Category: Uncategorized

O-Zone: Teach your children

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Jerell from Columbia, SC:
Why does Doug feel the need to lie about benching Bortles in practice? Rest? Wasn’t the team off on Friday? Bortles only threw five passes Thursday night, right? Please cut the BS. By all accounts, Bortles threw two pick-sixes halfway through practice. Why can’t he just say Bortles is buns?

John: You’re referring of course to what nearly was the biggest news Sunday at Jaguars training camp: backup quarterback Chad Henne taking repetitions with the Jaguars’ first-team offense during the last half of practice. This indeed came after Bortles threw a couple of interceptions that were returned for touchdowns – one by middle linebacker Paul Posluszny and another by cornerback Tyler Patmon. I’ll be the first to admit: when Henne first started taking first-team repetitions, I wondered if Head Coach Doug Marrone was sending a message to Bortles – or if Marrone just wanted to see the offense with Henne. But Marrone said afterward Henne’s first-team reps had nothing to do with Bortles’ interceptions and everything to do with resting Bortles’ arm. And the reality is the Jaguars are two-and-half weeks into training camp with two dual practices scheduled for Monday and Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It stands to reason Bortles will take a ton of first-team repetitions – and make a ton of throws – in those practices. Will Marrone eventually pull Bortles if he throws costly interceptions? I don’t think there’s any question about that. Was he lying about Bortles Sunday? I have no reason to think that.

Brandon from Athens, GA:
If Chad Henne looked comfortable with the ones and they were also crisp, could it be legitimate that he pushes Bortles for the starting job? Marrone wants the best, right?

John: We’re not there yet. I’m not saying we won’t ever, ever get there. I’m not saying Bortles has looked great in training camp. I’m not saying Henne didn’t look good Sunday when running with the first team, and I’m not saying the offense didn’t look crisp. I’m just saying when it comes to Henne legitimately pushing Bortles for the starting job … we’re not there yet.

Mark from Archer, FL:
The Flex Field is cursed! Seriously, though: bring on the people who are going to over-react to everything that happened Sunday. Two questions for you now. I know the head coach wants players to earn a spot. But at this point, we all know Cam Robinson is the starting left tackle. They need to stop rotating him with other people; he is a rookie and he needs all the reps he can get with the starters. Secondly, what do you think it means that they put Paul Posluszny with the first team?

John: It’s wonderful that you and everyone know the Jaguars’ starting left tackle – and I absolutely agree that Robinson will start there Week 1. But Marrone believes rookies should earn positions for a reason, and there’s nothing wrong with making Robinson earn that. Robinson got plenty of first-team repetitions Thursday against the Patriots, and I imagine he’ll continue to get plenty of first-team repetitions the rest of the preseason. What does it mean that Posluszny worked with the first team Sunday? It means the coaches are considering whether Posluszny in the middle with Myles Jack at strong side and Telvin Smith at weak side is their best linebacker corps in base. My sense is that will be the case and that you’ll see that lineup in base with Jack and Smith staying on the field in nickel situations. It’s an easy solution that makes sense.

Bill from Folkston, GA:
Hey, John. Have to admit I am getting a little tired of all the quarterback questions. I am hoping for the best with Bortles but actually think we will be drafting early again next year. My question: what is your opinion of Dawuane Smoot so far? Did we catch lightning in the bottle again in the third round?

John: I haven’t focused as much as I should have on Smoot in practice or in games. Strong-side ends don’t always stand out to the naked eye the way edge rushers or interior defensive linemen do. But everyone I’ve asked around the organization likes Smoot. A lot. Lightning in a bottle? I don’t know. Good draft selection? The signs are there.

Chris from London Town:
O’Mighty O, please give me some good news on Marqise Lee. Please say he’s only out for two-to-three weeks. I honestly believe when fit and over the last 12 months he is our best wide receiver. Sure, Allen Robinson is close – and the fact he stays healthy puts him slightly ahead – but on pure playing talent Lee was going to be the man this season!

John: I can’t get on board with Lee being ahead of Robinson. I’m as big a fan of Lee’s athleticism and playmaking as anyone – and I believe he is critical to the offense this season – but Robinson throughout training camp has been the Jaguars’ best, most-reliable receiver and I doubt that changes during the regular season. Robinson looks the part of a player destined for a huge year. As for your request, it appears there is good news regarding Lee. The team has not issued anything official, but all reports are that Lee’s injury is comparatively minor and that his season is not in jeopardy. It looked far worse when it initially happened.

Pookie from Panda City:
Under the previous regime, Todd Wash’s defenders couldn’t tackle. All the changes were made and Wash was replaced with Wash – and still Wash’s defenders can’t tackle. I think this is one of those “trend” thingies. Short of firing Wash and then hiring Wash, what’s it going to take to get our defenders to stop bouncing off the ball carrier like balloon animals?

