Category: Uncategorized

O-Zone: Thank goodness

 

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Mike from Jacksonville:
Myself, Jim and others have inquired about the injuries of players who seemingly have not fully participated in practices. We understand it is only June and these sessions can’t be called practices or important in any way. But it still feels wrong that you belittle the questions and provide no insight as to what the injuries are. It’s OK to say, “I don’t know.”

John: I’m well aware people have inquired about the injuries of Jaguars players who didn’t participate in organized team activities or minicamp, and I’m also well aware the Jaguars and Head Coach Doug Marrone opted to not share the nature of those injuries during the offseason. We reported the players’ absence pretty much every day the Jaguars practiced during the offseason in accordance with the offseason media policy. The primary players in question – cornerback Aaron Colvin, safety Barry Church, safety Tashaun Gipson and running back T.J. Yeldon – all have been around EverBank Field, and most worked on the side during on-field work during OTAs and minicamp. I don’t expect the injuries to hamper them during training camp, though Marrone opted not to share his expectations on that front as minicamp closed Thursday. As for the belittling … yeah, there was some of that in a recent answer. But said belittling had nothing to do with people wanting to know about the injured players. It had everything to do with a question that implied the players should be practicing, and that they had somehow not taken care of themselves or adequately tried to rehabilitate to be on the field at this time. Maybe that notion shouldn’t be belittled … nah, upon reflection it was perfectly belittle-worthy.

Jason from St. Petersburg, FL:
Hey, O … I just heard that Jalen Ramsey had minor surgery on a core muscle the other day. How many panicky or outraged emails have you gotten from people saying this should’ve been taken care of months ago? I’m gonna set the over/under at about 25. Let me know. And, I’ll further venture to guess these are the same people who were panicky and outraged when Branden Albert wasn’t showing up at voluntary OTAs.

John: Actually this was the only one.

Ricky from Fairport, NY:
Hey John, after reading about Jalen Ramsey’s procedure can you tell me what “successful surgery” means? No one really knows whether the surgery was successful until he has returned to the field in fine form, correct? So, by using the word “successful” in front of the word “surgery” the only thing we really know to be successful immediately after the procedure was that the patient survived. “Successful surgery” in sports reporting has become as cliché as putting “much” in front of “maligned.” How many “successful surgeries” did Tony Boselli have on his shoulders before his career was cut short because the surgeries failed?

John: Actually, Boselli is a bad example because his shoulder surgeries were not successful. And you see the phrase successful surgery far more in press releases than news stories, so it’s not a “reporting” issue as much as a “public-relations” issue. One reason you don’t hear much about unsuccessful surgeries is they are far outnumbered by successful ones. Another reason is the unsuccessful ones aren’t often discussed in press releases.

Cliff from Everywhere with a helicopter:
Waitaminnit! Did I just read the words “Boselli” and “humble” in the same paragraph? Is that not one of the seven signs of the apocalypse? AIIIIEEEEE!

John: I indeed referred to Boselli as humble recently. Perchance I misspoke.

Jose from Mexico:
Dear John, our Jags started working and looking better for a new season. However, if Blake Bortles repeats last season’s performance does the coaching staff have a Plan B to cover the quarterback position? I know it’s too early but what would you do? Best regards …

John: The coaching staff certainly has a Plan B, which is to play the backup quarterback. That almost certainly either will be Chad Henne or Brandon Allen, with the backup to be decided in training camp and preseason. I expect it to be Henne, and that’s who I would play if performance or injury merits Bortles not being the quarterback.

Mason from Palm Bay, FL:
If one of your favorite players of all-time is from the Texans, Titans, or Colts (i.e. Bob Sanders) you’re not a real Jags fan.

John: “Real fans” can have many traits. One might even be being objective enough to have an appreciation for greatness that doesn’t happen to wear the uniform of your team. This trait isn’t a prerequisite to be a fan, but its presence needn’t make one an outcast.

Dave from Jersey City, NJ:
How has Leonard Fournette looked athletically compared to the rest of our running backs?

John: Fournette looks about as you would expect compared to the other backs – and as you would expect a first-round selection to look. He seems faster, more explosive and more athletic than Chris Ivory, though Ivory showed as much power as it’s possible to show during non-padded work in recent weeks. Fournette didn’t look as fast as Corey Grant, though no one on the team usually looks as fast as Grant. T.J. Yeldon didn’t participate in OTAs or minicamp, but Fournette as expected appears to have the edge there in speed and explosiveness.

Steve from Denver, CO:
O, Albert Einstein revised his definition of insanity just for David Caldwell: “If DC does not improve the offensive line (and not waste anymore of Shad’s hard-earned bankroll on a second-round running back, a huge free-agent RB signing, and finally big Leo) he will be out of Jacksonville for his insane offensive-line policy. Would you blame Shad for a criticism like that? I’m shocked he didn’t take a run at AP?
John: Though Einstein probably would have been smart enough to grasp every last detail of your question, I fear I am not. You seem upset the Jaguars didn’t do more this offseason to address the offensive line even though they changed at least 40 percent of it, and you also seem upset the Jaguars didn’t pursue Adrian Peterson rather than draft Fournette. I understand why people wanted more done on the line, and that’s going to be a major area to watch early in the season. The Jaguars believe they can find an effective unit, and I believe that unit will be Branden Albert, A.J. Cann, Brandon Linder, Cam Robinson and Jermey Parnell. Stay tuned.

Scott from Jacksonville:
If you aren’t going to stress over the laces out thing that didn’t even register with me until Eric pointed it out, I will. I don’t think I ever in my entire life picked up a football to throw it without gripping the laces. Blake has no chance to throw an accurate ball, let alone a spiral, gripping the football like that. Please let him know.

John: I’ll probably let him know you never have done it that way. Wait … no, I won’t.

Pedal Bin from Farnborough, Hampshire:
Oh Mighty ‘O’ … ‘Tis the dead zone. No meaningful football activity until late July. So, then: What was the first record you bought with your own money? And do you still have it?

John: My memory is fuzzy on this, but the first record I remember buying that mattered was by the Beatles. My close friend, Tim Berg, had received “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart’s Club Band” for his birthday and I got into the Beatles visiting him on his birthday weekend. I went with my mother to the Skaggs Albertson’s on Merrill Road and found “Beatles 1962-1966” and “Beatles 1967-1970” in the album bin. The 1962-1966 album was red and the 1967-70 album was blue; 1962-1966 had a picture of John, Paul, George and Ringo in matching suits and short hair on the front, while 1967-1970 had the four posing at the same angle as the 1962-1966 cover – and on the same high-rise building – several years later in their late 1960s suits with long hair and beards. Not yet being familiar with the Beatles’ catalogue, and having only enough money for one or the other, I chose 1962-1966 – because the early songs were shorter, which meant more songs on the record and therefore more bang for my 11-year-old buck. A few weeks later, I spotted the 1967-1970 record while at the home of a colleague of my father’s at Suddath Van Lines: Barry Vaughn, who eventually became Suddath’s president but at the time was just a young guy nice enough to lend an annoying, awkward 11-year-old a record. I taped both ’62-66 and ’67-70 and wore both out on cassette, inevitably graduating to the rest of the Beatles’ catalogue. This led to a hardcore era of Beatles fandom, not to mention a regrettable Beatles Belt Buckle that remains vividly etched in my memory – and that remains a source of humor for prominent local attorney David Barskdale to this day.

Tom from St. Augustine, FL:
Don’t leave me hanging on like a Yo-Yo.

John: I never had a Wham! belt buckle.
 

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O-Zone: Leather and lace

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Logan from Wichita, KS:
OK, O … Branden Albert reported to OTAs. Go ahead and gloat how you were right. … You were still way off about Devon House, though. Just sayin’. Go JAGS!

John: I don’t know that I ever said Albert would report to organized team activities. I’m glad for that, because he never did report for OTAs. He did participate in the Jaguars’ three-day mandatory minicamp this week, something that was easy to call correctly because a player reporting for mandatory work usually isn’t all that surprising. So, in that case not gloating is easy. As for House, I’m not sure how off or on I was regarding him. I do recall that I usually spelled his name correctly, but I probably won’t gloat about that, either.

Glenn from Richmond Hill, GA:
John, as a Jags fan, I simply don’t understand the fervor over Colin Kaepernick. He lost a quarterback competition with Blaine Gabbert. We of all fan bases should see that and know better. Yes, he has a resume … and it does not include anything that looks like success on this end of his timeline. Unless something significant has changed this offseason, how could anyone think he’ll push Blake Bortles??? Can we be done with this now? Please?

John: OK.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:
One area that often goes overlooked is special teams. It seems we may have brought some guys in more for special teams, but also adding depth at certain positions. Do we also have a new special teams coach? What are your thoughts on the approach to this unit for 2017?

