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O-Zone: Nice and thoughtful

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

LONDON – O-Zone in the UK.

Let’s get to it …

Marcus from Jacksonville:
What I heard from you was the Jaguars can’t be expected to beat teams with elite quarterbacks or offensive lines. If that is true, and it seems to be, does that mean that the Jaguars have essentially built a team that can’t win in the playoffs?

John: I guess you heard kinda, sorta right – though not completely. I do believe the Jaguars will have trouble this season beating teams with elite quarterbacks and offensive lines consistently – primarily because teams with elite quarterbacks and offensive lines are often among the best teams in the NFL. Breaking down the quarterback part, I consider elite quarterbacks right now to be Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger and Matt Ryan – and yeah, I think the Jaguars would have a tough time beating the Patriots, Packers, Steelers and Falcons. Maybe throw Philip Rivers and Drew Brees in there and a few others, too. My point about the offensive line is this: I believe this Jaguars team is going to need to have disruptive defensive days more often than not to win. Those are tough to come by against top-level offensive lines – as evidenced by the struggles last week against Tennessee. As far as the Jaguars not being able to win in the playoffs … well, I suppose I do believe that. I don’t see this as a likely playoff team this season – and if it would make the playoffs, I don’t see it yet as a deep contender. The team could surprise me, and I like surprises, but I don’t think the Jaguars are there yet.

Steve from Upper Tract, WB:
Did last week’s game look like the coaches had worked on the game plan for weeks, days, or even an hour? To the paying fan the answer is a resounding NO!

John: OK.

Mark from Archer, FL:
John, in my fan opinion the keys to winning against the Ravens are. First, they need to cut out the stupid drive-killing penalties. Second, they need to stop settling for field goals. Third, Bortles needs to be much more accurate; too often his throws require the receiver to make some spectacular catch or they are behind them and they get tipped. Do you think they can fix at least two of those three issues by Sunday?

John: The best chance the Jaguars have for addressing all three of your concerns is to address the first. This team needs to be in third-and-good situations to be effective offensively. If they do, they’ll get more touchdowns and reduce the need for Bortles to make as many throws downfield against coverages designed to prevent such throws.

Lance from Lebanon, TN:
Regarding your constant referring to the team being “built to run,” why was there only one offensive lineman brought on through the draft? Both Tennessee and Dallas have invested in their offensive lines and can now run the ball. What would keep a team from only selecting offensive line players as their undrafted free agents in next year’s offseason? If it takes twenty of them to find three to complement Cam Robinson and Brandon Linder, what is management waiting for?

John: My “constant referring” to the team being “built to run” is because the team drafted a running back in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft (Leonard Fournette) and a left tackle in the second round (Cam Robinson). The team also clearly has stated it expects to run well this season. As for selecting offensive linemen as undrafted free agents … sure, you could do that. It’s realistically not going to get you far, though. You might find a front-line player through that route on occasion, but the odds are low that you’re going to build an entire front-level line that way. So, why haven’t the Jaguars focused on the offensive line more in the draft? Because the team has had needs everywhere and it’s tough to use all draft selections on one position.

Steve from the Sunroom Coach:
Will Marrone bench Bortles and put Nassib in the London game if we reach garbage time once again?

John: I doubt it.

John from Jacksonville:
I think the Titans loss was a good dose of humility that should reset the players. After the Houston win, there were probably some big heads and raised expectations that they were good enough to win “pretty.” In trying to win pretty, you start to play pretty. After the Titans game, I think the mindset should be back to winning even if it’s ugly. Don’t worry about stats, pretty highlights, and the other stroking that come with winning pretty. Just win and the rest will come eventually. Do you think I’m being wise or just ugly?

John: This team harbors no illusions about what it is – or how it must play. The Jaguars got beat Sunday by a team with a good offensive line. They lost because they put themselves in too many difficult situations offensively and because the defense withstood a lot of difficult situations for a while and then didn’t withstand enough difficult situations late. They also lost because the passing game struggled throughout the game. This team knows it must win ugly. There has been and will be no confusion on that point.

Conspiracy from Jagsonville:
Khan wants to drive the fans away by having the Jaguars lose, so he can move the team to London.

John: That’s stupid.

Cory from Madison, WI:
The coaching staff made the decision weeks ago that Blake Bortles‘ mobility made him a better option than Chad Henne. However, this offense is tailored to getting the quarterback into third-and-manageable situations. There’s just one problem: there doesn’t really seem to be any throw that is manageable for Blake right now. He’s constantly missing on slants/crosses. Chad is, at minimum, at least a more accurate passer, and that could help the running game big time, no?

John: Mobility and escapability played a factor in the decision to go with Bortles over Henne, though it certainly was not the only reason. I agree that Henne is more accurate, but I don’t know that there’s a wide gap overall in the perception coaches have on the two players. As of this writing, I don’t get the feeling that a move to Henne is imminent. That’s in large part because I don’t get the feeling that the coaches thought that Bortles caused all three of his turnovers against the Titans. If Bortles has a game where he feels loose or casual with his decision-making, then yes … I think that could cause a move in another direction. We’re not there yet, and my sense is we’re not all that close.

Gabe from Washington, DC:
I think fans should boycott the Thursday night games. The NFL knows that fans and casual observers scoff at the matchups, but if these games keep making comparatively more money, then the league has no reason to do away with them. It’s bad for the health of the players and the quality of play. Personally, I’d rather the Jags play Sunday at 1 p.m. every week until they earn a Sunday/Monday night game. Do you think it’s actually possible that a large enough portion of the NFL’s audience could/would choose to not contribute to the financial success of Thursday Night Football to the point that the league puts an end to it?

John: No.

Tery from Jacksonville:
How is it so easy for you and a handful of others to throw out this “1-1-is-just-fine-everything-is hunky-dorry” false narrative? We beat a sleepwalking Texans team and lost to a middle of the road Titans team and in both games our offense was about as effective as using a paper hammer to build a steel building. Keep telling us the season is still going well. Keep telling us we have a chance still to win and contend. Good luck keeping that optimistic view after Sunday when we get throttled by the ravens and we all see just how hopeless this jaguars team still is no matter how much we hope for something better.

John: I don’t think everything is either hunky or dory, and I wouldn’t tell you everything is fine. I’m trying to remember when I wrote that. Ah, I can’t remember and the reason is I didn’t write it. Everything is not fine. That’s because the Jaguars lost by 21 points in Week 2, and because the quarterback situation feels unsettled at best. But everything usually isn’t fine in an NFL season; teams usually fight through issues. As it stands right now, the fact is the Jaguars are 1-1 and they appear to have a good defense. I believe it’s a defense that can allow it to be competitive and win a fair share of games. One reason I believe this is I don’t believe the Texans were sleepwalking and another is I’m not as convinced as you are that the Titans are “middle of the road.” As for your last sentence, I appreciate the wish of good luck. That was nice and thoughtful of you. Being nice and thoughtful is cool. People like it.
 
 


 

 

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O-Zone: Pour some sugar…

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Logan from Wichita, KS:

I don’t care who they faced. The Ravens have a darned good defense and I don’t think we have a snowball’s chance in hell against them on Sunday with our play-calling and pathetic excuse for an offense. Leonard Fournette and Chris Ivory already see the most stacked box in the NFL. We won’t win with runs into the heart of a stacked box and throwing short cross routes to get batted down or thrown behind receivers. I am fed up with this trash play year-in and year-out. When will it ever end?

John: I agree the Ravens have a very good defense, and I agree the Jaguars’ play-calling against Tennessee could have been more aggressive. But remember: the play-calling was relatively aggressive early against Houston in Week 1. It got less aggressive once the Jaguars took control near the end of the first half. The play-calling was conservative against Tennessee when the game was tight, then the team got into a stretch of difficult, penalty-caused down-and-distance situations in the second and third quarters; the game got away from the Jaguars at that point. I doubt the Jaguars’ play-calling this season will be as aggressive as fans would like because I doubt the team believes it has the personnel at quarterback or receiver to be a pass-first, aggressive offense. It certainly doesn’t appear to have that sort of personnel. But I do think you’ll see more plays designed to get defenders out of the box as the season moves forward. That doesn’t have to mean deep shots down the field on every series. It can mean misdirection, quick screens … some scheming to get receivers one on one. But whatever they do, they have to do something. Because you’re right: it’s tough to run against eight-man fronts. That’s no secret.