John: What?

J-Smooth from Jacksonville:
The Albino Tiger strikes again!!

John: This refers of course to Lee’s aforementioned injury Sunday. It’s understandable a casual observer would think this, because a casual observer would see news that Lee sustained an injury and remember that former Jaguars offensive coordinator Greg Olson once referred to Lee as the “Albino Tiger” because he was rarely practicing at the time. That was during a period when Lee struggled with soft-tissue injuries to the point that frustration on the part of all parties – Lee included – was understandable. Sunday’s injury occurred during practice when Lee was trying to stop during a route. It was an unavoidable occurrence that could have happened to any player under the same circumstance. Frustrating? Frightening? Sure. An Albino Tiger-type of situation? No – not to the astute observers, anyway.

Josh from Pensacola, FL:
Thunder and Lightning were the two best receivers in Jags history, but as far as overall receiving corps go would you say this is the most talent the Jags have ever had?

John: It depends on how you measure talent. This is probably the Jaguars’ deepest receiving corps with the most upside potential. But Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell were phenomenally productive for an extended period – and were very talented. So, in terms of high-end talent? Give me Smith and McCardell. In terms of depth? The nod goes to the current group.

Dave from Duval:
You need to play as many games as you’ve missed to remove the label that Marqise Lee has. I’d like to see a second season of him staying healthy for the most part before you can trust that he’s going to be a long-term asset.

John: Lee has played 39 NFL regular-season games. He has missed nine regular-season games.

Zeke from Duval:
Do you think the Jags should kick the tires on Robert Aguayo? Jason Myers’ stats haven’t been much better and a little competition could be good.

John: Aguayo as a rookie with Tampa Bay last season converted seventy-one percent of his field goals with a long field goal of 43 yards. Myers has made 82.8 percent of his field goals with a career long of 58. I do think the Jaguars will bring in competition if Myers struggles, but his statistics absolutely are better that those of Aguayo.

Josh from Pensacola, FL:
I don’t want to get too excited about Keelan Cole yet because I’ve only seen one game and it was preseason. But a 97-yard touchdown on what will likely be the longest touchdown reception of the preseason by any player in the league is nothing to turn the nose up at. Can’t ask for a bigger splash.

John: It’s wise to judge preseasons of reserve wide receivers with a wary eye. It’s very often the case that huge statistics by young wide receivers are compiled against third-team players, and the most productive preseason players sometimes don’t make the final roster. But I’m starting to get the sense that’s not going to be Cole’s fate. Through roughly two-and-a-half weeks of training camp, Cole has been productive not only in practice, but in games. He also is starting to show up on special teams, which is a key for an undrafted rookie trying to earn a roster spot. This kid may be more than splash.

Zeke from Duval:
Zone, I used to have a teacher who said “there are no stupid questions” … I always knew he was wrong.

John: There are no stupid questions – only stupid senior writers.
 
 

 
 

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O-Zone: Candy and crunchies

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Daniel Since Day One from Jax:
Paul and you miss the point. We know what Blake Bortles can do. Many of us want to know if Chad Henne‘s years of experience have made him a better decision-maker. We want to know what the young kid – Brandon Allen – looks like against real competition. If Blake played half the game, I’d be OK with that, too, because his three years have not turned into experience that has made him better yet. If he’s going to get better, it’s going to come from playing more. So far, his career path looks just like Henne’s, without the last four years of training.

John: I can’t speak for Paul, but I didn’t miss the point – and I understand what fans want. I also understand that’s not going to sway the Jaguars’ decision-making (nor should it) and I understand that there’s no inclination to upheave the quarterback depth chart – or to vary the quarterback rotation in preseason. The preseason is about getting the team prepared for the regular season – and about evaluation. If the coaches and decision-makers feel players need to rotate with the first team to evaluate, then that will happen. If they don’t, that’s not going to happen – and it’s sure not going to happen because the fans want to know something. Until something dramatic happens or until someone says differently, Bortles is the starting quarterback, Henne is the backup and Allen is the third-team quarterback. Preseason repetitions will reflect as such.

Nathan from Fort Belvoir, VA:
Do you believe Tom Coughlin will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame? It seems his resume is quite impressive.

John: Yes. And yes it is.

Marc from Oceanway:
When does the All Knowing Oehser-Sense predict Aaron Colvin will be off the PUP list?

John: I don’t pretend to be all-knowing, but I think Jaguars cornerback Aaron Colvin will be in the lineup Week 1 of the regular season.