John: Both Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin said from the time of their hirings that special teams would matter very much. The Jaguars since that time have proven that was more than talk. The Jaguars hired one of the NFL’s top special teams coaches, Joe DeCamillis, and they also signed players such as Lerentee McCray, Audie Cole and Josh McNary whose role would be primarily special teams. You also can expect front-line players to play special teams roles.
Calais Campbell has been effective blocking placement kicks during his career and Marqise Lee could be used as a returner. That’s a lot of big-time commitment to the area.

Josh from Pensacola, FL:
Pretend that this season Blake Bortles throws 20-plus touchdowns and fewer than 10 interceptions and Leonard Fournette runs for more than 1,000 yards. If those two things happen what would your wins projection be?

John: Ten.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:
While Duran Duran’s quality and longevity is unquestioned, I can think of several bands better than Wham! I am a The Smiths and The Cure kind of guy. I like Joy Division, but probably prefer New Order, and even some of the other bands with less longevity such as Erasure, Yaz, Echo and the Bunnymen, Siouxsie and the Banshees etc. While we’re on the topic, I understand subjectivity and everyone liking different things, but I meet people occasionally that tell me that they can’t stand The Smiths. I almost feel offended each time. Seems like one of those love-it-or-hate-it things.

John: I had little use for Wham! – or Duran Duran. And I was pretty all-in at one time or another on all of the other bands you mentioned, particularly Erasure and Yaz. I wasn’t an All-Cure-All-the-Time-Guy on the level of my good friend, longtime Jacksonville-area bassist Chris McFall, but I did respect the Cure’s music. As for the Smith’s, I was a big fan, but what difference does it make? It makes none.

Tom from Charleston, SC:
We have heard a lot about and from Calais Campbell and several others on the defensive side of the ball. Malik Jackson seems to be the odd-man out. Is he taking a leadership role and playing with the intensity that we saw from him last year?

John: If you haven’t heard from Jackson this offseason, you haven’t been listening or looking in the right spots. He has continued to be very accessible, and I continue to be impressed with his growth as a leader since he arrived here. It’s tough to enter a new NFL environment and immediately take a leadership role. Jackson did a good job trying to embrace it last season and I expect he’ll begin flourishing in it in 2017.

Jim from Neptune Beach, FL:
I know for the players, the offseason is the season off. But it seems like there were a number of players, especially in the secondary, that have not been able to practice due to injuries. It has been almost six months since they were playing, and one would think they would have been using that time to recuperate from any lingering injuries from last season. So, what gives? Are these guys juggling knives off season? Playing pickup games blindfolded? Fire-walking? I don’t expect players to be perfect, but you’d think they’d at least try to take care of themselves. It’s their career, right?

John: Your question implies that Barry Church, Tashaun Gipson, T.J. Yeldon and Aaron Colvin don’t take care of their bodies and were somehow slacking in the offseason. It also implies that players – and indeed, human beings in general – can always prevent injuries by being cautious or training for prevention. I don’t agree with the implication.

Nick from Toowamba, Australia:
Hi John, I live in Australia, I’m a football lover and in particular a big fan of the Jags. Football is a sport with a growing following in Australia. As you may know, in August of 2016 a college football game was played in Sydney between Hawaii and Cal and attended by over 61,000 fans. After that game there was talk of the NFL possibly bring a game down under. It’s long been a dream of mine to go to an NFL game, and I’m wondering what in your opinion is the likelihood of a game (and most particular one involving the Jaguars) being played here in Australia?

John: I think it’s likely an NFL game will be played in Australia eventually. I think it’s going to be a while before the Jaguars play internationally outside London. How soon will the NFL play in Australia? I have no idea, mate.

Chris from Mandarin, FL:
Did the news item on the website about Chris Snee purposefully leave out the fact that he is Tom Coughlin’s son in law? He gave the man grandchildren, so the least Coughlin can do is give him a job…

John: The news item Thursday on jaguars.com reported that the Jaguars had hired Snee as a scout. Just as such an item written on any another hire wouldn’t mention that hire’s father-in-law, that item didn’t mention Coughlin being Snee’s father-in-law. But yes, Snee is Coughlin’s son in law. That’s neither a secret or an issue.

Steve from Duval:
As a Jaguars fan that hated the Colts, Bob Sanders is one of my favorite players of all time. I was never a great player, but the fact that I also played safety and he was around the same height at 5-feet-8 made him a true inspiration. I still tell my son about the greatest safety I ever saw and that size can never hold you back. I’ve read more about him lately and what an amazing guy. How was he in person?

John: I’ll probably end this Sanders conversation after this, because Jaguars fans tend to get a little irritated when the subject turns away from the Jaguars and toward the Colts. But Sanders was one of my favorite all-time players to cover – near the same level as players such as Tony Boselli, Fred Taylor and Reggie Wayne. All were great players who loved/respected the game and were engaging when discussing themselves or the game. It’s always enjoyable covering great players humble enough to appreciate their place within the sport and willing to discuss it.

Joe from The Burg (middle, that is):
So, the O-Zone enters the “Dead Zone!” Whatever will we talk about ’til training camp?? If past years are any indication, it’s about to get “weird!” Suggested topic- who, if anyone, are the most likely Jags to make the Pro Bowl at season’s end? Probably a couple of obvious answers, mostly from the defense. Thoughts?

John: I think Jalen Ramsey has the best chance to make the Pro Bowl from the Jaguars’ defense because he has elite ability and because people last season started to recognize that ability. A.J. Bouye fits into that category as well, as does Jackson.

Eric from Navarre, FL:
I read the article about Blake having the right mindset. I then noticed the photo in the article showing him throwing the ball laces out. Shouldn’t he be worried about his technique? Laces out are for kickers!

John: Eric, I’ve been writing, talking and thinking about Bortles’ mechanics all offseason – back to last season, actually. Is it OK if I not stress about where he had the laces in one offseason photo?
 

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O-Zone: Price of friendship

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Chris from Los Angeles, CA:
O-Man, I’m a little concerned with your quick-glance analysis of BB5. The “sometimes-he-looks-good” part gets me excited. And some of the videos showed him throwing tight spirals with his elbow high and no dip. Then, the follow-up “sometimes he doesn’t” has me concerned. A LOT! We cannot afford BB5 to be anything but better than he was the last three years. If he looks that middle of the road, then why wouldn’t the brass bring Colin Kaepernick in to push or take the job? You can say they don’t think it’s an upgrade, but Kap’s resume says different. Calais Campbell said we have every piece but as fans we all know what piece needs to be right the most. Tell me you gave an off-the-cuff, quick-snap assessment and I shouldn’t be concerned. Or be as honest as you can without losing your job and tell me “we should probably look for another guy.” What say you, Johnny Boy?

John: I can be completely honest about Bortles without losing my job. I know this because I never have been anything but honest about Bortles in this forum. I thought he looked good at times during OTAs, and I thought other times he didn’t look good. I thought he looked good during the first minicamp practice Tuesday, and he looked again Wednesday. Either way, don’t let my assessment of Bortles’ offseason cause your stomach to quiver. As I’ve said many times, his mechanics overall have looked more than good enough for him and the Jaguars to succeed next season. I thought the same last offseason and much of last preseason. I also thought it was true at times last season. I think overall Bortles can throw accurately enough to allow the Jaguars to compete – and I think from what I’ve seen this offseason he has a good chance to be more accurate than he was in his low moments last season. The bigger question for Bortles remains reducing interceptions, making better reads and improving pocket presence. If he does all of those things, the accuracy issue won’t be as important. As for whether he will improve those … we’ll know when we know, but there’s no way to know until we know.

Aaron from White Hall, AK:
I know ultimately winning football games matter, but I do like Doug Marrone’s approach talking about Branden Albert: Just saying what he thinks and not sugarcoating anything. This coming from a Gus Bradley fan.

John: I, too, liked Marrone’s approach with Albert. He approached it as an NFL coach should approach the situation. He wasn’t thrilled, but he also clearly understood that an absence in May and June isn’t a franchise-altering crisis and he didn’t treat is as such. Marrone gets the NFL and treats players like men. That’s a good place to start, and your feelings on Bradley have nothing to do with it.

Josh from Pensacola, FL:
Tashaun Gipson had a couple of really impressive seasons in 2013 and 2014. Do you think he can return to that level of play and if so, what will it take? It would be great if he does. Sorry about being so upset with Branden Albert. I promise no more emails from me about him. He is saying all the right things I should have given him the benefit of the doubt.

John: I don’t know if Gipson can return to his 2013-2014 form. I didn’t think he was as bad last season as many observers did, but neither did he make the big, game-turning plays needed from a free safety. Gipson’s view at the end of the season seemed to be he wasn’t put in position to make those plays, so we’ll see if he is allowed to play more to what he believes are his strengths this season. One thought on Gipson pertains to the entire secondary, and indeed the entire back seven: I tend to not blame the secondary/back seven too much when it comes to not producing turnovers because I believe most turnovers come as a result of pressure/disruption from the defensive front. The Jaguars’ defensive front in recent seasons has not been good at pressuring the quarterback, which is a huge reason the back seven – including Gipson last season – struggled during that time to produce big plays. As for Albert … no apologies necessary. Fans tend to get upset when players don’t attend OTAs because teams have succeeded in creating a perception that they are mandatory when they are in fact voluntary. This anger usually is temporary and goes away when players show up for the mandatory things.