Eder from Mexico City, Mexico:

Hey John, one for Mexico City.

John: No doubt.

Red from Jacksonville:

Get ready to be surprised, John. Ryan Nassib will be named Jaguars’ starting quarterback in early December. Book it.

John: I’ll go ahead and pass on booking that. Let me be clear: While Nassib’s presence on the roster by definition means it’s possible he starts, he is here as a practice quarterback and in the event of injuries at quarterback. Is there is a scenario near season’s end that the Jaguars could shut down Blake Bortles if they are so far out of contention that it becomes silly to risk an injury to Bortles and therefore be committed to paying him $19 million next season? Yes, that’s a scenario. Could Chad Henne play in that scenario and do so poorly that they play Nassib? Could Henne get injured and the Jaguars be forced to play Nassib? Sure. Such scenarios exist because anything’s possible. But in terms of Nassib coming out of nowhere to win the job and magically become the Jaguars’ starter, no … don’t expect that to happen – just as there was no reason to think it was going to happen in the preseason with Brandon Allen. I’m sure I’ll get more questions about it. I’m sure people will roll their eyes at this answer. I’m sure people will wonder why in the world Nassib isn’t starting and why they don’t “give him a shot.” I’m sure of those things because this ain’t my first quarterback rodeo. But will it happen? I learned long ago never to say never in real life or sports, but if I woke up with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised.

JT from Rosamond, CA by way of Jacksonville:

It’s reported that the Chiefs would listen to offers for Alex Smith. If Bortles continues on his normal path, should we give Andy Reid a first-round pick for him? This team feels like it’s a quarterback away from taking this division.

John: The most credible report I’ve seen about the Chiefs trading Alex Smith was one from Adam Schefter of ESPN. That report was that Kansas City will be willing to listen to offers for Smith after the 2017 season. That sounds right because right now Smith is starting for the Chiefs and they appear likely to be a playoff contender this season. Would the Jaguars be wise to explore a trade after the season? Sure. Would they be wise to give up a first-rounder? Would that be at the expense of drafting a quarterback with that first-rounder? The last question is significant.

Dave from Dallas, TX:

Hi John: We’re certainly seeing some churn. Is anybody’s job safe?

John: I have a hunch Jalen Ramsey will be on the roster for a while.

Josh from Fernandina Beach and currently Fort Lauderdale, FL:

O-Man, what Westbrook’s true status? Thanks. Go Jags!

John: Jaguars rookie wide receiver Dede Westbrook is on injured reserve after undergoing core muscle surgery. He would be eligible to return eight weeks into the season if healthy.

Paul from Jacksonville:

I think the critical difference for this team is going to be its ability to sustain drives. For that to happen, they’re going to have to find some things that work in the passing game. That doesn’t mean they need a wide-open playbook, but they need a handful of plays that they can execute consistently, and not just when the first read is wide open. Do you think that’s likely to happen soon enough to keep this team competitive, John?

John: Teams usually don’t have a few plays that always work because NFL defenses usually are good enough to take away things that offenses believe always work. One key to success in the passing game is having multiple receivers who can beat single coverage; you need multiple receivers who can beat single coverage because if you only have one, defenses are going to constantly double and shade toward that receiver and take him away. A second key is having a quarterback who can read the defense correctly and make throws consistently beyond the first read to the receivers are receiving single coverage. These two elements sound easy in theory and are difficult in fact. Do the Jaguars have either of those elements? Not to a degree enough to have had an effective passing game in recent seasons. Will they develop that soon? We’ll see.

Eric from Jacksonville:

What are the teams travel and practice plans for London?

John: The Jaguars will leave for London Thursday afternoon and arrive in London Friday morning local time. They will practice early afternoon local time on Friday.

Gabe from Washington, DC:

Just saw that from 2014-2016, the quarterbacks with the most passes batted at the line of scrimmage were Ryan Fitzpatrick (38), Ryan Tannehill (41) and Blake Bortles (56). How is his number so high? It can’t be purely coincidence, and it can’t entirely be explained by teams usually playing with leads, allowing their pass-rushers to “tee off” on Bortles. Especially considering that at least one of the passes tipped by Tennessee’s defensive line led to an interception, and that this team cannot afford to turn the ball over, what can be done?

John: I continue to get questions about “what can be done” about this issue or that issue regarding Bortles. It often comes down to him or players around him simply doing things better than they have been doing them. Batted passes usually are “on” a lot of different things: offensive linemen not blocking in such a way to get pass-rushers’ hands down, a quarterback not getting into position to throw through proper lanes, a quarterback waiting too long to throw the ball, offensive linemen not protecting well enough, the defensive line getting good rush, luck, etc., etc., etc. Bortles can do better. The line can do better. But if you’re thinking that there’s some drill that can be run in practice and have the issue magically disappear … nah, it doesn’t work that way.

Ron from Orlando, FL:

I couldn’t be sicker of you sugarcoating last week’s performance with “They won in Week 1 and are 1-1.” That game was a third-down pass interference call away from being the same story as this past week and every other week for the last three seasons. How can they not have addressed the quarterback situation during the offseason??? Picking up Nassib now reeks of pure desperation.

John: I was going to say something about being bored with the whole “sugarcoating” thing, but then I thought how cool it would be if reading me really made people sick – I mean, like “physically” – and it was so awesome I couldn’t stop smiling.

Tom from Fernandina Beach, FL:

Hello, Mr. O … I know fans are going to fan and fan, but it’s amazing to me how quick they jump on and off the wagon. The team is 1-1 after two complete opposite result games. It usually takes about four-to-six games into a season for a team’s identity to truly emerge. Let’s just watch what happens and see where it goes. I’m sick of the losing, too, but geez … 1-1 is still the best start this team has had in the past six years.

John: Sugar-coater.
 
 


 

 

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O-Zone: Endurance test

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Daniel Since Day One:
You can’t finish .500 if you have to depend on your defense for points. Most professional football teams have at least one quarterback who’s not gonna give up the ball regularly. So, how soon do you see the new guy playing?

John: Ryan Nassib has been a hot topic the last couple of days, because when teams with a struggling quarterback sign a new quarterback – any new quarterback – it’s a hot topic. But the Jaguars did not sign Nassib on Monday with the idea that he will take over the team’s quarterback position. And I would be surprised if Nassib starts for the Jaguars this season. Or ever. This is not meant as a knock on Nassib, but he has thrown 10 NFL passes. Head Coach Doug Marrone made it clear on Monday that Nassib was signed for practice and in the event that the team needs a third quarterback. Perhaps something will change and Nassib will play. But don’t hold your breath.

Dylan from Tulsa, OK:
Mr. O, the more of Telvin Smith I watch, the more I want him to stay in Duval. The dude is an intense leader and great football player. What is your over-under on him being re-signed?

John: Thirty-seven.

Mike from Cortland, NY:
Hey, O: Obviously, teams can’t run their organization based on what fans or popular opinion thinks as far as schemes, personnel decisions, etc. But do they ever take bits and pieces of advice from the media? Of course not from you (no offense), but former Hall-of-Fame players and coaches doing analysis work on ESPN? For example: If Bill Polian and Bill Cowher both agree on national television on a game plan Jacksonville should adopt for the upcoming game, would the team possibly kick the tires on the idea or completely shut out the noise?

John: While analysts such as Cowher and Polian are knowledgeable, they rarely go into enough details about specific game plans early enough in a week to offer any useful advice to teams. Remember, too: coaches spend hours, days and weeks on game plans and know their own personnel intimately. Analysts are discussing all 32 teams in general terms and know comparatively little in detail compared to those coaching the teams.

Brian from Atlanta, GA:
This is our team with Blake Bortles or Chad Henne at quarterback. Stop pretending we will be more than what we saw Sunday without bringing in a new quarterback.