Marc from Oceanway:
Curious how many emails you’ve received since our first preseason game commenting that Chad Henne or Branden Allen should be our starting quarterback?

John: A comical amount.

Hunter from Jacksonville:
Does Blake Bortles make the throw to Dede Westbrook?
John: Sure. It was a speedy wide receiver against a third-team defense in a non-game-plan situation? Bortles could make that throw. Henne made one like it in the first half. And Allen clearly made it. It’s a good situation to have a bunch of guys who can make that throw.

Bill from Hammock, FL:
O-man, so we do have a quarterback backup plan and they are on the team right now? I realize it is preseason, but both looked like they could manage an overall improved team.

John: Well, whaddayaknow?

Shawn from the Westside:
O, I seem to be the only one asking about fullback Marquez Williams. With Tommy Bohanon on the roster, what realistic chance does Marquez have to make the roster? I haven’t heard a thing and doubt the team will hold onto two fullbacks.

John: I don’t see the Jaguars keeping two fullbacks. Williams came off the physically unable to perform list last week, so this week’s practices against Tampa Bay and the next two preseason games – against Tampa Bay and Carolina – could go a long way toward deciding the fullback position.

Chris from Houston, TX:
Big O, clearly Leonard Fournette is not ready to handle press. Please have Jags PR get a hold of him before he makes anymore idiotic statements that will surely put a target on his back.

John: Fournette will be fine. He was trying to answer a reporter’s question honestly; in doing so, he said the transition to the NFL has been easy compared to what he expected – and the game isn’t as fast as he expected. It came out that he said the league was easy. That’s not what he meant, but it’s what was said – and that happens sometimes. Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone said Saturday he spoke to Fournette and basically told him to make sure he phrased things how he wanted to phrase them and to be careful he presented things in the manner he wanted. This, too, shall pass.

John from Jacksonville:
At LSU, Leonard Fournette looked like a man amongst boys. Was it just me, or did you notice that he seemed “smaller” against the Patriots? The NFL is definitely bigger and faster.

John: Well, of course it is.

Matt from Green Cove Springs, FL:
How realistic is it that our whole draft class makes the roster? Also, how many undrafted players do you think make the team? I know we’re still in the middle of camp and only one game into preseason, but I’m liking what I see so far.

John: It’s very realistic that the Jaguars’ whole draft class makes the final roster, but that’s not unusual. Most drafted players make the roster and many teams keep all of their drafted players. They’re affordable, and often make contributions on special teams. Teams also tend to keep drafted rookies because they know many players need a year to adjust to the NFL before making a jump in their second or third seasons. As for undrafted rookies making the final roster, right now I’ve got wide receiver Keelan Cole making it. We’ll see if the next two preseason games add any more candidates.

JT from Fort Worth, TX:
You got to talk about the level of discipline we can expect this year; last year obviously was a disaster. The first preseason game had moments (Fowler hands to the face and Brown forearm to helmet) of the old team. Do you hear that they are actively targeting discipline issues?

John: Yes.

Eric from Flowery Branch, GA:
Not just Yannick Ngakoue, but even Dante Fowler Jr. played really good Thursday. No, he didn’t record any sacks, but I saw countless quarterback hurries because of him always being right there just inches away. One thing I learned long ago is quarterback hurries can be better than sacks if they’re forcing turnovers.

John: True that. One thing the Jaguars can rely on from Fowler is constant, maximum effort – and he showed that Thursday. He still needs to improve his pass-rushing technique, but he worked and efforted his way to a lot of disruption. That’s not nothing.

Marcus from Jacksonville:
Mark me down as another vote for Brad Allen. Brad seems like a great guy and a good football player at the position he plays.

John: Play the kid.

Dave from Duval:
I was wondering why Brad Allen is not used more, too. Get him the ball on a jet sweep or put him in special team to be a gunner.

John: Play the kid.

Charles from Midlothian, VA:
Fair to say the team under Marrone played to win and not to “get better?” Seemed to me even the third and fourth string played with a sense of purpose and intensity.

John: Sure, the Jaguars played to win Thursday – and they’ll play to win this season. Just like every other team I’ve ever covered.

David from Oviedo, FL:
Zone – I know it’s a good problem to have, but the Jags are going to have to cut some talented receivers. After one preseason game, who do you think are the leading candidates for the last spot(s)?

John: I think the Jaguars’ top four receivers will be Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Marqise Lee and Dede Westbrook and I think Arrelious Benn will be on the team. I think Rashad Greene is going to have to play well in training camp to hold off Keelan Cole if the Jaguars keep six receivers.