Otter from Jagsville:
Zone, in this case I think we have to go all out. I think this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part.

John: I’ll get Shadrick.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:
Branden Albert reported to the mandatory OTAs … SHOCKING. He is a grown man and the other practices were voluntary. My employer holds many functions. Some are mandatory; many are not. Most of the time I don’t go to the voluntary functions because I am a grown man; it’s voluntary and I don’t feel like it. How about you?

John: I started to go to the Jaguars’ Employee Appreciation Day last month. Lamping pulled me aside and said, “John, the employees would appreciate it if you stayed away.”

Chris from Mandarin, FL:
Hey John, this question isn’t meant to sound accusatory, merely curious. Nick Saban said last month to J.P. Shadrick on his podcast that Cam Robinson playing guard is perhaps not a good fit for his skill set. Doug Marrone has said there was no plan for Robinson to play guard. Robinson is a rookie and Tyler Shatley, Patrick Omameh and Chris Reed (each effective last season when healthy) are more natural guards. Why do you think that players that are borderline jars on the shelf to starters would not make a better guard on day one than a rookie that has never played the position before?

John: I think what Saban says about Robinson’s NFL position isn’t germane to the conversation and I think it’s OK for a player to play guard for a short time before moving to tackle. I think the Jaguars will put their best five offensive linemen on the field, and I think Robinson will be one of the Jaguars’ best five offensive linemen. Maybe I’ll be wrong. It has happened.

Derick from Jacksonville:
What is James Sample‘s status?

John: Healthy and practicing.

Daniel from Jacksonville:
So, let’s see if I’ve got this right: skilled veteran players are valuable now? Who’da thunk starting 75 percent rookies wouldn’t be an ideal lineup?

John: I assume you’re referring to 2013 and 2014 when the Jaguars were uncommonly young with the idea of growing for the future. No, that wasn’t ideal for winning in the short term and the record showed as much.

Herbert from Midstate Office Supply Accountz Receevablez:
If winning is the “only thing” as TC & Co. like to remind us, then why didn’t the Jags finish the bubble/flex fields before the amphitheater? Is it about the “fan experience” or is it about the W/L record?

John: Are we really trying to start an argument over this point? Is this really a “topic?” The amphitheater – which, by the way, will help solidify the Jaguars financially and also enhance downtown Jacksonville – needed to be done in time to meet a late-May deadline. The flex field is scheduled to be done in mid-July, which means it will be done about … six weeks after the amphitheater. The Jaguars have missed no practice time in the offseason. If they had missed practice time in the offseason, they would have missed practice time in … the offseason!!! Non-issue. Move on.

Lloyd from Buxton, England:
O(mniscient)-Man, your Daily’s review has refreshed for me memories fade(d). For some reason, I’ve always thought you a fan of the likes of Wham! and Duran Duran. … As far as your outlook on the Jags this upcoming season, do you think they’re looking like a born again or living like heretics? Are they pumped up full of vitamins on account of all of Tom’s seriousness? Are they reading Norman Mailer, have new tailors? I fear I am not ready to be heartbroken, yet again.

John: Wham! Are you kidding me? Wham???! The bottom line is that the sickest joke was the price of the medicine. Either way, just wake me up before you go-go.

Toboyone from St. Johns:
The clarion call for the remainder of preseason has to be the words spoken on Tuesday by Coach Doug: “I’ve got enough friends … I want a winning football team.” Looks to me like the new sheriff in town has a gunslinging chief deputy who don’t take no … aah yes, there’s good news in JagVille tonight.

John: I asked Doug Marrone if he wanted to be friends once. His reaction was as you might expect. I stopped crying after a while.

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O-Zone: Non-issue

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Marc from Oceanway:
I’d like to give a BIG shout out to Branden Albert. I was very impressed with his willingness to speak to the media, with his honesty and with his maturity and willingness to show up and move on. Things may not have worked out how he wanted, but he is not holding a grudge and he is here to work. Here’s to Branden Albert.

John: Albert reported to the Jaguars Monday – as expected. He practiced Tuesday – as expected. These things were expected because while Albert opted not to attend voluntary organized team activities in May and early June, there is a mammoth difference in the NFL between missing voluntary work and mandatory work. Albert as you mentioned was professional and candid Tuesday when discussing the issue. He correctly said his absence the past few weeks was business, and that moving forward was football. He said he knew he needed to get in better shape, and he also said he knew that what he did on the field moving forward is how he will and should be judged. He also said the Jaguars had given no indication there would be a new deal when the team acquired him in a trade with Miami in March. Albert in short spoke on Tuesday like what he is: a veteran, professional football player who knows what’s important, and who knows what is and isn’t a crisis. His absence the past few weeks wasn’t a crisis, and it didn’t sound listening to Albert or Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone Tuesday as if there were hard feelings. This surprised many observers, but it was no surprise. This is the NFL, and everyone acted as such during this mini-drama. Still, one fer Albert? Sure, why not? One fer Albert.

Josh from Pensacola, FL:
I can see why Albert is unhappy with his contract: $9 million per year is pretty low for an aging mediocre left tackle. His salary might not be guaranteed, but him being our worst offseason addition is.

John: Ha. OK.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:
Albert reported. All is forgiven and forgotten. Time to move on and get to work. I like what he says about helping Cam as well. Do you concur?

John: All will be forgiven if Albert plays left tackle at a high level. If not, all won’t be forgiven. As for helping Robinson, the word from Miami is that Albert was professional and did what he could to help first-round selection Laremy Tunsil last season. That was significant because Tunsil was selected to eventually take Albert’s job, which he did. I imagine Albert will do the same with Robinson. Still, his main job for the Jaguars is to play left tackle. Any nurturing or tutoring that takes place is a bonus.

Ed from Ponte Vedra, FL:
The last few years I have made a bet involving a steak dinner based on predicting the number of games the Jaguars were going to win. Needless to say I am a few steaks short. This season the bet is that the Jaguars will pick (no trades) 11 or above. I know you do not promote gambling but what do you think of my new approach?

John: I don’t think you’ll be buying this time.

Noel from St. Augustine, FL:
Hey, O! … I, for one, did not see Albert’s absence from OTAs as an issue. That being said, I thought he handled the onslaught of questions about it during the press conference very well. Handled it like a pro. I think he will be solid at left tackle for at least a couple of years.

John: I thought the most interesting part of Albert’s media availability Tuesday was how the last six months helped him mentally, physically and spiritually. He talked of the last three years being hard on him, sounding like a man who had reflected and who had come to the conclusion he was pretty drained early this offseason. He also sounded like a man who was content with his actions the last six months, and comfortable with the idea that he will now play for the Jaguars at his existing contract. He certainly sounded optimistic the last few months had done him some good on many fronts. Perhaps that is the case, and perhaps he has a couple of more good years. If so, good for the Jaguars.

Chris from London, UK:
Big O, not going to lie: I’m quietly confident for this season. The schedule on paper doesn’t look bad. The secondary looks slightly improved. The pass rush should be better as Dante Fowler Jr. and Yannick Ngakoue were in their rookie seasons. The wide receivers are still very strong. The offensive line is no worse maybe slightly better. If Leonard Fournette hits, we have a running game which should help out Bortles!!!

John: OK!!

Jim from St. Augustine, FL:
Zone, if GM Johnny-O was making the pick and needed a pass rusher, would you draft the player with the potential to become a threat rushing the passer because he first and foremost possessed the athleticism to possibly move around the defense, or opt for the guy that already had sound pass-rush moves, bend and technique off the edge but maybe wouldn’t offer as much versatility lining up elsewhere?

John: When drafting a pass rusher, I don’t care about moving around. I want a guy who scares quarterbacks and tackles with his ability to get around the edge and disrupt. Those guys are gold.

Jag Fan 818 from Jacksonville:
Hi, Zone. I’ve been reading where some fans are concerned because J.J. Watt will be in the Texans’ line in the regular-season opener. OK, we’ve played them twice a year and most of that was with J.J. playing. I believe the coaching staff will have something up their sleeve to cover him, just as they do with elite players on other teams. Our offensive line has a few different players then last year and so do all the other 31 teams. The importance of this game is that they are division rivals. I believe the Jags will be sharper and more focused with a hunger that says “Give us your best shot … you’re gonna need it. We’re here to WIN!” I for one can’t wait to see our defense stop the other teams. It will be fun to watch A.J. play against his old team. He has something to say to them for letting him go. It will be an interesting game for sure! Go Jaguars!!!