John: OK.

Michael from Port Orange, FL:
Time for my annual frustration as you and management hype the London game as a “home game.” It really is the example of the organization adding to its coffers by stealing a home game from the season-ticket holders and the other fans of the Jags. Please don’t present it as good thing for the fans; just tell it like it is: it’s a great money-maker for the owners and the league.

John: First off, Michael: I don’t “hype” the London game as anything. I do refer to it as a Jaguars home game because the team and league designates it as such. Hence, I refer to it as the Jaguars’ home game at Wembley Stadium in London. This understandably is frustrating to some fans who dislike the concept of a London home game. I can’t control that frustration. I also can’t control if fans like it or not – or if individual fans don’t believe it’s good for them. And what I do know beyond a shred of doubt is that the London game is good for the Jaguars’ stability in Jacksonville. That’s because the London game has helped stabilize the team’s local revenue, which has helped stabilize the Jaguars financially. Is the London game a money-maker for Khan? Sure. That’s what stabilizing revenue means: making money. Bottom line: if you like the idea of the Jaguars being in Jacksonville, then you should like the idea of a home game in London.

Bill from Hammock, FL:
O, why is it that Bortles can play relaxed and confident in “garbage time” when the outcome has been decided? In your opinion, is it the more-relaxed defense or a mental issue?

John: The more-relaxed defense.

Jess from Castle Rock, CO:
Your response to Sid was kind of flippant, but his concern has merit. Look at the past couple of years and you can find – more often than not – games where we were outcoached, by far, in the second half of those games. Being able to adjust your game plan and schemes at halftime is critical to winning games, not to mention the initial game plan and having a balanced offense. We have a quarterback who, in his first full season as the starter, set five franchise records, had the second-most touchdowns in the league and was top seven in passing yards. That proves he has the ability to be a top-tier quarterback. Protect him, provide him a balanced attack, catch passes, and plan better, and we may actually have a chance at the postseason and winning our division. Everything starts with the line of scrimmage, and that has been our biggest weakness for several years. Our defensive line is much improved, but our offensive line still needs improvement. I welcome you to tell me where I’m wrong.

John: Everything in the NFL does start with the line of scrimmage, but quarterback play is sort of, kind of part of the equation, too. And while I would agree that Bortles at times has been under too much pressure, I can’t in good conscience say that any of the statistics you cite remotely prove he has the ability to be a top-tier quarterback. While he has compiled impressive statistics at times, his decision-making and accuracy are issues that have yet to be resolved. It’s not over for him yet. Perhaps he resolves these issues, but it’s difficult at this stage to not at least wonder if he will improve enough to be a solid NFL starter. As for telling you where you’re wrong, I’d only say this: It’s always coaching in the NFL. I’m on record saying as much. Many times.

Richard from Myrtle Beach, SC:
Could we transfer to a league that we’d be competitive in?

John: You mean a league where they could be 1-1 and tied for first in their division with a positive point differential through two games? I’ll Google this and find out.

David from Broward County:
O-Man, the Jags went into this offseason with a plan to have a running game that takes pressure off Bortles. Part of that plan was the HOPE – I repeat, HOPE – that Bortles would respond by being a game manager who was efficient while limiting turnovers. I say “hope,” because there is zero evidence to suggest that he could do this, including training camp and the preseason. Hope is not a plan and Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone should know better. When a cornerback from your last opponent calls this out publicly, you know it’s obvious and bad. Bortles will not be the answer and this very-good-to-great defense is going to have a season wasted. This is a shame. Your thoughts?

John: My thoughts are that you’re sort of crossing your points a bit. Yes, the Jaguars appear to want Bortles to be a game manager, but I don’t know that Titans cornerback Logan Ryan’s comments this week show that Bortles can’t manage the game. Ryan pointed out that the Jaguars appear to not want Bortles to throw downfield, and that they don’t want him to lose the game. It’s hard to argue with that statement, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Bortles can’t manage games. But whatever: If you’re asking why the Jaguars think Bortles can do what they’re asking him to do – i.e., play smart, not make mistakes, etc. –- consider this: Bortles played pretty efficiently in the last two games last season under Marrone and did so again in this season’s opener. He played a game Sunday when he had three turnovers, with one that would have been tough to avoid, one that was unlucky and one that was on him. I understand skepticism over whether or not Bortles can play as he is being asked to play, but the Jaguars’ last few regular-season games are why the Jaguars believe there is at least some level of hope on this front.

Hunter from Jacksonville:
Would you sacrifice above-average blocking for sure hands from a tight end on this year’s roster?

John: Would I? Yes, because I’m a passing-game guy and I believe this team could really use a receiving threat at the position. Would the Jaguars make that sacrifice? I doubt it, because this team wants to run the ball and a big-time run-blocking tight end at the point of attack is a good thing for a team that wants to run.

Chris from Mandarin:
How many 20-plus-point losses do you think the fan base can endure this season?

John: I’m not sure. How many 20-point victories can it endure? So far this season there has been one of each.
 
 


 

 

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O-Zone: Word game

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – One more day to Look-Ahead Wednesday. (Sigh.)

Let’s get to it …

Matt from Lafayette, IN:
Back to reality …

John: I received more emails along these lines in the wake of the Jaguars’ loss to Tennessee Sunday than I cared to count. While that makes sense considering Sunday’s ugly nature, it begs the question: was that loss the Jaguars’ reality? The thought here is it’s far too early to say that – just as it was too early to say what happened in Week 1 was the Jaguars’ or Texans’ reality. I continue to believe this team has a chance to be a seven-to-eight victory team this season. But that only will happen if the team plays well – and plays in the manner in which it was built. And because of the way the team is built – to run, play defense, win close games – there is a possibility of one-sided losses when the team gets behind; it realistically is not going to often rally from a two-score deficit. But when it plays teams without elite quarterbacks and/or elite offensive lines – such as the Texans and a lot of other teams on the schedule – then this defense can control the game. It follows that in those situations the Jaguars can stay in those games. If the Jaguars stay in games, the run game appears good enough to be effective. What this team can’t do is get in situations where it must throw on every play or where it must overcome a lot of second-and third-and-long situations. Few teams function well in that situation, including this one. This style of play doesn’t make the Jaguars elite. It probably won’t make them a Super Bowl team. But it can make this team an improved team that’s going to be in more games than not.

Hassan from Irving, TX:
Through two games and 40 carries, Leonard Fournette has looked like a big, powerful, superstar back. But looking at his stats, he has a 3.5-yards-per-rush average, a long of 17 and only six first downs. It seems he is getting hit at or before the line of scrimmage every time and he just powers his way for two- and three-yard gains. What are your thoughts on the offensive line run blocking the first two games?

John: My thoughts are that your thoughts are accurate thoughts.

Ethan from Rhode Island:
Alright, O – Ryan Nassib: just a guy to hang out and hold a clip-board, or “competition?” Might be no way to know just yet, but do you have a gut feeling yet?

John: This regime doesn’t sign players to “just hang out,” so the feeling must be that at some point there’s a chance that Ryan Nassib can help this team. Can he ever start? Considering he has thrown 10 NFL passes, it’s a very long shot. I think what Head Coach Doug Marrone said in his press conference Monday will hold true – that Nassib was brought in because the team needs a practice quarterback, and because quarterback Blake Bortles dealing with a right wrist injury means the Jaguars need a third quarterback should Bortles and Chad Henne be unavailable. There are those who are floating the theory that Nassib is here in case the Jaguars want to bench Bortles and play Henne to avoid Bortles getting injured and therefore not be forced to pay Bortles’ $19 million injury clause for next season. The Jaguars eventually could need a third quarterback for that reason – i.e., somewhere in the final couple of months of the season. We’re a ways out from that.

Fred from Jacksonville:
So, here’s my impression of Blake. He will not create the opportunity to win, but his play can create the opportunity to lose, and that is not a viable person to be your quarterback. What says the Big O?

John: Bortles must prove this theory incorrect. Thus far in his NFL career he has not done that.