Ric from Jacksonville:
Hi, John. I realize this was only one preseason game, but I was pretty encouraged by the play of the starting offensive line. It might have just been my bad eye keeping me from seeing reality, but it seemed as though they pass protected pretty well and they got a bit of a push off the line for the backs. And Cam Robinson seemed to hold his own too. Leonard Fournette and Chris Ivory look to be great backs. However … maybe … possibly … this line and its rookie left tackle isn’t as questionable as I thought they were. Were you seeing the same thing I was seeing or is it just wishful thinking on my part … and my bad eye?

John: Your eye is pretty good. The offensive line wasn’t perfect Thursday, and the unit wasn’t blowing open gaping holes early on every play. But guess what? NFL offensive lines don’t blow open gaping holes on every play. Rushing in the NFL usually is about a yard here, two yards there, six yards there, one yard here, one yard here, 12 yards there … That was the sort of rushing game the Jaguars were having the other night. But yeah … there was some cause for optimism on the offensive line Thursday. I wouldn’t say there was cause for cartwheels, candy and cinnamon crunchies, but it was a good start.
 

 
 

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O-Zone: Linemen stuff

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Michael from Tupelo, MS:
O-man: I am rooting for Blake Bortles, but when you are in Year Four and you are uncertain if he is the man, then he probably isn’t.

John: This feeling is understandable – and it’s understandably shared by many Jaguars observers. If you judge simply by history – and history doesn’t always dictate these things – the odds are against a quarterback emerging from such uncertainty to become elite. But history also tells you players such as Brett Favre, Eli Manning and Alex Smith have overcome slow career starts to become perennial playoff quarterbacks. That’s not to say Bortles has many of the earmarks of reaching the level those players eventually attained. So far, he honestly does not. But if history isn’t on Bortles’ side, there are at least a few examples that can give him hope.

Tom from Section 141 and the Mean Streets of Nocatee:
Leonard Fournette and Chris Ivory are probably both in the victory formation, so that’s at least 16 times they’ll be on the field at the same time. #Moodachay

John: Fair point. #Moodachay

JT from Jacksonville:
What are your thoughts on Myles Jack? Do you think he can be the leader on defense that his position needs him to be?

John: Yes, Jack can be a leader. More pressing now is the adjustment on the field. Jack has big-time athleticism, speed and ability to chase down plays – and he thus far since moving to middle linebacker appears very comfortable and effective in nickel situations. He has appeared less comfortable in base packages – first and second down, usually – and said after Thursday’s game he missed too many tackles and wasn’t thrilled with his performance. Linebacker Telvin Smith said afterward he liked Jack’s progress, but Jack clearly needs to get better and more natural in the base packages where last year’s middle linebacker – current strong-side linebacker Paul Posluszny – excelled.

Iron John from St. Augustine, FL:
Watching Jack, it’s clear that middle linebacker is a “nowhere-to-hide” position in today’s NFL. He made some great athletic plays, but there were a couple where he just took one step in the wrong direction, or was just a little slow to get the right angle – and BOOM – instead of a short gain, it’s five or six yards. (Poz made it look so natural.) Jimmy Garoppolo threw over Jack a couple times—was that too short a drop, or maybe miscommunication with the safeties? Seemed like Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was picking on middle linebacker a little, especially in the second half.

John: Good eye.

Paul from Jacksonville:
Starting quarterback plays two series against the best players opposing team put on the field. Result: not awful, but not amazing – just solid. Second-string quarterback comes in and plays well against mostly second-teamers. Third-string quarterback comes in and plays well against third-teamers and lower. Fans: The starter stinks! The season is OVER! God, I missed preseason football!

John: Your email nicely sums up one of the toughest aspects of analyzing the NFL preseason. Many observers want to take what they see, make side-by-side statistical comparisons, then start quickly rearranging the depth chart based on that initial impression. What happens against starters is dramatically different than what happens against second-teamers – and what happens against third teams is often happening against players who won’t be getting paid to play football for long. Add in the oft-forgotten fact that teams rarely game plan much – if at all – early in the preseason, and it’s just hard to draw many rock-solid specifics from games played in early August.

Daniel Since Day 1:
#TCTWD #DMTWD #SKTWD

John: Run DMC! NWA! REM!

Alon from Denver, CO:
For as long as I’ve been reading this daily mail bag, some fan has always fanned over the quarterback, capitalizing their concerns and begging for our backup – regardless of who that backup is. I get it: fan is gonna fan, but for the sake of sanity we have all seen Chad Henne play. I totally see his place on this team as a quintessential vet/mentor. But no one can reasonably argue that Henne is more talented, physically gifted, or in any way a better quarterback, than Blake Bortles. Fellow Jaguars fans: if Blake Bortles sucks this year, it’s over; we won’t have to deal with him again. So please: suck it up and support your quarterback. Then again there will always be a backup… and fans… I feel for you O.