John: #DTWD

Dan from St. Johns, FL:
Fans are such an untrusting bunch, especially after losing so much. The questions about depth are particularly interesting to me. What is quality depth? A veteran that with name familiarity, but the inability to earn a starting spot? Hmmmm. I remember Drew Bledsoe used to quarterback the Patriots, then he got hurt and some unproven rookie late-round guy had to step in. The truth about depth is you don’t know until they play. Then, if they are good, they start or they go sign somewhere else. Is there anyone other than quarterback or offensive line you feel is on the verge of earning a bigger role?

John: Keep an eye on linebacker Blair Brown, safety Jarrod Wilson and cornerback Doran Grant. They have potential.

Jeremy from Wise, VA:
With Albert reporting and assuring he will be in camp, I see a LOT of competition on the offensive line and all spots on said line are open. And that is a good thing. What say you?

John: I say there will be a lot of competition. I also say I’ll be surprised if Albert, Cam Robinson, Brandon Linder, A.J. Cann and Jermey Parnell aren’t starting at tackle, guard, center, guard and tackle, respectively, for the Jaguars next season. Of that group I suppose Cann not starting would be the smallest surprise, but that would still be a surprise.

Rob from Brunswick, GA:
Albert reported. Now what? Is there a straight-up competition for left tackle? Or is it his to lose? I don’t think he (or anyone else on our roster) is truly good enough to have a starting job handed to them. Robinson especially, because he’s only a rookie. But that’s just my opinion. What’s yours?

John: My opinion is there will be straight-up competition for left tackle and that Albert will win that straight-up competition. I don’t think Robinson or many other players on the roster will have anything handed to them, but I think he will be one of the best five offensive linemen and I think that will mean him starting at guard.

Josh from Green Bay, WI:
What do you think the chances are that we as fans let the Branden Albert “issue” be what it has always been, a non-issue?

John: I think if Albert is good the Branden Albert Issue will be a non-issue as soon as the season begins. I think if he is bad it will be a huge issue until he’s good.

 

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O-Zone: Letter of the law

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Micky from Jacksonville:
Doug Marrone said he expects Blake Bortles to throw the ball zero times this season. Do you take this to mean they plan to throw 15-20 times or less? Zero doesn’t seem realistic this year … maybe in 2018.

John: I often have written in the O-Zone about the major difference between what is read and what is written. It’s just as true there often is a major difference between what is said and what is heard – and the latter is the case in this instance. Marrone did not say last Friday that he expects Bortles to throw the ball zero times this season. He did not say this because saying that would be stupid and Marrone is not stupid. He did say he ideally would like to run the ball every play and therefore he ideally would have Bortles throwing zero passes this season. He said that because he is a smart football man and he knows the Jaguars would win many games were they able to run every play. How did I take what Marrone actually said? I took it that the Jaguars want to run as much as possible in 2017 and control the tempo of games by doing so. I think they would love to plan on throwing 15-to-20 times a game; if they can meet that goal three or four times, it would be a hell of an accomplishment. If they can finish the season averaging around 30 passes per game, that would be a hell of an accomplishment, too.

Bob from Orange Park, FL:
When will the new “administration” allow the fans to attend a practice?

John: “Training camp.”

Josh from Pensacola, FL:
I completely understand why fans are bitter about the Branden Albert situation. Yes, OTAs are voluntary and I think most fans understand that. I think what makes us upset is that every other player is participating and we are in the midst of a culture change and it just simply looks bad. It’s not like Albert is some top-tier franchise-changing talent. He needs to be there. I wouldn’t mind if he never showed up seeing how I had never even heard of him until he signed with the Jags anyway.

John: A few thoughts. First, I think while most fans sort of understand what voluntary means most fail to understand that it’s really OK for people to follow rules. Second, the rules making OTAs voluntary were not put in place only for top-tier players; they were put in place for all veteran players and Pro Bowl players such as Albert and even marginal players can choose not to attend because voluntary means … voluntary. Third, I don’t know that Albert did “need to be there;” it’s quite possible that after nine NFL seasons he can prepare for a season participating in minicamp and training camp – and I’d actually be surprised if that’s not the case. Albert reported for minicamp Monday and I expect he will be in training camp. If he plays at the level the Jaguars expected when they traded for him, I expect the offseason mini-drama surrounding his OTA absence to be forgotten or little-discussed pretty quickly.

Bill from Folkston, GA:
If you had your way, are there any remaining free agents that you would have the Jaguars bring onto the team for camp at least?

John: Not particularly, no.

Justin from Hampton:
Who is the most impressive player in camp so far? (I hope it’s Bortles)

John: We who cover the Jaguars only have seen three full offseason practices, and because of its non-contact, unpadded nature, the work is very much geared to wide receivers, cornerbacks, quarterbacks, etc. Within that context, wide receivers Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee have stood out to this observer. Bortles has looked pretty good in stretches and not as good in other stretches.

Matt from Las Vegas, NV:
Hey, John. Based on your knowledge of Coach Marrone and Coughlin, what are some of the major changes players should expect for training camp? We know the ping-pong table is gone, but structurally, what should they expect? More time on the field? More hitting? Less time in meetings? Can coaches even make dramatic changes to training camp schedules? Thanks!

John: The rules of the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement make training camp pretty structured across the league, with teams permitted only one contact, padded practice per day and with contact limited to three hours a day. I expect the Jaguars’ contact period during training camp might be a touch longer than in recent seasons, but the team usually went about two-and-a-half hours in camp the last few years so there won’t likely be a huge increase. Marrone wants to run and he wants to emphasize physical play; because of that, I do expect there will be days on which the Jaguars emphasize short-yardage and run drills more than in the past, but again: there’s a limit to how much hitting any NFL team will do in training camp. Injuries are simply too costly and you can’t risk losing too many players in August.

Scott from Gilbert, AZ:
I only ever saw one collision that sent Greg Jones backwards, a hit from Bob Sanders that most definitely sent a message that day.

John: It was man versus man.

Bill from Hammock, FL:
Mr. O, it may be too early for this question but I keep thinking about our first game at Houston. J.J. Watt is back and apparently ready to go. I see this as a very difficult game for us offensively. Also, it would appear to be equally difficult for Houston’s offense (quarterback?) Who do you feel holds the advantage and how will the fan base perceive a poor Blake Bortles performance which may not be all his fault?

John: I think the first game of the 2017 season will be a defense-oriented game in the same sense as the Houston-Jacksonville meeting late last season was a defense-oriented game. Considering the way both teams are built right now, I would expect most games between them to be that way for the foreseeable future. The advantage for now goes to Houston because the Texans are the more proven defense – and team – with a more proven pass rush and they’re playing at home. I don’t think it’s a huge edge there, but it’s an edge. As for how fans will perceive a poor performance from Bortles, they won’t like it. There will be panic in the streets. The inbox will be ugly. People will call for Brandon Allen. Or Chad Henne. You know … pretty much how it is whenever a starting quarterback struggles.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:
Can we get a Tears for Fears at Daily’s review? Both the performance and the venue, please.

John: Saturday’s Tears for Fears show was my first Daily’s Place experience. While the band became world-wide sensations with their 1985 album, Songs from the Big Chair – Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” “Shout,” Head Over Heels,” etc. – College O-Zone’s interest in Tears for Fears centered on their 1983 debut, “The Hurting.” Though Tears for Fears were not “my band” in the sense of, say, the Ramones, Clash, R.E.M., Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, etc., I did consider “The Hurting” one of the great “progressive/new-wave” albums, and was therefore pleased when the band played four of its songs on Saturday. The Hurting’s offerings were weren’t crowd-pleasers, but for this aging ex-new waver/pseudo punker they were damned enjoyable. As for the venue, it’s pretty much what you would expect from this franchise since Shad Khan took over as owner – a pitch-perfect addition to downtown Jacksonville. There doesn’t seem to be a bad seat in the place, and I found no issues with the sound. Bottom line: It was cool. I liked it.

Ron from Virginia Beach, VA:
So have all our draft picks signed?

John: All of the Jaguars’ draft selections have signed except third-round selection Dawuane Smoot. I suspect Smoot will sign relatively soon and certainly well before training camp.

Stephen from Jacksonville:
Mike Pearson, Eugene Monroe and Luke Joeckel were all supposed to be the Jaguars’ “future left tackle.” Regardless of what the team has announced about Cam Robinson and the left-tackle position, everyone expressing concerns for the left side of the offensive line is validated by recent history. I think every Jaguars fan would hope left tackle is finally solved for the next decade with Branden Albert and Robinson. While Albert not joining the voluntary camp may have no effect on the football aspect of the position, an outside perspective of his absence suggests left-tackle instability possibly remains an issue in Jacksonville. Left tackle is going to be one of the team’s and fans’ top roster concerns until it’s not. Before then, everything surrounding left tackle (whether discussing mandatory/voluntary or rookie/veteran) is going to be magnified tenfold.

John: And here I thought people were just mad because Albert didn’t attend something he wasn’t required to attend.