Daniel since Day 1 from Jacksonville:
What Bortles has in escapability pales compared to his turnover problem. And he was lucky they didn’t have two or three more picks Sunday. Punting on fourth-and-long is always better than turnovers on second-and-long. We knew Blake was done a month ago. It’s time to cut our losses.

John: A few thoughts on your thoughts. First, nothing said or done in the last few days indicates the Jaguars are ready to “cut their losses” and move on from Bortles. Marrone during his postgame press conference Sunday said he didn’t consider making a quarterback change, and he talked more about Bortles being put in bad situations by penalties then he did anything else when discussing Sunday’s quarterback play. And I really didn’t think turnovers were the primary issues for Bortles and the offense Sunday. Yes, three turnovers are too many, but the Jaguars allowed just six points off those mistakes. Far more damaging was the offense’s lack of plays downfield and the feeling that nothing was going to happen in the passing game. Bortles had 41 yards passing in the first half and 93 after three quarters. No matter how effectively a team builds around the running game, it’s tough to win in the NFL with essentially zero production – or threat of production – from the passing offense.

Scott from Palatka, FL:
On pace for 8-8, I’d be happy with that.

John: Short and sweet – but there’s some truth in your conciseness. I’ve said throughout the offseason that I believed this was a team capable of winning seven or eight games. I think a lot of observers feel similarly – or did before Sunday. And because of how this team is built – dependent on the run game, apparently limited in the passing game – there were probably going to be a few games in which they would be overmatched; it’s hard to come from behind when you struggle to pass. From that perspective, it’s not a shock this team would be 1-1 with a very good game and a clunker. I’d guess there might be a clunker or two left this season because there will be times they have trouble making up deficits. But if they can win their share of the other games, then yeah … they can still make that .500 push. That’s not as outlandish as many believe.

Jagfan69:
Ridicules, John. Just ridicules. I know we need to move on but that Houston game got me sippin’ the kool aide again. We won’t be a contender until we get a quarterback. It’s just that simple.

John: I can’t make this up.

Doit from Jacksonville:
The Jags should trade Blake Bortles right now. He’s a liability. What could they get for him? And they seriously have nothing to lose by signing Colin Kaepernick. The whole issue with him is overblown, quite frankly.

John: Why would another team trade for a liability? Would you trade for a liability? As for Kaepernick, Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin in late August said “We did the study, the research and we weren’t interested.” I don’t expect that to change.

Ernest from Rockville, MD:
Hi, John! The reason the Rams are getting a prime-time game is because this will mark the return of the NFL to the Southern California media market (only New York City has a larger media market) after a 22-year absence after the then-LA Rams and then-LA Raiders left in 1995. It’s the NFL so it’s always been about money and TV ratings! The NFL realizes both teams have not played well but they are willing to ignore the records to finally broadcast a game in Southern California.

John: Yes.

Patrick from Springfield I Jacksonville:
Is the product on the field supposed to be congruent to the value of the entertainment dollar on the field? I understand the Jags won’t win every game, and the game-day experience at EverBank is enjoyable and memorable, but the watching the team play like they have in recent years is starting to make me wonder if the Jags are a good investment. I feel slightly cheated.

John: I’m not smart enough to explain big words like congruent. I’m barely smart enough to use mass transit in our nation’s larger cities by myself, and PKav handles Uber on the road because even when I can find the app, things go awry when I’m involved. I am smart enough to know the Jaguars haven’t been good enough for a long time, and I know everyone around the Jaguars gets that. Losing’s frustrating. It’s not cool. No one likes it. As for whether they’re a good investment or not, only individuals can answer that. I can tell you the Jaguars want to win, and they need to win, and they won’t stop trying to win. Beyond that, I can’t offer promises. No one can. This is professional sports. Not scripted television.

Thrill from the ‘Ville:
I’m so glad the current front office and coaching staff use the word “win,” instead of the words “get better.” Clearly, it’s made all the difference.

John: Words don’t win games. Players win games. And quarterbacks. And coaching. Because it’s always coaching in the NFL.
 
 


 

 

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O-Zone: Not so baffling

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Craig from Sacksonville:
We clearly are not as bad as we played Sunday. Like the Texans in Week One, we were coming off a major distraction. This week, our team did the same. We also had the distraction of our team thinking they had arrived. Next week will balance out.

John: I can’t in good conscience say the Jaguars’ Week 1 or 2 results were about distractions, although I do understand that will be a logical talking point. And I really didn’t have a feeling this past week the Jaguars were a distracted team or that they thought they had arrived. So, what happened Sunday? The Jaguars played an opponent (Tennessee) with a significantly better offensive line than the one (Houston) they played in Week 1; as a result, the Jaguars were unable to dominate the line of scrimmage Sunday as they had in Week 1. And as a result of that, they didn’t win the turnover battle 4-0 as they had in Week 1 – and they didn’t get points directly off turnovers as they had against Houston. Instead, this game turned the other way and the Jaguars were playing with difficult down-and-distance situations throughout much of the second and third quarters. That’s a bad situation for any team, but it’s one that this team will have a very difficult time overcoming. I think there’s a good chance the Jaguars’ season does indeed balance out. But if it does, it will be because the Jaguars reduce mistakes and get back to controlling the lines of scrimmage. That’s likely to have more of a balancing effect than whether or not they are distracted during the week.

Curious G from Jacksonville:
Zone, going back to 2010, every year we have had a major disaster game in either Week 2 or 3 (mostly Week 2). Check it out. Why, oh why, do you think that is?

John: It usually has been because the Jaguars haven’t been good. That’s why teams have disaster games. I don’t think Sunday will be a season-long trend because I think this team will usually run and play defense well enough to stay competitive. We’ll see.

Brian from Section 235:
Pathetic showing by the offense Sunday. I’m pretty sure Chris Ivory got tackled by a leaf at some point.

John: I’ll check the All-22.

Weston from Jacksonville:
The defense was on the field too long and knew the offense can’t do anything to win, so they gave up. I don’t blame them at all. I quit, too.

John: I’m never big on writing or saying that players quit, and I didn’t see the Jaguars’ defense quit Sunday. I did see a defense that played very well and made some big stops in the second and third quarter to keep this team in the game, then got gassed late in the third quarter and fourth quarter once it was apparent that the offense wasn’t going to function. Defensive players didn’t say that, and they wouldn’t say afterward they were worn down. But is it fair to say this game had that feel in the second half? Yes, that’s fair.

Kyle from Danver, PA:
Annnnd, that was the Jags’ play I am used to. It was fun while it lasted O, but the Titans made us look like mess. Where do we go from here? I had dreams of winning the division suddenly, and reality quickly set back in.

John: The Jaguars are tied for first in the AFC South.

Ted from Ponte Vedra, FL:
We’re deep at receiver?

John: This is a fair point, and it’s one I discussed quite a lot during the offseason. There was a perception that this receivers group was deep and one of the best young receiver groups in the NFL. The reality was it is a group with some talent and potential, but that had just two 1,000-yard seasons as a group entering the season. Allen Robinson had one and Allen Hurns had the other, with both coming in 2015 when the Jaguars threw a lot in the second halves of a lot of games while trailing by a lot of points. Now that Robinson is out for the season, the Jaguars still look OK at starting wide receiver. Marqise Lee is a fine starting receiver, and Hurns has shown he can produce. But deep? You’re only “deep” if you can lose your best player and not feel it in a major, major way. On Sunday, the Jaguars seemed to feel Robinson’s loss in a major, major way.

Adam from Lynbrook, NY:
One step forward, one step back … What’s next?

John: The Jaguars will play the Baltimore Ravens at Wembley Stadium in London Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Joe from Ponte Vedra, FL:
I may be in the minority, but I do not think this loss is on Blake. The first fumble was on Cam Robinson. The first interception … tipped passes happen. The third turnover was behind Lee, so that one was on Blake. But when you are in first-and-20, second-and-20, etc., there is not much you can do in those situations. Is this something the Jaguars can clean up quickly and challenge to play meaningful games in December?