John: Feel for me? No need. Fans are always gonna fan, and there’s little that says fanning quite like preseason backup quarterback fanning.

Gamble from Brasilia, Brazil:
Thursday’s results didn’t make me think the Jaguars are magically going to the playoffs. But Thursday did make me think the Jaguars are trying to be the top rushing team in the NFL. What would they need to do to make that happen?

John: Wait for it, wait for it, wait for it … rush for more yards than any of the other 31 teams!

Berry from Camp Buehring, Kuwait:
How did you feel about Leonard Fournette? Did he remind you of anyone? He loosely reminded me of Le’Veon Bell Thursday. I don’t think the Jaguars have ever had a running back as physical as Fournette.

John: I don’t see much Le’Veon Bell in Fournette; Bell is unique in his patience allowing plays to develop. I still like the Adrian Peterson comparison. It’s not an identical match, but Fournette’s aggressiveness and power does bring Peterson to mind.

Stephen from Glorieta:
Logan, George and Tom have pummeled me into a major depression with their comments on the offensive line and Blake Bortles. I see no point in watching the Jags play at all this season and probably the next. I find myself hoping that the solar eclipse this month will, in fact, be an unforeseen catastrophic event that will plummet us into a new ice age. They can’t all three be wrong, can they, O-man? Is football as we know it, over? Give me a reason to hang on. PLEASE! P.S. Good luck with that whole senility thing … you probably have already forgotten about it, anyway.

John: What?

Dave from Duval:
If it hasn’t been spread around the league yet it will. Dante Fowler Jr. can be provoked easily. Absolutely he can.

John: Fowler’s tendency for penalties and on-field mental lapses is a concern for many reasons, including the one you cite.

Brian from Greenwood, IN:
True or False: 1) By Week 10, Marqise Lee will be the best wide receiver on this Jaguars team; 2) Blake Bortles will be a Top 10 quarterback this year.

John: False, but maybe true. False, but probably false.

Steve-O from Da Burg:
Is it possible Henne has improved over the past couple of years to where he is better than BB5?

John: Chad Henne always has been a good backup quarterback. That’s why he is considered one of the better backup quarterbacks in the NFL. Could he have stretches where he outplays Bortles if Bortles is struggling? Perhaps. But one preseason game does not mean he is better than Bortles or that he should be the Jaguars’ starting quarterback.

David from Orange Park, FL:
What are your thoughts on Jason Myers’ performance against the Patriots? I feel like every kick, regardless of distance, is a roll of the dice with him. Do you foresee any free agents coming in to challenge him?

John: Not at the moment.

Ray from Jacksonville:
How is it that Leonard Fournette “looked like the real deal” when he averaged less than four yards per carry against the second-stringers?

John: Because he broke tackles and turned potential no gains into short gains, and showed the ability to consistently get yards after contact. And because when you “watched him run” he “looked” like the “real deal.”

Terry from Jacksonville:
Is there a reason why the Jags do not use Brad Allen. If he is no good, why do they keep him??

John: I truly have no idea what you’re talking about.

Trae from Jacksonville:
John. We should not be excited at all about Monday night. Indifference would be the best attitude IMO: First preseason game against the Patriots reserves. No conclusions to draw from this.

John: I drew no conclusions from Monday night other than the chicken parmesan I got at Jake and Joe’s in Foxboro was better than I anticipated. I also enjoyed the side salad. As for Thursday, I’m the first to say there are few hard conclusions to be drawn from one preseason game, but you could see a few things against the Patriots that were encouraging. Some decent special teams play. Some good pass rush from Yannick Ngakoue. And there were some good things from Fournette – no matter what Ray might think.

Mike from Navarre, OH:
Which players come off the field for 7-on-7 work?

John: Four offensive linemen and four defensive linemen. The center stays on. Seven-on-seven is pass-oriented work, so linemen aren’t needed. They’re usually elsewhere doing linemen stuff during 7-on-7 – you know, getting dirty, working run blocking, having giggly pillow fights. The usual.
 
 

 
 

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O-Zone: Appointment viewing

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Six and counting.

Let’s get to it …

David from Section 222:
Zone, that might have been the most effective running game/offense I have seen from a Jaguars team in a long time, preseason or otherwise. The starting lines on both sides have inspired just a little optimism … is that wrong? (and shout-out to the Patriots television crew for having the wrong logo … smh)

John: The Jaguars’ running game indeed was effective Thursday. The area wasn’t mind-blowingly dominant, but it was more than good enough to inspire confidence. Considering the importance of continuity in the running game, it’s fair to expect this group to improve with time. The biggest factor is the presence of rookie running back Leonard Fournette. He has looked like the real deal throughout training camp and he looked like the real deal Thursday. At some point, when a guy looks like the real deal often enough, you start to realize maybe he’s … the real deal. So, no … it’s not wrong to be a little optimistic. Just don’t go overboard. It’s only Preseason Week 1. (as far as the logo incident … yeah, well …)

Jim from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
Bortles played OK Thursday? Piffle. Two of his receptions were thrown into double coverage, so he was one for five. Our best quarterbacks are sitting on the bench, in spite of what Doug Marrone says. Just saying.