 

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O-Zone: Bottom line

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Michael from West Palm Beach, FL:
I see that Branden Albert is going to show up for the minicamp. The Jaguars are under no obligation to give him anything more than he made in Miami. Maybe that is why Miami traded him. I would get him for the very least they can get him for: No up-front money, incentive-laden one-year contract. Next year be on the lookout for a good left tackle and dump this guy. He agreed to terms of the trade and then decided he wanted to renegotiate the terms. He has 10 years on him. How many good years does he have left in the tank? I say let the Jags pay as little as possible and go for a stud in free agency with four-to-six years in the league.

John: Your email seems bitter, and while you have every right to be bitter toward Albert, he had as much right in the last couple of months to opt not to attend organized team activities. The fact that most NFL players attend OTAs – and the fact that teams have managed to create a public perception that missing them equates to great moral or legal wrongdoing – the fact remains that OTAs are … VOLUNTARY!! They are also NON-PADDED, NON-CONTACT WORK!!!! Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone has said multiple times this offseason that while they are important, they are not practice. But I suppose I digress. To return to the point of your email, you’re right: the Jaguars are under no obligation to give Albert more than his contract calls for, and I don’t think they will. I think he’ll play for the contract he signed with Miami, which won’t be incentive-laden (because why would he agree to something so one-sided in the team’s favor?) but will guarantee his base salary when he makes the Jaguars’ 53-man roster. As far as your final point, I fear it shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the NFL. There aren’t many stud players at the left-tackle position in the NFL these days – and there sure aren’t stud free agents available in free agency in their fifth-to-seventh seasons. Besides, the Jaguars very well may have selected their left tackle of the future in April: Cam Robinson.

Steve from Ponte Vedra, FL:
You have a great sense of humor and a funny guy. Thanks for making me laugh.at times.

John: I showed my wife and son this email. My wife read it and in a confused voice asked what language it was written in. My son hurriedly left the room, saying something I thought I heard as, “Going to throw up … toilet … help.” So, thanks for making my day.

Steve from Nashville, TN:
From last year to this, what is the most noticeable difference you see from Mr. Coughlin now being leading this team?

John: Ryan O’Halloran seems much happier. Beyond that, it’s pretty much the same ol’, same ol’.

Charlie from Walmart Parking Lot, USA:
Dearest John, as I ruminate upon the steaming sewage posted occasionally by the angry mob, I cackle at the naive ingratitude displayed by the barbarians at the gate. They whine as they drown in their plastic cups of beer, spouting nonsense and drivel about wanting a winning team when they should be prostrating themselves on bended knee before our Great Khan, the artist of maintaining an NFL franchise in Ye Olde Jacksonvillage. Who are fans to question the divine right of NFL owners? Should they not dutifully support the team with their blood, sweat and tears and count themselves blessed to have one of the only 32 NFL franchises in the known world? Why is it so difficult for the brutes to trust in the vision and acumen of their football superiors? Do they want the team to hop across the pond permanently? Blind loyalty is their duty. Having an NFL franchise is not a right, it is a privilege!

John: I looked for sarcasm in your email. I didn’t see it, but maybe it’s there somewhere. Look, there’s a sliver of truth in what you write – that Owner Shad Khan, President Mark Lamping and the rest of the Jaguars’ leadership indeed have done remarkable work solidifying this franchise in Jacksonville. That in no way was a given five years ago and it has been anything but a simple, straightforward task. That said, Khan and the Jaguars’ leadership absolutely would tell you that fans – the barbarians at the gate in your analogy – have every right to question and complain about the franchise’s on-field performance. The Jaguars haven’t been good in recent years and fans deserve more for their reliable, loyal financial support. Leadership understands absolutely and without question that the team does not “deserve” loyalty and support. It must be earned. The Jaguars continue to work toward earning that, but until on-field results improve, there will be questions. Questioning absolutely is within the rights of fans.

Greg from Carlsbad, CA:
John, I don’t think you caught the specificity of Bill from Orange Park’s question. It’s very subtle. If they both become double-digit sack guys, will they have 20 sacks or will they have more than 20 sacks? Glad I could help.

John: Thank you. We don’t get a lot of subtlety ‘round these parts.

Rob from Brunswick, GA:
The voluntary organized team activities are over now, and the mandatory days start Tuesday. I never have attended an OTA, but can you explain the difference between them? Obviously one is mandatory and one is not, but is there any substantive difference in voluntary and mandatory OTAs? Also, if Branden Albert doesn’t report and is therefore officially holding out, how much money will he lose off his guaranteed contract? Is that league standard, or negotiated with a player’s contract?

John: In- and off-field structure of OTAs and the mandatory minicamp ultimately is determined by each team’s head coach. Still, there usually is minimal difference between the two – and there won’t be much difference for the Jaguars this season. There will be meetings, workouts and non-padded, non-contact practices. The major benefit of the entire offseason is to get players comfortable with the concepts they’ll need for training camp in July. Albert under NFL rules could be fined $13,400 for missing Day 1, $26,400 for missing Day 2 and $40,205 for missing Day 3 for a cumulative possible fine of $80,205 – if he missed minicamp. Which it doesn’t appear will be the case.

Paul from Jacksonville:
That Bob Sanders guy … he was pretty good. His presence changed everything for the teams he played on. The Colts’ defense went from “finesse” to feared. What are your thoughts or memories of Demond? Can you recall other non-quarterbacks who had such a dramatic impact for their team?

John: I have covered very few defensive players who made close to the impact on their teams as Sanders had on those Colts teams. Defensive end Tony Brackens had it at times for the Jaguars in the 1990s, and I see similar traits in current Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey. I always believed Sanders would have been the best safety of his era – better than Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed – had he been able to stay healthy. He never came close to doing that, and therefore is remembered mostly and unfortunately as afterthought. That’s unfortunate; he dominated games from a position where few players dominate games – and yeah, he was that good.

Casey from Duval:
Could you see us ending up with a starting offensive line consisting of Branden Albert at left tackle, A.J. Cann at left guard, Tyler Shatley/Luke Bowanko at center, Brandon Linder at right guard and Cam Robinson at right tackle?

John: It’s possible if Jermey Parnell isn’t available because of injury but beyond that, I doubt it. The Jaguars have expressed a lot of confidence in Parnell. I still see the most likely starting five as Albert, Cann/Robinson, Linder and Parnell. I doubt that changes.

Hunter from Jacksonville:
I just read an article about a team that skipped an OTA and the team was taken out for some go-kart racing. I began to ponder whether I could see this happening here until I remembered we hired Tom “get-to-work” Coughlin. I pondered no more.

John: To go-kart or not to go-kart … if that indeed is the question, it wouldn’t be answered by Coughlin. That would be Marrone’s decision. I liked what Marrone had to say recently about building camaraderie and chemistry. He basically said he believed relationships and bonds were built in football by players pushing themselves and working alongside one another in difficult practice and training situations. I agree. Not that Marrone wouldn’t enjoy a good day of go-karting. Who wouldn’t?

Michael from Newport News, VA:
I would take a record of 12-4, and most of our games being 10-3 scores, versus a below-average record and our players having great fantasy stats. Sacks, passing yards, rushing yards, receiving yards can help win a game but it is the final score that matters.

John: Well, yes.

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O-Zone: Learning to drive

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Chris from Mandarin, FL:
Do you think we’ll basically know what Dante Fowler Jr. is going to be this season based on how practices with the Buccaneers go given the way he disappeared during them last training camp?

John: We’ll know how Fowler is going to be this season based on how he plays this season. We may have a vague idea during training-camp practices if he has improved as a pass rusher because that’s where Fowler struggled against Tampa Bay last August. But remember: Fowler is still a young player. No matter how he fares in training-camp practices it’s very possible he will improve overall and as a pass rusher after that. It actually would be surprising if he’s as good in the preseason as he is in the regular season, particularly considering the things on which he is focusing are techniques that should be honed and improved once padded work begins.

John from Jacksonville:
I keep seeing that Barry Church, Tashaun Gipson, T.J. Yeldon, etc. “missed” OTAs? Is that true, or were they just not active during the on-field practices due to injury? OTAs also involve a lot of position rooms and install meetings as well as rehab on the sidelines, correct? Were they in attendance each day or did they truly miss?

John: I don’t know where you keep seeing Church, Yeldon, Gipson and the like missed OTAs. It probably wasn’t here, where I have been pretty consistent writing that the aforementioned players as well as players such as cornerback Aaron Colvin, tight end Neal Sterling, etc., in fact attended OTAs and worked on the side. The only Jaguars veteran not at the facility for any significant time during OTAs was left tackle Branden Albert.
Tom from Orlando, FL:
Out of left field … but if Fred Taylor doesn’t make the Hall of Fame, we should burn that place down. Just kidding; I don’t advocate violence. Just look at the tape. I can’t look at my wife with a straight face and explain half the stuff the man did. She just stares at me looking for answers and I shrug because there isn’t another person on this planet aside from Fred Taylor himself that can even attempt to rationalize what you see on film. HOF or bust!