John: You indeed probably are in the minority, but Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone is with you. He and a lot of Jaguars players talked a lot after Sunday’s loss about penalties making the offense play behind the chains; to many, it was the theme of the game. Marrone also seemed to agree with you about what plays were “on Bortles” and which ones weren’t – and yeah, the third interception was pretty much the one “on Bortles.” I can’t say Bortles played great outside those plays – and at some point you do need your quarterback to play great from time to time – but he wasn’t as awful as three turnovers sometimes indicates. As for cleaning up the penalties, sure they can be cleaned up. How? Don’t commit them. Don’t put yourself behind the chains. It can be done. It must be done. Will it be done? We’ll see.

Frank from Bryceville, FL:
I’m struggling to find anything positive to say. It’s been a long time since we haven’t had a losing record after Week 2?

John: That’s a start, and the truth is there’s not a lot positive to say about Sunday’s game. But I’d say the hope is this: the Jaguars are a team that’s going to have to play to a formula and we saw the formula in Week 1: run, play defense, get a lead and pressure the opposing quarterback. The formula is not going to be to throw the ball all over the yard willy-nilly. The formula also doesn’t include committing 10-or 15-yard penalties on five of six drives offensively. The Jaguars did that during the second and third quarters Sunday. In retrospect, it’s probably not shocking that the offense committed three turnovers during that stretch and punted three other times – or that the Titans took control of the game during that span. This offense is not probably not going to be consistently very good in second- and third-and long. That means they Jaguars are going to be playing in a pretty thin margin offensively this season. It means their objective is going to be to not make those kinds of mistakes. Week 1 showed that that formula can work. Week 2 showed that the Jaguars aren’t a great team. I think most of us knew that already. In the wake of a one-sided home loss it’s difficult to remember that the formula did work. But it did. And it can and will work again. Enough to get to the Super Bowl? Likely not. Enough to be improved? Very possibly.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:
1-15????

John: Nah.

E Nuff from Banner Elk, NC:
Ahhh, there are the good ol’ Jags we know and loathe! Why wasn’t Blake Bortles pulled after his second turnover? And why in the world is Leonard Fournette not in the game on third down? Especially third-and-short?? Questionable coaching in this one. They had a chance to correct this one before it got away from them, but their insistence to stay with a struggling quarterback cost them. Baffling? What say you?

John: I wasn’t baffled by Sunday. This game showed why it’s difficult to win by simply emphasizing the run. And Bortles did struggle through a stretch in the second and third quarters Sunday. But I wasn’t surprised Bortles wasn’t pulled from the game, and I wouldn’t have agreed with the move had it been made. His turnovers on Sunday came on a sack/fumble and two tipped passes. I’ve written often that Bortles needs to protect the ball better when under duress, but Sunday’s lost fumble happened so quickly and violently it would have been difficult for any quarterback to avoid. And while the passes that were deflected weren’t great passes – particularly the one thrown behind Marqise Lee – it would have been tough to pull him after a couple of passes that bounced into the air and weren’t really bad decisions. As for not playing Fournette on every play, look: he runs hard. He’s going to take a beating. He can’t play every play, though considering his talent level you’re going to notice when he’s out of the game.
 
 


 

 

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O-Zone: All about perspective

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

David from Oviedo, FL:
How come the Wizard of Poz was so quiet in the last game?
John: Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny played only eight snaps on defense against the Texans in the regular-season opener Sunday. This was about 10 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. This was because the Texans spent much of the game in three-receiver sets, which meant the Jaguars spent much of the game in their nickel defense. Telvin Smith and Myles Jack are the team’s linebackers in nickel. Posluszny is playing middle in base situations; when teams run their offense from a more conventional formation, he will play extensively. Sunday against Tennessee is such a game.
Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
The Jaguars’ uniforms are cool and I like them. Go Jaguars!
John: They looked good Week 1. We’ll see how they look Sunday.
Jeremy from Wise, VA:
So pumped about the way the Jags started the season. Any win is a good thing, since they have been few and far between the last few years. I think we will have a very good idea where the team stands after the London game. These two games are against tough teams and I can’t wait to see how far this team has come.
John: I typically go by the rule of thumb that you get a real feel for NFL teams and seasons after about six regular-season games. That’s typically about how long it takes to drub the fluky starts, preconceived notions and statistical anomalies from the equation – and six weeks or so give the eyes and mind a fresh look at what’s really going on that season. It’s easier by then to get an accurate idea of what teams are good and bad. But sure … the Titans and the Ravens over the next two games are good tests. If the Jaguars come home from London a week from Sunday over .500, that would be a really good sign – and a really good start.
Matt from Orange Park, FL:
Sheldon Day is good for some interior pass rush against the Titans. Not saying he needs to start, but I’d like to see him get reps inside.
John: Day played 21 snaps against the Texans in Week 1. That was a touch over 25 percent of the defensive snaps. That’s about right.
John from Jacksonville:
The Jags are on pace for 190 sacks for the season/playoffs/Super Bowl. I expect nothing less.
John: You kid, but I’m sincerely looking forward to my first email complaining about the Jaguars’ next five-sack game.
Mike from Cortland, NY:
At first I understood why Jacksonville didn’t get a prime-time game. Then I realized next week’s Thursday night game is 49ers versus Rams. Sheesh.
John: What’s not to understand? The Jaguars went 3-13 last season. They haven’t had a winning record in a decade. The Cleveland Browns don’t have a prime-time game this season, either. They’ve been bad a long time, too. I’m not all that fired up about 49ers-Rams next Thursday, either, but it’s not hard to see when the Jaguars aren’t on prime-time television this season. If they win this season, they’ll be on in prime time next season. This is simple.
Romeo from Jacksonville but now in the 619:
Do you think the fullback and tight-end positions could play a role in Blake’s passing game?
John: Yes.
Jeremy from Newport, RI:
Leonard Fournette appears to be such a mature young man and his talent, potential and maturity seem to be at the top of the charts. What a great draft selection he appears to be. Good for the team and city!
John: Jaguars rookie running back Leonard Fournette is about as turn-key ready for the NFL as you can imagine. He has been an elite, star-level player for a long time at a big-time level of football. He is used to the spotlight and expectations – and nothing about his demeanor indicates that his surroundings are “too big for him.” So far, so good on this front.
Chad from Yulee, FL:
Tom Coughlin used to talk about building a team to compete with and win the old AFC Central first. Do you see this team emphasizing that now more than in past years?
John: There is no AFC Central anymore. Emphasizing winning it would be stupid.
John from Edmonton, Canada:
O, everyone suggested Hurricane Harvey would be an emotional empowerment to the Texans. Could it have been a distraction? Should we expect the same with the Jaguars returning to Irma’s wake? I imagine it’s not easy to push out of your mind.
John: It’s always difficult to gauge how much or how little off-field issues influence on-field events. That’s because while such things make for nice mid-week stories and conversation, there’s rarely anything tangible to attach to the results. My sense was the emotion at NRG Stadium was high when J.J. Watt was introduced last Sunday, but that the Texans’ level of play – and the Jaguars’ corresponding level of play – took the emotion away quickly. The crowd actually seemed flat throughout much of the game, which isn’t surprising considering the Jaguars’ firm control over much of the game. I expect the EverBank Field crowd will be energized Sunday, particularly early. I imagine some of that will be some rallying around the situation in the city, but my guess is more of it will be because this team is over .500 for entering a game at the ‘Bank for the first time since 2010. That’s a long time (too long), and considering the nature of the Week 1 victory, I can’t imagine fans won’t be really up early Sunday. If the Jaguars play well early, I expect that to build and for the ‘Bank to be in an emotional tizzy much of the game. If they don’t …
Steven from Duval:
I still think the new app sux…. I understand the jags dont get a primetime game because they are not interesting but this houston cincy game has to be one of the worst ive ever watched and them the rams and niners are deserving of a night game is just a joke. If it werent for the jags i would be done with this league. They are gonna lose everything theyve built in the next tem years

John: Sorry about your dog. It’s not cool they kicked him like that.