John: Piffle?

James from Destin, FL:
John, um why is Blake Bortles not the third quarterback? His stats tonight say he should be. Chad Henne and Brandon Allen are both better. Come on, mannnnnn!

John: Bortles didn’t play enough Thursday to draw major conclusions. He played two series and threw five passes. Short of throwing three or four interceptions in those passes, nothing he could have done Thursday would have proven he shouldn’t be the Jaguars’ starting quarterback.

Jessie from Kissimmee, FL:
John, if T.J. Yeldon continues to underwhelm, do you think he is gone?

John: Yeldon hasn’t underwhelmed in practice, so no.

Dave from Glass Half Empty:
Zone, should we be concerned that our defense has so much trouble on third and long? I know it’s just basic coverage, but shouldn’t they at least stop one of those seam routes to the tight end?

John: I wouldn’t be concerned with very much that happened defensively after halftime Thursday. A lot of those players won’t be around for the regular season. I’d be optimistic about one particular thing I saw in the first half, though: the play of defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. If he plays this season like he did early Thursday, that will help a lot on third and long; he got really good pressure early. Either way, I wouldn’t panic over the pass defense just yet. Cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye and Aaron Colvin didn’t play Thursday; neither did defensive end Calais Campbell. Those guys matter in this defense. A lot.

Clayton from Gambier, OH:
Not a question, just an observation: Leonard Fournette should carry the ball 23-plus times a game with Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon being the complementary running backs.

John: I say 22, but OK.

Tim from Jacksonville:
Very impressed by Grant. He is definitely making a strong case for keeping him on the roster. What are your thoughts on Allen? Do you think his performance warrants having some movement on the depth chart?

John: I would be very surprised at this point if Corey Grant is not on the roster. His speed has shown up in practice and showed up Thursday, too. I think Brandon Allen had some good throws in the second half Thursday but I don’t see him moving up the depth chart because of it. Bortles is the starting quarterback, and Chad Henne showed on Thursday why he’s the backup.

Chris from Mandarin:
Are there certain questions journalists know they should not ask in a press conference? For example, I think we as fans would like to know directly from Blake Bortles why he cannot be consistent practice-in and practice-out, game-in and game-out. How would it go over if you or another reporter actually asked him why he is not consistent after putting so much of an emphasis on mechanics and decision-making?

John: Bortles actually is asked about accuracy and decision-making pretty consistently, particularly by those who cover the team locally – and he is as direct and as candid about areas he needs to improve as any quarterback I ever have covered. Has he been asked your question with that exact phrasing? Perhaps not. And would fans like the questions to be more confrontational, his press conferences more contentious? Perhaps. But Bortles is questioned pretty directly on a pretty consistent basis – and he is remarkably forthcoming when questioned more often than not. Also, there is an element of knowing what you’re going to get from the question. What could Bortles say to answer why he isn’t consistent? He doesn’t know. If he did, he would be more consistent.

Marcus from Jacksonville:
Is it safe to say that the joint practices with the Bucs will tell us a lot more about where the team is than the joint practices with the Patriots? Everyone has harped on the fact that there is a pretty wide chasm between the Jags and the Patriots, so hopefully seeing them against a team that is a little closer to their level will give us more hope, or at least more information.

John: Yes, I think that’s safe to say.

Dave from Duval:
There. You said it! You want your backup to give you the best chance to win the game. Chad Henne’s record is 18-35 as a starter. Henne is bad at what his main job. By your own reasoning. Yet, he’s on our team doing just that. Once again, when Chad leaves the Jaguars organization, he will not be signed ever again to an NFL team.

John: I don’t know when Henne will leave the Jaguars, though he – like all players – will leave some day. But if he were to be released after this season and chose to play again … once again, he absolutely would get the opportunity to be a backup somewhere. Quickly.

Emily from Richland, WA:
I’m curious as to why the Patriots agreed to practice with the Jaguars. I can see why the Jags wanted to practice with the Patriots, but why would the best in the league want to practice with a bottom-feeder? Why not pick a better team? Did Doug Marrone’s hiring have a hand in that?