John: Taylor was cool. A lot of people liked watching him, though it sounds as if you and your wife are perhaps more passionate about the topic than most.

Jaginator (formerly of) Section124:
There are few more misleading “stats” than the idea that 40 percent of our line will be new. Yes, there will be two new starters – but we let one starting-caliber player walk who was arguably our second-best blocker last year. So, from a unit that was one of the weakest parts of the team last year, we managed to upgrade a net total of one position. One hundred percent of the right side of our offensive line remains intact – and A.J. Cann and Jermey Parnell were borderline awful last year. I lost track of how many times I watched d-linemen simply run around Jermey “Statue” Parnell.

John: The statistic that 40 percent of the Jaguars’ offensive line will be new is in no way misleading. If Albert and Cam Robinson both start, two of five starters will be new. That by definition is 40 percent. Now, it appears from your email you don’t believe that newness upgraded the line; you are certainly entitled to that belief. The Jaguars obviously saw former left tackle Kelvin Beachum much different than many Jaguars fans and believed left tackle needed to be addressed in some capacity – either through free agency or the draft. They also saw Parnell and perhaps Cann differently than most fans and many observers. Were they misreading the situation? Perhaps. Did they do enough? Perhaps not. Either way, to say they didn’t address the offensive line is simply incorrect.

Richerd from Texas:
Which position groups do you think have the best backups on our team? I feel safe with our linebackers, tight ends and running backs (Watch out for Blair Brown). Quarterback, offensive line and cornerback are, umm, up in the air, meaning if one of the starters from those groups gets injured we will be hurting bad. Now to my actual question, if you had to choose two-to-three position groups with great backups, what would you choose?

John: I don’t think the Jaguars have great backups, because few NFL teams have great backups. They are relatively deep at running back, wide receiver if you consider Allen Hurns or Marqise Lee a backup and along the defensive line. The Jaguars aren’t so extraordinarily deep at any spot that they can afford injury there. Then again, few NFL teams have such depth.

Bryan from Portland, OR:
Freedom of speech is not just for those you agree with. There’s a reason it’s the FIRST amendment to the Constitution. It’s that important. Colin Kaepernick represents everything American democracy does BEST: the right to stand (or kneel) for what you believe in, and to say so publicly. And he has backed up his protest with charitable efforts in his community. For people like Jim to threaten financial hardships, however small, on a corporation if it employs Kaepernick is downright un-American. Of course, the ironic thing is the First Amendment also affords Jim and his ilk the right to make such ridiculous statements. I would hope the team would not pay any attention to Jim, or to me for that matter, and make a decision based on whether the player would be a better option than Henne (which he clearly would).

John: I ran this email to make the point that not everyone is anti-Kaepernick and not everyone is pro-Kaepernick. I actually have received far more emails supporting Kaepernick’s right to express his views in the manner he did than I received emails threatening to disassociate with the Jaguars if they were to sign him (something I don’t see happening). Bottom line? Many people disagree with Kaepernick’s actions, but most O-Zone readers support his right to express his beliefs. That pretty much covers this aspect of this conversation. Moving on.

Josh from Jacksonville:
O, everyone has been very high on putting Cam Robinson at left guard, but at the draft Nick Saban seemed against it, believing it would be a waste of talent. It’s not as if Jermey Parnell has been so stellar to have a solid hold on the right tackle. So, why do people believe it to be such a crazy idea to put him at right if he loses at left tackle? I mean moving our last left tackle to guard worked so well.

John: Nick Saban is a fine college football coach, but his thoughts on where Robinson should play in the NFL matter not one iota. And when I write that I believe Robinson will play guard this season, that’s what I mean – that he might play there this season and for the very short term before moving to a tackle position, probably left. Many young soon-to-be tackles have spent a year playing guard in the NFL. There’s little reason that can’t be Robinson’s path.

Mike from Eagan, MN:
Hey John, you said that the Jaguars don’t want to kick the tires on Nick Mangold because of his age … did you know that Mangold is only 10 months older than Branden Albert, who you’ve assured us ISN’T actually old yet? And Mangold has played at a much higher level than Albert as well … so, why is Mangold too old but Albert is A-OK?

John: First off, I don’t know that I’ve assured anyone that Albert isn’t old. I know the Jaguars believe he’s an upgrade at left tackle and that his run-blocking can provide a dynamic there they didn’t have last season. As for who’s old and who’s not, football is a violent sport that ages different players at different rates. Some NFL players are old in their late 20s; others are young at 34. Maybe Mangold is still young. I suppose we may find out. But I doubt we’ll get a first-hand look in Jacksonville – at least not with Mangold in a Jaguars uniform.

KD from McAlester, OK:
There is a saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.” I’m applying this to the offensive line. For the last few years they have shuffled the line around with the same result. Insanity. Isn’t it time to allow the starting five to jell instead of waiting until Week 3 of the preseason to decide?

John: The definition of insanity actually is “the state of being seriously mentally ill; madness;” or “extreme foolishness or irrationality.” It was Albert Einstein who uttered the thing about “same thing over and over again …” and while that theory-of-relatively thing worked out well for him, he never learned to swim – or to drive – so should we really trust him with the Jaguars’ offensive line?

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O-Zone: Man with a plan

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Chris from Mandarin, FL:
Calais Campbell seems very excited about the level of play on defense. Telvin Smith is less so. One of them is either right, or it’s somewhere in the middle. If Campbell is right, is that because the defense is actually good or is it because the offense is bad and Blake Bortles is making bad decisions in practice?

John: I wouldn’t base too much on comments made by players during organized team activities. They provide perspective, but they’re probably not a deadly accurate description of what will happen next season. Still, in this case it’s possible – and even probable – that both Campbell and Smith are correct. Campbell when talking to the media this past Thursday expressed excitement about the talent level on the Jaguars’ defense, particularly along the defensive line; Campbell appears to like players such as Dante Fowler Jr., Yannick Ngakoue and Abry Jones. He thinks those players have a lot of ability and can form the core of a good, productive young line. I didn’t hear Campbell say anything about the actual level of play on defense, which was what irritated Smith when he spoke to the media earlier in OTAs. Is it possible Smith can see a need for better execution when looking at the same defense Campbell sees as being talented? Yeah, I’d say that’s possible and even probable. And, oh yes: in this case, neither was discussing anything that had anything to do with Bortles, so how about we not blame him this time? Hasn’t he been blamed enough already?

Trae from Ponte Vedra, FL:
John, imagine that the NFL was forced for some odd reason to rename the sport. Let’s just say soccer in America became wildly popular and it took over as America’s football falling in line with its foreign counterparts. What would you rename the sport our Jaguars play? Thanks.

John: Ted.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:
From what I can recall of the Marcus Stroud-John Henderson teams, the Jaguars had pretty-good-to-very-good defenses. There was one year – I think it was the 2007 team – where they consistently got pressure with four down linemen. They also had Rashean Mathis playing cornerback at a very high level. I also recall some good run blocking from the offensive line, with Chris Naeole and Brad Meester leading the way. The issue came from the passing game, which was consistently anemic. The quarterback play was not good and the receivers weren’t good, either. They simply couldn’t keep up with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. We will always have the game where MJD and Fred Taylor ran for 375 on the Colts. What were the Colts’ players saying after that game?

John: I seem to recall the general theme was, “How in the world did we give up 375 yards rushing … how does anyone?” That loss was part of a difficult time for that Colts team, a stretch late in 2006 when they struggled big-time defensively and when they uncharacteristically lost three consecutive AFC South games. What Colts players said after that game wasn’t as significant as what Head Coach Tony Dungy said – that the defense was fixable, and that there was no reason to panic. The Colts lost one more regular-season game after the Jaguars loss – at Houston – then got safety Bob Sanders back from injury before winning four postseason games, including the Super Bowl.

Daniel from Jersey City, NJ:
O-man, I can’t wait until we don’t have to talk about 1999 to remember the good times. It has been so long that we should ban talking about it. As beautiful as it was at the time, it’s now ancient history and basically irrelevant now. Here is to being ready for another great season so we can put 1999 behind us.

John: We have 365 days a year to talk Jaguars in this forum. I don’t think it’s ridiculous to spend a few days talking about the ’99 team on occasion.

Bill from Orange Park, FL:
If Yannick Ngakoue and Dante Fowler Jr. both become double-digit sack guys in the future, do you think they could combine for 20 or more sacks?

John: Hold on …

Nathan Provo, UT:
This could be considered one for Leonard Fournette – a.k.a., “Freebird.” Your response involving “elite quarterback play” … I disagree. Just the threat of a “take-it-to the-house” running game, which the Jags now have, will take much pressure off Bortles. What’s your re-take? I mean, the jags had NO running game, or running threat last year. So teams were able to pin back their ears on defense and get away with it. Not anymore …

John: You’re talking about a recent question that asked the best formula for turning the franchise around. I answered, “Elite quarterback play, a better turnover ratio and a dominant pass rush.” I don’t have “re-take.”