Otto from Ponte Vera Beach, FL:
John, would Jason Myers and his inconsistent play still be a member of the team if he played almost any other position?

John: Absolutely. Myers’ inconsistencies in fact are far more noticeable because of the position he plays rather than the other way around. Take defensive end Calais Campbell, for instance. He had a great game on Sunday with four sacks and five hurries. If he had three plays were he rushed the passer terribly – or where the Texans running back ran roughshod over his spot – few outsider observers would notice. When Myers or any other kicker misses a kick, everyone notices. Now, this is not to excuse Myers. Making kicks is the job and he didn’t do that twice last week. I doubt he can do that much more and remain on the team. But a lot of NFL players are inconsistent; it’s just much easier to notice the inconsistency for kickers.

Steve from Denver, CO:
If you need a good laugh, look at career stats for Marcedes Lewis and Jason Witten. Hard to believe they play the same position. Think our guy will get any Hall of Fame votes based on “great blocking?”

John: Probably not, so I guess your point is Marcedes Lewis hasn’t had as good a career as a receiving tight end as Jason Witten? Or is it that Witten may be a Hall of Famer? And that Lewis is it? Is this news? Is there actually a point?

Tyler from Jacksonville:
I take back every bad thing I ever said about this team, O-man. I am pumped up to go watch them run through the Titans on Sunday. I’m supposed to work Sunday, and my boss is going to be at the game too, but YOLO, O, I gots to GO! Go Jags! P.S. Don’t put me on the Jumbotron! Bauww, Bauww, Chicka-Chicka….

John: I thought you said Chick-fil-A there at the end. I had a Chick-Fil-A chicken biscuit Friday. A bunch of us at the office did. Mmmmm … Chick-fil-A.

Nate from Visalia, CA:
Love the hype and buzz about the team. Feels great. But the team moved on to Tennessee on Wednesday, and we need to as well. Let’s hope our boys can get that ‘W’ on Sunday in like fashion. If not, let’s hope they just get it. Fifteen more games. Fifteen opportunities to forget what happened on opening weekend. Marcus Mariota is neither a rookie getting his first action or a statue in the pocket. The task at hand is all that matters. That task is getting a home win for the home crowd. Do work boys. Do work. That is all.

John: Thanks, Dad.
 
 


 

 

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O-Zone: Hard-earned fin

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Josh from Pensacola, FL:

The Allen Robinson injury is pretty devastating to our offense, especially since Dede Westbrook is out for half the season. This may sound crazy, but I think it might help Blake Bortles improve as a quarterback a little. He won’t be tempted to force the ball as much and he will be forced to go through his reads. Allen Robinson was key to our offense and in no way am I trying to say his injury is a good thing. Just trying to be optimistic. Do you agree with this assessment?

John: I’m not sure if not going through his reads has been as big problem for Bortles as your question suggests. While Bortles indeed has leaned on Robinson a lot in the last two seasons, I never got the feeling he was over-feeding Robinson at the expense of other receivers. Robinson was, after all, the Jaguars’ best receiver. It makes sense a lot passes would go his way. And a lot of Bortles’ interceptions over the last two seasons have come when throwing to Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee. As far as this season on this front … So far, so good. Bortles throughout this past Sunday’s game did a good job going through his reads. The offensive line played well and the running game helped keep pressure off the pocket; Bortles used that time efficiently. I think the Jaguars’ offense can survive and be productive without Robinson. I certainly believe it’s in a better position to do so than last season. At the same time, it’s hard to find a way his injury is a positive.

Hunter from Oviedo, FL:

Was it just me, or did Jalen Ramsey look like an ascendant player on Sunday? A.J. Bouye looks like he can be good, but he struggled with DeAndre Hopkins. It seemed to me every time Hopkins lined up on Ramsey, Ramsey ate his lunch. I’m not claiming to be a football guy, but wouldn’t it make sense to keep the guy who is dominating on their best player instead of racking up three-plus pass interference calls?

John: Ramsey indeed looked like an ascendant player on Sunday, just as he has looked like an ascendant player pretty much since joining the Jaguars last season. But I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss Bouye. He’s very good and played Hopkins well Sunday. He got a few pass interference calls because Hopkins makes contact at the top of nearly every route, which forces a judgment call that frankly can go either way on most plays. The calls went against Bouye Sunday, but it wasn’t as if Bouye was playing Hopkins poorly.

Robert from Moorpark, CA:

Oh man, O-Dawg, there is plenty of reason to be excited about the Jaguars. I know it is only one game, but if the offensive line plays that great for the rest of the year, it could take us a long way. Is that unit as good as Dallas’ offensive line? Also, can you give me your thoughts on how Myles Jack played? I thought he looked worthy of taking over for Poz.

John: I’ll defer comparing the Jaguars’ offensive line to the NFL’s best until the group has consecutive solid games. As for Jack, he played very well Sunday. The Jaguars were in nickel 90 percent of the game on Sunday, and Jack plays exceptionally well in nickel situations. Posluszny is the superior option in the middle in base situations, but I’m not sure why people want Jack to “take over for Poz.” Jack was on the field for every Jaguars snap Sunday. Posluszny was on the field for eight. Jack will continue to be on the field for the vast majority of plays, and Posluszny will continue to be on the field in base situations where he flourishes. Why the rush to change this?

Derek from Vill Plat, LA:

Hey O, Jags fan from Day One over here in the Bayou State. I have two questions. Do you think the winner of this Sunday’s game will be the favorite to win the AFC South moving forward? I heard rumors that Andrew Luck may be looking to get out of Indy. If those rumors are true, do the Jags pursue a trade with the Colts? Thanks for making my every day an entertaining one.

John: I have two answers. One is that the winner of Sunday’s game probably will be considered the favorite in the AFC South moving forward. That “favorite” status could last a long time if the winning team wins a couple of games and holds the lead; it could last a week or two if the winning team loses a couple of games. Things change week-to-week in the NFL. As far as Luck wanting to get out of Indianapolis, I have zero idea if this is true or not. I do have a good idea that the Colts probably won’t have much interest in parting ways with Luck. Franchise quarterbacks are cool. Teams like them and tend to not want to see them leave.

Jeff from Orange, CA:

This Sunday’s Jaguars game is the most meaningful game for this team since when – and answering with last week is not allowed!

John: December 2010. I threw out regular-season openers because they’re all important and you don’t know much about a team until the regular season starts. After that, I considered games in which the Jaguars were .500 or above .500. There have been two instances of that since the beginning of the 2011 season. One came in Week 2 2011, when the Jaguars (then 1-0) lost to the New York Jets, 32-3. The other was Week 3 2015, when the Jaguars (then 1-1) lost at New England, 51-17. Those games were on the road and the Jaguars hadn’t done all that much those seasons to inspire hope. Last week’s victory over Houston inspired hope for many. A defense that was supposed to be good played like it. A rookie running back who was supposed to be good played like it. The Jaguars overall scored a one-sided road victory over a team that won the AFC South the past two seasons. I believe there will be an energy in EverBank Field Sunday unlike it has seen in a while. And I think it’s the most meaningful game there since 2010.

Nick from London, UK:

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but isn’t the Jags’ schedule pretty kind? Sure, Baltimore got a good win on the board and Steelers and Seahawks will be tough opposition but the Jets, Browns and 49ers aren’t scary. Surely, we can get above .500? Anyways, looking forward to seeing the Jags at Wembley for the fifth time. See you there!

John: There are a bunch of games on the Jaguars’ schedule that look winnable. The thing about the NFL is schedules have a way or looking dramatically different as seasons go on – and professional football teams have a way of playing differently week to week. Also, remember: while the Jaguars played well in the regular-season opener, they are a team built to run effectively and play defense. Such teams have a tendency to find themselves in close games, and close games can go either way. The Jaguars are 1-0. They appear to be better than many believed. They don’t yet appear to be a team that can count victories as done deals before the games are played.

John from Boynton Beach, FL:

If Tony Boselli gets inducted into the Hall of Fame, how should the over/under on time wearing the yellow jacket without taking it off be measured? Days, weeks or months?

