their speed is a big part of what makes the Jaguars dangerous in those situations.
Ed from Ponte Vedra, FL:
Love the expression “mambo dog face to the banana patch,” but what does it mean? The proper use?
John: Google it.
Mike from Eagle River, AK:
Let’s pretend the season ended today and you’re general manager. Would you stick with Blake Bortles based on what we’ve seen? Perhaps sign or draft one but keep Bortles around for a competition? Or maybe even something my brilliant mind hasn’t come up with? It seems to me that the Jags could be in a bit of a pickle if they decide they desperately need a first-round quarterback but play just well enough to not have a top pick.
John: I would have a tough time right now moving forward with Bortles as the unchallenged starter. But while I understand the inclination to speculate on what will happen after the season, the reality is 12 games remain in this season. Bortles has struggled at times, but Sunday was in a sense a microcosm of his season. He was inaccurate at times, particularly after taking a series of early hits that might have knocked a lot of quarterbacks out of games. But Sunday’s offensive struggles were very much a group effort, and the Jaguars’ wide receivers simply must do a better job getting open. I can’t tell you what the thinking will be after the season. I can tell you the Jaguars still believe Bortles is giving them the best chance to win, and that he is a long way from the sole reason when the offense struggles.
Hassan from Dallas, TX:
The Jags lost a game they should have won against the Jets. The only way to remedy that is by winning a game we are supposed to lose. Beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh and everything will be back to normal. I’ll take 3-2 through the first five weeks of the season. How about you?
John: Would I have a choice?
Anne from Aldie:
The problem with 2-2 is that Pittsburgh follows this – and then the narrative changes a good bit after what may happen … of course the unlikely opposite is really exciting, too!! #DTWD
John: This is the NFL, Anne – and by extension, this is a developing team with flaws/rough edges trying negotiate its way from a long stretch of losing to contending. It’s not easy, and this team isn’t good enough to avoid some pitfalls along the way. If a team has pitfalls it must make up for them by winning enough to make those pitfalls seem like hiccups rather than trends. Was New York a hiccup? Or a trend? A victory Sunday sure would make it seem the former.
George from Jacksonville:
I get the feeling that this week is an expected loss and the team is OK with that. Your thoughts?
John: Are you serious, Clark?
Thad from Albuquerque, NM:
We are going to lose this week; no questions asked. The only thing that matters is if we lose by a close margin (1-10) or a huge margin (20-plus). The “experts” think they will “light up” the Jaguars’ defense. If that happens, you can no longer say our defense is near elite. If they keep it close, then maybe you can say they are getting there. If we win, it will only be because our defense outscored the Steelers. What say you O?
John: I say this is short-sighted. While I understand the inclination to draw sweeping conclusions from every victory or loss, the result of one NFL game rarely defines anything more than one week – and never an entire season. If the Jaguars shut down the Steelers’ offense Sunday, there will be talk next week of the Jaguars being an elite defense. If they allow points on the scale they allowed against Tennessee in Week 2, there will be calls for players to be released and the accompanying rioting at the gates for the jobs of all coordinators and coaches. Either way, it won’t define the Jaguars’ season.
Josh from Lynchburg, VA:
Bruce from Green Cove Springs said the Jaguars have been competitive in three of four games. They were pretty competitive against the Titans, until they weren’t.
John: Fair point.
Bradley from Carson City, NV:
A Huge game this week. I can’t even make a prediction. I like your rather philosophical take on the Jags. Would value your prediction especially this week.
John: The Steelers are favored Sunday – as they should be. They’re good. They’re experienced. They have a franchise quarterback. They’re playing at home. But this Steelers team has not been dominant and the Jaguars – while showing significant flaws – have proven they can be very good and even dominant when pressuring the quarterback and creating turnovers. The key for the Jaguars is stopping the run and getting in situations from which they can rush the passer. That usually means having a lead and keeping the offense in second- and third-and-long situations. If the Jaguars can get into those situations, they have a good chance Sunday. If not, I think the Steelers will win.
Jeff from Orange, CA:
John, why can’t the Jaguars use their hindsight and draft players they KNOW are going to be good and also use the “force-trade” feature of the NFL to take them in the exact perfect slot, while also accumulating later picks for more use of hindsight? Also, I am available for hire if help is needed to implement these changes.
John: I’ll Google this.