Robert from Van Nuys, CA:
Do you agree that in next year’s draft we are going to take a quarterback and then second, draft an offensive lineman? Do you think next year’s draft will be strong on offensive linemen?

John: Hold on. I have to find a large board to beat myself in the face with.

Otto from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
John, in my quiet moments when I start to fret about offensive line, wobbly passes, lack of depth, lack of finishing, I just sit down and chant: TC… TC… TC… TC… Then all seems better and I smile.

John: I’d say you need to get out more, but my quiet moments – while decidedly different – aren’t necessarily superior to yours.

KD from McAlister, OK:
No matter how outrageous you may think it is, the Jags will win 10 games this year. Bortles will protect the ball better while still being a gunslinger, Fournette and the offensive line will wear down defenses. Our secondary will shut down offensive passing games and the Jaguars WILL pressure the opposing quarterback consistently. New attitude, everything is in black and white, no gray areas. Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone are here and they will have a much more disciplined, mentally- and physically-tough team. Our young players we have been waiting to develop will take a leap this year and the team will believe in both themselves and the culture for which they work. So there it is, take with a grain of salt, just my OPINION. Not that it matters much.

John: OK.

Sam from Florida:
Dante Fowler Jr. was never a big sack guy at Florida. Why does everyone think that will all of a sudden change?

John: Because he has the skill set to be a sack guy and because he was the No. 3 overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft. I’m the first one to say it’s understandable he had just four sacks in his first season because of many, many factors. Still, that doesn’t mean more shouldn’t be expected moving forward.

Alex from Los Angeles, CA:
There is a very simple reason Colin Kaepernick isn’t an upgrade, or on an NFL roster: he can’t play in the pocket. No team is going to tailor an entire offense around a backup. Same reason RG3 doesn’t currently have a job, either.

John: Hmmmm …

Jason from Tampa, FL:
When mentioning offensive-line rotations, I haven’t really heard you mention Earl Watford. Is it possible the Jaguars gave him $1.25 million guaranteed just to cut him before the season? I guess the best comparison would be Mackenzy Bernadeau from last year, but that was only a $750,000 guarantee. Looking at past free-agent signings in the Dave Caldwell era, I don’t see any who were given that size guarantee who failed to make opening day roster. Doesn’t Watford’s contract all but guarantee that he will be on the roster and in the offensive-line backup rotation come opening day?

John: I actually haven’t discussed the details of offensive line depth all that much, but I did leave Watford out when discussing that this week. That’s on me, and you’re right: I think Watford probably is on the roster. Good catch.

Cornel from Santa Maria, CA:
It appears that all of the talent acquired through the draft and free agency and the new coaching staff has made the Jags a possible playoff team. With all of this new talent on both sides of the ball and the new coaching staff – along with the money spent – it seems like a shame to go into another season with the most important position – quarterback – a question mark. I understand he has worked hard on his footwork and throwing, but his decision-making and pocket presence are unknown for the upcoming season. There must be a Plan B to ensure all of this effort and money is not wasted on yet another mediocre season. Your thoughts.
John: My thoughts are many fans have talked a lot this season about a Plan B. My thoughts are also that any Plan B that would have been put in place wouldn’t have made me feel more about the Jaguars making the postseason than Plan A.

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O-Zone: Flair for the dramatic

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Richerd from West Texas:
All right, I get it: every quarterback throws different, but I hate seeing these slow-mo videos of Blake Bortles throwing. Why slow mo? They should speed up the video to make his throw look good. For one, it’s OTAs, so there’s really no reason his throws shouldn’t be on point – and they should look good! This is the highest level of professional sports, and he just seems like an unnatural thrower of the football! Did you take my anxiety medicine? I can’t find it. I’m going to need it for this season, John!

John: My best advice for your anxiety is to not worry so much about Bortles’ motion. That advice isn’t to ignore his mechanics. Rather, it’s to point out that the motion isn’t his No. 1 issue – and his motion isn’t going to prevent him from being successful. As you note (or as I think you noted, anyway): NFL quarterbacks have succeeded with a variety of motions. Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin also said this week he liked Bortles’ results in this area this offseason, and it’s not Coughlin’s style to lie about or even sugarcoat a situation. My thought continues to be that Bortles’ 2017 season will turn more on his decision-making, pocket awareness and command of the offense than mechanics-based accuracy or inaccuracy. Maybe that will help your anxiety. Or you could just self-medicate. One’s probably as good as the other.

Jim from Jacksonville:
Are there actually people in Jacksonville who would allow Colin Kaepernick to play here? I believe that would be the worst mistake this organization could make. My favorite part of all football games is listening to our National Anthem. I do not agree with what he did in the past. If he was to ever become a Jaguar, I would burn every one of my T-shirts, Jerseys, hats, flags and posters. I have been a season-ticket holder for over 15 years. Having Kaepernick here would be a disgrace to our city, our military and our team.

John: I understand many people feel this way, and the feeling is to be expected. Kaepernick took a high-profile stand on an emotional issue; when you do that, there will be fallout. I don’t believe this is an overriding reason the Jaguars haven’t pursued Kaepernick this offseason, but I don’t think any NFL team discounts the reality that it would be an issue.

Aaron from Bethlehem, PA:
If Yannick Ngakoue and Dante Fowler Jr. both become double-digit sack guys in the future, do you think we can afford to keep both of them? Assuming we re-sign Blake Bortles and a couple of other key players?

John: Yes.

Marcus from Jacksonville:
I may be in the minority, but I’m not down on Fowler because his play didn’t live up to lofty expectations. I am down on him because of the high number of stupid and immature mistakes he made throughout the season. Lack of production is expected with a young player learning how the NFL game is played, but mistakes due to lack of discipline are unacceptable. I think he can get past that, especially with this new regime, and hopefully his future will be bright.

John: Fowler must cut out the silly mistakes and improve as a pass rusher. The two don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand, but they’re both issues that could improve with time, maturity and experience.

Ed from Ponte Vedra, FL:
This is not a negative comment on the O-Zone, but the more I read the more I get this sinking feeling that we will not be any better than last year? Do I need therapy?

John: I don’t take that as a negative comment on the O-Zone, because the O-Zone in recent months shouldn’t be interpreted as saying the Jaguars wouldn’t be better than last season. It is correct to interpret what I’ve written in recent months as saying I’m not buying this team as a double-digit-victory, postseason team. I don’t think it’s there yet. But do I think it will be better than last season? Absolutely.

Craig from Jensen Beach, FL:
I know David Caldwell said he wasn’t going to address the offensive line but there are still some solid veterans on the market that would at worst-case scenario give our guys a push. So, why are we not going after them? Guys like Nick Mangold and Ryan Clady, for example, would make a significant difference. Do we not have the cap space?

John: I haven’t heard Jaguars General Manager David Caldwell say he wasn’t going to address offensive line. If he had said that early in the offseason, he would have been lying because the Jaguars traded for left tackle Branden Albert and they selected offensive lineman Cam Robinson in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Those moves, by any measure, are “addressing the offensive line.” Forty percent of the line figures to be new. The Jaguars do have ample cap space, but they’re not going after Mangold or Clady for the reason most teams don’t pursue players: they do not believe they would make a significant enough difference to merit doing so.

Joe from F:
Assuming Robinson is one of the top five offensive linemen and he can move into guard, then it seems the question remains: is A.J. Cann a better guard than Tyler Shatley/Luke Bowanko is a better center? What is it about Cann’s game that has made him susceptible to losing his spot? Run blocking, pass blocking? Does it seem to be a more physical issue, technique or mental issue? I know you are not an offensive line expert, but your insight is probably more informed than mine.

John: There are many people trying to dig very, very deep into all issues regarding the Jaguars’ offensive line. That’s understandable, because it’s the offseason and we need a topic in which to dig. But there’s not really much to discuss here. Cann in general struggled last season, but if he plays to his potential there’s not much about his game holding him back. He’s a physically gifted guard capable of run-blocking and pass-blocking at a high level. Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone believes Cann’s capable of being a good NFL player and I think he’ll get a chance to prove it this season at guard.

Hunter from Jacksonville:
Do you get the impression that Jalen Ramsey will look to receive treatment on par with his talent – i.e., special?

John: Not particularly, no.

Kyle from Pensacola, FL:
Hello, Mr. O! No question, just a comment in regards to the previous question in regards to the Stroud-Henderson era: While quarterback surely mattered, David Garrard played well enough to get us to the Super Bowl in the 2007 season. We were just a couple of dropped passes away from beating the then-undefeated Patriots in the postseason. We also could not get to Tom Brady from the edge. Playmakers at defensive end and wide receiver might have done it, that year.

John: OK.