John: Dual practices typically involve teams who are playing one another in a preseason game – usually an early preseason game. The visiting team in this scenario travels to the opposing city, the teams typically practice together twice, then the teams play the game. The Jaguars played the Patriots in the preseason opener, so the schedule lent itself to the teams practicing against one another this past week.

Dave from Duval:
Let’s don’t forget about another stat that BB5 has led the NFL in since he was drafted: batted passes at the line. Why do you think his passes get batted or returned for touchdowns so much more than the average quarterback?

John: Batted passes are typically about either defensive players making good plays to get their hands in front of passes, offensive linemen not blocking correctly to keep defenders’ hands occupied or quarterbacks not getting into proper position to throw through correct lanes. There usually is a lot of all three going on when a quarterback gets a lot of passes batted. As for the interceptions returned, one or two a season is fairly normal. Many more than that usually is about the quarterback making too many “uh-oh reads.”

MrPadre from Kingsland, GA:
Is it correct to think that even if the offensive line doesn’t improve over last season that Bortles should be better protected due to the fact we now have a fullback on the roster AND two large human beings as running backs in Ivory and Fournette? In your opinion, will we ever see Ivory and Fournette in the backfield together and if so, will this be to further protect the quarterback? Thanks and #DTWD

John: I don’t know how much a fullback and big running backs will help protect Bortles; while it can’t hurt, pass protection is more often the responsibility of the offensive line – and the quarterback knowing how to manage the pocket. I imagine you’ll see the occasional formation with Fournette and Ivory in the same backfield, but I doubt you will see it often.

Ryan from Duville:
It has been about a year since I’ve visited the O-Zone. Much like our team, I can see not a whole lot has changed. Same optimistic fans dreaming of the day Bortles develops, or the same pessimistic fan complaining about how we are going to be awful and blah blah blah… Just more of the same. Just different people running the circus.

John: Okey-doke. See you in a year. We’ll be here.
 
 

 
 

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O-Zone: Do the math

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Gary from St. Augustine, FL:
Branden Albert retired, unretired and now he mutually agreed to … what? WHAT!!??

John: This was the most-succinct version of what was understandably the most-asked question in the inbox Tuesday. I’ll do my best to simply explain a weird situation with one answer, although there are details we don’t yet – and may never know. The Jaguars’ press release Tuesday morning covered the bullet points: “On Monday, July 31, offensive lineman Branden Albert informed Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone that he was stepping away from the team. … On Friday, August 4, Albert approached the team about the opportunity to return to the NFL at a later date. … On Monday, August 7, team officials met with Albert and mutually agreed to place him on the club’s reserve/retired list. The team will provide no further comment on this situation.” That will remain the official word, but with reports that the Jaguars had the rights to recoup $3.4 million in signing bonus from Albert (actually paid by the Miami Dolphins) – and with Albert less than a week earlier expressing a desire to not play football anymore – it’s not unreasonable to believe he approached the team about playing to avoid repaying that bonus. It’s also not unreasonable to assume the mutual agreement reached by Albert and the Jaguars involved him not repaying that – and also involved him not playing for the Jaguars this season. It’s also reasonable to assume that Albert indeed won’t play for the Jaguars – and that this matter is at last officially closed. Then again, you know what they say about “assuming” …

Dave from Duval:
Dear Mr. O, now that Blake Bortles agrees with Allen Iverson that “it’s practice” and therefore the five interceptions in one practice are – shall we say? – a “learning experience,” any chance a quarterback not presently on the squad suits up for the Jaguars versus the Texans on opening day?

John: I assume you’re referring to Bortles essentially saying on Tuesday that it’s preferable to throw interceptions in practice than a game. That’s true, and Bortles’ answer was less about dismissing his five-interception practice earlier in camp than making the point that you need to learn from interceptions. As for a quarterback not currently on the Jaguars being on the roster Week 1, there’s no more of a chance of that than there was, say, a few days ago – which is to say not much chance at all.

Logan from Wichita, KS:
How are you not concerned about our No. 1 running back getting blown up in the backfield by a backup defensive tackle? That screams problem! Last year, we were practically dead last in the NFL in yards before contact. If we want to be a run-first team, this backfield blowup should be extremely concerning. I personally feel like we set Leonard Fournette up to fail with how pathetic our offensive line is in the run game.

John: It doesn’t scream problem, though I know you’re serious – and that you’re indeed screaming – because you used an exclamation point! Other than that … I don’t know, Logan, but stop. Please. For your own sake. Just stop.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:
What are the Jags waiting on to extend A-Rob and Telvin, both of whom in my opinion have played at a higher level than Brandon Linder? Vikings are knocking out all of their players and Jags are sitting on their hands. Same ol’ Jags.