John: I’ve already confirmed with Boselli that the Hall of Fame jacket would only be removed for sleep and water-based activities until he departs Earth. But this isn’t what concerns me; rather, it’s what he mumbled about custom-making matching Hall of Fame pants, shirts, cap and undergarments that concerns me. This should concern everyone.

John from Boynton Beach, FL:

Calais Campbell, from a single game, would be tied for third in sacks on the Jags’ defense for the entire 2016 season. Tell him to take it easy, would ya! Rome wasn’t built in a day.

John: “Tell Calais Campbell to take it easy, would ya?” says the guy who obviously never has stood in front of the 6-feet-8 Calais Campbell.

Hi from Jacksonville:

What’s the most money you’ve lost gambling on sports?

John: I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever lost money gambling on sports. I remember I bet Kim Dallas $5 on the 1978 Kentucky-Duke NCAA Final. We rode the same afternoon bus in seventh grade – and if I remember correctly, Kim’s sister went to Duke. My mother was a big Kentucky fan, and I knew the Wildcats were good that year. So despite my lifelong dislike of UK, I figured it was a safe bet. I won that. I honestly don’t know that I’ve bet money on a game since. I never bet on teams I followed passionately; I was too superstitious for that. And as for teams I don’t follow passionately, I never bet because I don’t want to lose. I’m far too cheap for that.
 


 

 

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O-Zone: Down in a heap

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Glen from Orange Park, FL:
Myles Jack is BFA!! Baby-Faced Assassin! How can someone look so young and nice, yet hit so hard so often? Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, Ray Lewis, etc., all looked mean, but Jack looks like the guy most likely to help the little old lady cross the street. This defense is full of characters at every position!

John: Myles Jack throughout most of the game Sunday struck me as a player playing exactly where he should be playing – at nickel and outside linebacker, where he can chase, react and pursue … and where his elite-level athleticism takes over. He also struck me as a player in the process of taking a significant jump from his rookie season to Year 2. One of the leagues oldest credos is that players most often take their biggest jump in their second seasons. The game slows for them, they’ve adjusted mentally to the NFL and to their professional surroundings, and they’re able to let their ability shine. Jack seems to fit that description. Sometimes credos are credos for a reason. As for Myles Jack being a “BFA,” or “Baby-Faced Assassin” … well, let’s just say I’m glad you clarified.

Scott from New York, NY:
Who still thinks we should trade Allen Hurns for a backup guard? Sometimes, you should just let the games play out on the field. And ALWAYS keep good football players around.

John: I was perplexed throughout the latter part of the preseason when the speculation about trading Hurns was strongest. A position in the NFL really is only deep if you can “afford” to lose your best player. When the Jaguars lost Allen Robinson for the season, wide receiver suddenly didn’t feel nearly as deep anymore. Because the Jaguars have Hurns, they now have two reliable receivers who have proven capable of 100-yard games and big plays. Imagine how thin the receiver room would feel now without Hurns. Depth charts are nice to view on the internet, but the NFL is about more than a team’s starting 22 players.

Dave from Duval, FL:
The hardest physical thing in sports to do is to cover NFL wide receivers constantly, then on top of that, not draw penalties. The rules have evolved to give the receiver every possible advantage.

John: Covering a wide receiver is really hard. I couldn’t do it. Most people can’t. I can’t honestly say it’s harder than blocking a defensive end, or hitting a baseball, or fighting Floyd Mayweather in his prime, or returning a 142-mph serve, or guarding a point guard at the top of the key or a bunch of other things in sports that are really hard. But yes … receivers now have a major advantage. That I can honestly say.

Rob from Kansas City, MO:
How do you think the team adapted to their extended stay in Houston as far as the ability to prepare for Week 2? What impact, if any, do you think it will have on being ready for the Titans? I gotta admit, I’ve been “nerd-ing out” wondering how they adjusted/adapted their team schedule and routines to the circumstances. Details such as those fascinate me … I think I have a problem. #JaxAsOne #Sacksonville

John: Worrying about details isn’t your problem, and it’s not why you’re a nerd. As for your question, I don’t anticipate the extended stay in Houston being a major issue. Monday after a game-day Sunday typically is about film review and meetings – and players are off Tuesday. Game-planning and practice for the game ahead don’t begin until Wednesday. So, while the players had an unusual schedule because of Hurricane Irma, they were back in Jacksonville by Tuesday morning. They had a shorter day off than usual, but little about the work week will be different for most players from Wednesday forward.

Steve from Jacksonville:
I don’t want to get overly hyped after Week 1, but barring injury, I think the Jags might have running back handled for a WHILE. Between 100 yards against the Texans, and getting off a plane and helping people suffering from the hurricane, how awesome is it that Leonard Fournette is a Jag? It seems like a GREAT pick, on and off the field. One fer #27.

John: Hey! One fer No. 27!

Mike from Section 238:
John, when will you learn it’s all about the coaches? Since the last several seasons and this preseason were all because of incompetent coaching and front-office work, do they get all the credit for last weekend’s win or did the players simply overcome the coaches’ incompetence?

John: I’ve always known it’s all about coaches. You can look it up. Why teams bother drafting or signing players is beyond me.

Todd from Jacksonville:
Something that possibly helped us overcome the Texans is the lack of tape they had on us. I know it works both ways, but they wouldn’t have had tape on how we use Calais Campbell, or the defensive front. Everything we did was pretty much new (assuming we went pretty vanilla in preseason). But now Tennessee has seen how we plan to use our guys and can try to recognize it.

John: You’re right that teams stay very basic and vanilla in the preseason, but the Jaguars didn’t exactly use a lot of exotic fronts with Campbell or the front. They rushed. They proved difficult to block. The Jaguars’ secondary covered well. And the Jaguars’ front took advantage of that coverage in a big way. Now, the Jaguars did throw a lot of different pressures at the Texans, but for the most part Campbell and the front just played straightforward and played very well.

Travis from St. Louis, MO:
Three Jaguars in the Pro Football Hall of Fame nominations … will we get to see one of them put on that gold jacket?

John: The Hall of Fame this week announced its 108 nominees for the 2018 class. Three former Jaguars players – offensive tackle Tony Boselli, wide receiver Jimmy Smith and running back Fred Taylor – were among them. Boselli made the final 10 last February and I think he has a chance to be named to the Hall this year. Smith regularly has been among the nominees and Taylor was nominated for the first time this year. I think Taylor and Smith deserve to be in, and I think both have a chance to get some traction in the near future. The Hall can be a long process for non-“first-ballot” inductees. Boselli appears to have a chance to reach the end of that road. Taylor and Smith are just starting theirs.

Justin from Hampton, VA:
Blake Bortles can be Trent Dilfer. Think about it, strong defense and Leonard Fournette running like Jamal Lewis. Yes Blake Bortles can be Trent Dilfer!

John: OK.

Gabe from Washington, DC:
Mr. Zone, you can’t just answer all my offseason questions and then shut me out when all the fake fans show up for the regular season. How’s that supposed to make me feel?

John: Bad, I hope.

Armando from Vacaville, CA:
I know this sounds farfetched as it is too early in the season, but wouldn’t it be awesome if Cam Robinson can turn into our own Willie Roaf or Orlando Pace?

John: Just as long as he doesn’t turn into another Tony Boselli. I can only stomach so much.

Someone1 not from Jacksonville:
How did EverBank field fare from Hurricane Irma? Is getting to the Jags’ game going to pose a problem?

John: EverBank Field passed its NFL inspection Tuesday and the Jaguars will play host to the Tennessee Titans Sunday. I have gotten to and from the stadium without issue since returning to Jacksonville, and the areas around the stadium appear to have no issue. I can’t speak for the roads throughout the entire city.

Otto from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
John, just one thought. G-R-I-T. Go Jags.

John: You go, girl.

John from Boynton Beach, FL:
Have you ever been in a sideline collision on the practice field and suffered an injury, or do your cat-like reflexes continue to keep you out of harm’s way?