Keith from Palatka, FL:
Brian’s (from Charlottesville, VA) concern about the health and depth of our offensive line is a legitimate concern. We potentially have three starting-caliber tackles: Albert, Jermey Parnell, and Robinson. In a pinch, Patrick Omameh or Jeremiah Poutasi could play tackle. The odd-man out among Albert, Robinson, and Parnell could play left guard (Cann should be on notice) if Brandon Linder stays at right guard. Center is now a mystery. If Albert does show up, Robinson and Parnell may be battling for right tackle. Which five do you think will start on the offensive line (I know you have answered this previously, but that was before Linder’s switch to right guard)?

John: I don’t actually think center is a big mystery because I believe Linder will play center. I believe the Jaguars’ starting line will be Albert, Robinson, Linder, Cann and Parnell with Robinson being the obvious option to kick outside and play tackle if Albert or Parnell is unavailable. I project Shatley and Omameh to be the top backups on the interior with perhaps Bowanko, Chris Reed or Josh Wells in the equation. And I’ll repeat this: yes, line depth is a concern on the Jaguars – just as it is for pretty much every team playing professional football.

Tim from Jacksonville:
What type of surface will the flex field have?

John: It’s field turf designed by Hellas Turf System.

John from Jacksonville:
O, why does the NFL abide by this NCAA rule that prevents some rookies from attending NFL offseason activities? Seems to me that once the kids are drafted or signed, they wouldn’t be bound by any NCAA rules any longer.

John: It’s an NCAA/NFL rule not an NCAA rule.

Other Mike from Atlanta, GA:
…offseason mini-drama.” Don’t you mean, offseason melodrama?

John: No. When referring to Albert not being in organized team activities, I meant to write what I wrote: “mini-drama.” Had I meant melodrama I would have written something that meant something closer to melodrama – like “melodrama.”

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O-Zone: Admiration society

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Chris from Mandarin, FL:
Do you think Branden Albert will be here for mandatory work next week? Why wouldn’t the team consider keeping his contract figures the same, but guaranteeing them? I don’t think that would be a ridiculous ask on his part, especially at his age, the importance of the position and the money that was given to Calais Campbell. I’m sure Cam Robinson will be great in time, but I don’t think he could realistically play up to Albert’s level in his rookie year. Do you?

John: I do think Albert will be here for mandatory minicamp, but I don’t know that anyone outside Albert and his people know for sure. I agree that guaranteeing Albert’s contract wouldn’t have much downside for the Jaguars, but I don’t know that that alone will fix the situation. I’m also not a believer that Campbell’s situation has much to do with anything. Campbell was an unrestricted free agent entering the offseason and therefore was in a position to test the free market; Albert was under contract entering the offseason and therefore was not in a position to test the free market. Fair or not fair, the Jaguars traded for his contract and have a right to expect him to play under its terms; that’s part of signing a contract. I’m not as certain as you that Robinson will be great in time; though I absolutely believe he has that potential, he’s a rookie and therefore there’s nothing certain. Either way, I also would be surprised if Robinson is better than Albert this season. That’s why I continue to believe Albert will start at left tackle – despite the ongoing offseason mini-drama.

Logan from Wichita, KS:
When we had Marcus Stroud and John Henderson plugging up the middle (arguably one of the most formidable defensive-tackle combination to play the game), what did the Jaguars need to make that team a Super Bowl contender? Was it poor quarterback play or lacking talent at defensive end, or was it just too difficult to contend with the powerhouses of Peyton Manning and Steve McNair during that time?

John: I didn’t cover the Jaguars’ Stroud-Henderson era; I just saw them twice a season while covering the Colts. I do know the Colts of that era respected those Jaguars teams very much and considered the games critical to achieving their regular-season goals. The Jaguars had a couple of really good teams during the Stroud-Henderson era. Why didn’t they reach the Super Bowl? The same reason most teams in the AFC didn’t have postseason success during that time. New England was the dominant postseason AFC team of the era, and when the Patriots weren’t getting to the Super Bowl, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis were getting there. Quarterback, quarterback, quarterback.

David from Orlando, FL:
O-man: With the emphasis on player safety today, are practices getting more mental and less physical?

John: Yes.

Limo Bob from Neptune Beach, FL:
I just re-watched the Jags’ win over Titans last year. At one point in the game, Fowler on three straight third-downs made plays to get Tennessee off the field. Why is everyone so down on him?

John: People are down on Dante Fowler Jr. because he was the No. 3 overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft and didn’t have double-digit sacks as a first-year player. With early draft position comes great expectations. As your question implies Fowler indeed made plays last season and had moments when he made momentum-altering plays. I don’t think that will change because Fowler has a lot of talent and athleticism. His task now is to develop his pass-rush moves to the point that he can be consistently productive on that front.

Jeff from Jacksonville:
My expectation for this season isn’t playoffs; it isn’t even a winning record. My expectation is to show up to the game and actually enjoy it for four quarters. I know the Jags aren’t going to win every home game and I know I’m going to have to listen to the other team’s fans celebrating. I just want the games to be close enough to keep them quiet until the end and then walk out knowing their team could have just as easily lost.

John: I think the Jaguars will more than meet those expectations in 2017.

Mike from Cortland, NY:
In what world is Colin Kaepernick “not an upgrade” over what we have on our current roster? He makes significantly less mistakes with significantly less talent surrounding him. It’s not often you can get young, talented quarterbacks with a proven pedigree in free agency in June for pennies on the dollar. I don’t understand how it’s a bad football move considering the significantly low risk and high reward.

John: This is one part of the Kaepernick discussion …

Mike from Syracuse, NY:
I keep reading questions about the Jags signing Colin Kaepernick to compete with Blake Bortles bringing up Kap’s Super Bowl appearance. They do know the year he went to the Super Bowl, Alex Smith was the starter for most of the year and the strength of their team – defense and Frank Gore – is what got them to the Super Bowl? Yes, he had some good plays mainly with his legs and escaping the pocket, but after teams figured him out, he did nothing following the Super Bowl appearance and got beat out by Blaine Gabbert – who Jaguars fans should remember even if they don’t want to. So, I guess my question is why do they want to bring in a guy who got beat out Blaine Gabbert?

John: … and this is another side.

Brian from Charlottesville, VA:
Brandon Albert hasn’t played 16 games since 2011. He only has averaged 12 games played per year since then. Brandon Linder has never played 16 games in a season. Jermey Parnell was hurt for a good part of the year last year and likely should have sat due to how poorly he played when injured. The Jaguars’ front office seems to be approaching the season with a mindset of “If we’re healthy on the O-line, we feel good about our starting five.” The odds of all five guys with this injury history remaining healthy for 16 games doesn’t look good. If two starters go down for any stretch of time, it feels like a disaster waiting to happen. It feels like the type of thing that could make the difference between 9-7 and 5-11. What are your thoughts?

John: If the Jaguars feel awesome about their starting five and worried about their offensive line depth that makes them one of upwards of 30ish teams in the NFL in that situation. Few NFL teams have five quality starters on the offensive line; far fewer have depth.

Kingsavardied Harvin from Yakima, WA:
What will be the Jags BEST shot at turning the franchise around?

John: Elite quarterback play, a better turnover ratio and a dominant pass rush.

Paul from Jacksonville:
R.J. Soward, as disappointing as he was, was not the beginning of the end. Bryce Paup, and many of the other high-priced, underperforming FAs and the contracts we threw at them in an age of a restrictive salary cap were.

John: Many things conspired to make the Jaguars a four-time playoff team from 1996-1999 and many things conspired to unceremoniously end that reign. The high-priced underperforming free agents were absolutely chief among them.

Larry from Brunswick, GA:
Hey, John. When will the Jaguars’ practices be open to the public?

John: Training camp. I expect a schedule to be released soon.

David from Orlando, FL:
O-Zone. We should keep Brandon Albert at left tackle because it’s his natural position and move Cam Robinson to guard. When Albert retires or moves on Robinson can move to left tackle. I know, you’re thinking, “Well, thanks for that insight, Captain Obvious.” Then I say, we need to use the same “obvious” logic for our situation at middle linebacker. We move Poz back to the middle and Myles Jack to the strong side. Captain Obvious, strikes again! BOOM! Done! Next …

John: I wouldn’t call Posluszny-Jack as obvious as Albert-Robinson. Though I agree that there’s quite a bit of risk to switching Posluszny and Jack, there’s also big reward from having a player with Jack’s physical gifts. That reward probably does outweigh the risks. That’s not as true with Albert and Robinson.

Wallace from Jacksonville:
The comparison of Fowler to J.J. Watt and Vic Beasley as justification for his poor productivity in his first NFL season is not fair. Neither Beasley nor Watt were No. 3 selections in the draft; however, Joey Bosa was the No. 3 selection in the draft, just like Dante Fowler. How did Bosa’s rookie stats compare to Fowlers? The answer explains much of the angst among Jag fans.

John: So, it’s fair to compare Fowler to the player of your choice but not to other players who have been in similar situations? OK. Wow, now that really is fair.

Dwayne from Jacksonville:
Speaking of 2 BrandX’s on the O-line … why DID they name the O-line after you?

John: Admiration.

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