John: I can honestly say I don’t recall being involved in sideline collision, though I’ve cowered and awkwardly fled on more than one occasion. My worst-look incident along these lines came while covering The Players for the Florida Times-Union in the 1990s. I was working the post-round press conference area, and hustling from player to player for interviews. I hustled from one group surrounding a golfer I don’t remember past a group huddled around a then-up-and-coming Lee Westwood. As I passed the Westwood scrum, I tripped on a wire and fell completely to the grass. It happened so quickly there was no time to break my fall. I broke no bones and tore no ligaments, but I remember a disheveled, disoriented feeling. I also remember Westwood’s sideways glance in my direction and his casual, “Heh-heh,” before turning back to the gathered press to complete the interview. When the big man goes down, he goes down hard.
 

 

 

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O-Zone: One Fer All

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Back in town.

Let’s get to it …

Frankie from London, England:
I’m so sad for Allen Robinson to be out for the season on the first series of the first game – even more so in a contract year. Thank God wide receiver is one of our deepest areas, but I don’t think anyone comes close to the WR1 ability of A-Rob. It’ll be interesting to see how all parties handle the contract. Maybe the injury will be better for the Jaguars’ salary cap; maybe the team waits to see how the injury has affected him long term; and maybe, just maybe, he tests free agency and his market worth elsewhere. Hate that this happened, but it’s an interesting subplot for the remainder of the year.

John: This is one to watch, though it’s too early to know how this will play out. There also is the more immediate concern of Robinson undergoing surgery and beginning rehabilitation. The good news for Robinson is several-fold: the injury occurred early in the season, so there’s every chance he can be close 100 percent early next season; a torn anterior cruciate ligament needn’t be career-threatening, particularly at his age; and, because his style is more about physicality and athleticism and less quick-twitch quickness, an ACL injury shouldn’t debilitate his return as much as a player more dependent on speed and flash. As far as Robinson’s contract, the injury complicates it. My early projection would be that placing the franchise tag on him for 2017 is a possibility, or the sides could agree to a one-year deal. This agreement wouldn’t have to be contentious, because it could benefit both sides. The Jaguars might not want to invest big-time long-term money in Robinson until they know his post-injury form, and Robinson might want a year to reestablish his long-term value.

Logan from Wichita, KS:
With Robinson done for the season, what do we do to stretch the field against Tennessee? I see the Titans packing the box with eight or nine, which means we need someone to be our deep-ball threat. Can Marqise Lee, Allen Hurns, Keelan Cole or Arrelious Benn fill in for Robinson’s 50/50 ball-catching ability down the field and in the red zone that Blake Bortles relies on when he needs a big play?

John: It’s unlikely Lee, Hurns, Cole or Benn will match Robinson’s 50-50 ability; his ability to aggressively high point the ball is among the best in the NFL. But Lee and Cole absolutely can stretch the field, and Hurns has proven he can get open and produce in the red zone. Don’t underestimate Cole’s ability to get open, either. He needs to clean up the drops he has had in recent weeks, but he is consistently getting open. That’s encouraging.

Richard from Starke, FL:
I am changing my prediction from 0-16 to 16-0. #fullfanmode

John: You go, girl.

Nimrod from Toronto, Canada:
Looking at the schedule, seeing as we do not have any prime-time games this year, are any of our games able to flexed into prime time? Thanks for your time!

John: Pretty much any 1 p.m. game can be flexed into a nationally-televised/prime-time Sunday slot after Week 5. But the Jaguars are 1-0. It’s September 13. We’re a long way from flexing games and projecting playoff possibilities.

Jeff from Jacksonville:
This Titans game just became huge! Can the offensive line hold up against another good defensive front? Can the defense push around a good offensive line with a better mobile quarterback? If the Jags repeat the same performance (or something reasonably similar, maybe five sacks and two turnovers) against what looks like a much more competitive team, it’s party time!

John: Good for you adding the parentheses, because the Jaguars’ 10-sack performance Sunday isn’t likely to be repeated any time soon. The day set a franchise record, which means it hasn’t happened in 22 previous seasons. It likely won’t happen again for 22 more seasons. Ten sacks are absurd. Ten sacks are preposterously close to perfect. Even five sacks and two turnovers is a great game; that sacks total would be season-highs for many teams. But yes … the Titans will be a good test Sunday, particularly for the defensive front. Tennessee runs as well as any team in the NFL. Pressuring Marcus Mariota will be difficult, and containing him is just as important. This game almost certainly will be tighter than the regular-season opener. Almost all games are tighter than that. Blowouts are rare in the NFL and I frankly don’t expect the Jaguars to blow many teams out this season. I do expect this team to play a lot of close games, which means this season could be interesting for a lot longer than recent seasons.

Jason from North Pole, AK:
Do you think Rashad Greene is a possibility to be signed? He would know the offense already and could play slot while Allen Hurns bumps outside. Thoughts?

John: Rashad Greene is on the Jaguars’ injured-reserve list. Because he was placed on the list before Saturday, September 2, at 4 p.m., he is not eligible to return this season.

SMH from NFL cities everywhere:
What is with all the injuries in the NFL? They should have figured out how to make it safer by now.

John: I’d assume there’s sarcasm in your question, but I know better than to assume things. Look, the NFL does a lot to promote player safety. It’s a different game than the one I followed growing up, and a huge reason is 40 years worth of tweaking the rules to make the game safer. At the same time, this is a sport played by large people running into one another at high speeds. Those men are also pushing their ligaments and muscles to extremes that often lead to injury. If you stand on the sidelines of an NFL game, you won’t wonder why the game isn’t safer; you’ll wonder how every player isn’t seriously injured pretty much every week.

Stanton from Jacksonville:
As a day-one fan and season-ticket holder, I knew we would have to eventually be good again. It seems like we are for real, or am I just too optimistic?

John: I’ve gotten a lot of versions of this question this week, and it’s a very fair question. The Jaguars haven’t been good in a long time, and Sunday’s Week 1 victory over the Houston Texans to many probably seemed too good to be true. And in a sense, it probably was too good to be true. The Jaguars probably won’t have another 10-sack game, and they may not have three sack/fumbles in a game again this season. I don’t know how many more four-plus turnover/margin games will happen this season, and I’m not sure they’ll win many games by 22-plus points. I say all of the aforementioned things because victories as thorough as Sunday’s are rare. Now, just because 10-sack games are rare doesn’t mean the Jaguars aren’t for real. I do think this defense is for real, and I think a lot of the things we saw Sunday can carry over. I think it’s a defense that can pressure the quarterback. I think that pressure can create more opportunities for turnovers. I think this defense and the running game will keep this team in games, and I believe that more based on what we saw Sunday. So, yes: be optimistic. Look forward to what might be to come. Expect a tight, competitive season – and if the Jaguars continue to improve, who knows what can happen?

Luke from Plymouth Meeting, MA:
Are you satisfied with Blake Bortles’ performance Sunday, or does he need to show more?

John: Bortles’ performance Sunday was enough for the Jaguars to win. He passed for 125 yards and a touchdown and was not intercepted. He completed 11 of 21 passes, and within the context of that game that was a perfectly fine performance. He did what was needed. The Jaguars got ahead early and didn’t have Bortles throw much more. When he did throw, he mostly was accurate. His receivers also dropped a few passes; had those passes been completions, Bortles probably would have finished with 160-to-175 yards. When the situation calls for it he absolutely will need to show more.

Glenn from Fort Leavenworth, KS:
I sincerely hope your family and homestead have weathered the storm well. I’ve lived through enough hurricanes (including Matthew in Savannah last year) to know how nerve-racking it can be to not be there. One fer you, the team, and the rest of the organization for the absolutely fantastic job you’ve all done keeping us entertained with the trivialities of the everyday while dealing with such heavy topics in the real world. Thanks, O-man. It means a lot.

John: O-Zone family: fine. O-Zone homestead: fine. We’re not in a flood zone and we were fortunate with the wind. We were lucky, and we know it. So, no … not one fer me, but one for the team, one for Jacksonville and one fer all who weren’t so fortunate? Yeah, definitely.
 
 

 

 

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