John: Well, if the Vikings are doing it …

Rhonda from Jacksonville:
Padded practices are over already? NFL players spend less time in pads than I do. This is ridiculous.

John: The Jaguars worked in shorts and helmets to practice Sunday. They worked in full pads against New England Monday and again Tuesday. They will work twice in full pads against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week. They will practice in pads after that, too.

Jeremy from Wise, VA:
Who is one Jags player that, if they were injured bad enough to miss the season, would be the biggest loss?

John: Blake Bortles because quarterback.

Robert from Reno, NV:
Hi, John: I’d like to ask two questions which somewhat tie into each other. First, why do rookies say that the NFL is faster? I’m assuming college players would be faster. And my second: if the NFL is faster and the left tackle is such an important position, why would any team put a rookie here? Why not have rookies play left guard or right tackle and graduate to the left tackle? GO JAGS!
John: Rookies say the NFL is faster than college football because the NFL absolutely is faster – and more violent, and more complex, and played at a far higher level of athleticism – than college football. Remember: every player in the NFL is good, big, strong and fast enough to be in the NFL whereas every college team – yes, even teams in the Southeastern Conference – has players who will not be fast enough, strong enough or good enough to play in the NFL. This shows up in training camp and usually heightens in preseason and again in the regular season. And the reason teams put rookies at left tackle is because they’re the best player available player at that position. That’s usually the objective.

Brian from Nocatee:
Are we concerned about Jalen Ramsey not practicing yet?

John: Are you? I have no idea. Am I? Not a bit.

Dave from Glass Half Full:
Zone, you got me feeling it. Your articles are sounding like you’re feeling it, too. This is your year. This is our year! I can’t wait to ride the wave of the O-Zone this year. I am drinking the Kool-Aid so much that I am thinking of opening O-Zone Kool-Aid franchises. Keep the positivity going. You got me hoping we are finally going to play some good football this year. Keep on keeping us informed.

John: I’ll probably keep writing stories and talking about the Jaguars for jaguars.com as I always do, but thanks for reading. It’s always appreciated.

Chris from London, England:
Mr. O: Regarding our backup quarterback, I’m assuming there is not too much difference in performance between Chad Henne and Brandon Allen because if Henne was miles better he would be starting. If my assumption is right, and even if Henne is slightly better, why would you not have the young quarterback whose performance trajectory should be on an upward curve rather than the old quarterback whose performance trajectory is likely on a downward curve?

John: You want your backup quarterback to be the player who gives you the best chance to win in the short term, not the one with the highest upside for the long term.

Dylan from Tulsa, OK:
The idea of the offense in the spread with A-Rob and Marqise Lee on the outside, Allen Hurns and Dede Westbrook in the slot, and Fournette and Bortles lined up in the pistol, is scary enough to make even the most stalwart defense shudder. If Bortles can get his act together – and if the line gives him time – that crew is gonna put up big numbers.

John: The offense has the talent to be productive. It’s certainly capable of being a productive offense. But this also is an offense that has struggled to produce yards and points more often than not in recent seasons. I want to see this offense start stringing together a few games without long three-and-out streaks before gushing about how they’ll make defenses shudder.

Dave from Duval:
All I remember from the ‘95 game against the Seahawks is hearing “Joey Galloway with the reception …” by the announcer over and over. He torched us that game.

John: Yes he did.

Hayden from Gulfport, MS:
I know it is just training camp, but how has this rookie class looked compared to last year’s? I’m hoping they’re having the same if not more success than the 2016 class. It just seemed like there was more hype about last year’s rookies around this time of year.

John: There indeed was more hype around the Jaguars’ ’16 rookie class as a whole than there is about the ’17 class. That’s because that class’ first two selections consisted of not only a Top 5 selection (cornerback Jalen Ramsey), but a player many believed should have been a Top 5 selection (linebacker Myles Jack). This year’s first two selections consisted of a Top 5 selection (Leonard Fournette) and an offensive tackle (Cam Robinson) that could have been a first-round selection, so it’s not going to get as much hype as ‘16. But this year’s class absolutely has shown the signs of making a huge contribution. Fournette and Robinson almost certainly will start, and wide receiver Dede Westbrook looks like he’s going to make an impact. If all that plays out, then that will be a mammoth production from a rookie class.

Charles from Orange Park:
If Brandon Allen is clearly the third-string quarterback, then why are they keeping him on the roster?

John: They want three quarterbacks on the roster.
 
 

 
 

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O-Zone: Forever friends

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

FOXBORO, Mass. – Let’s get to it …

Gary from White Plains, NY:
Why – specifically – is Brandon Allen not getting a chance to start? What – specifically – separates Blake Bortles from Allen?

John: I have been asked this – or something close to this – a few times in recent days and weeks, with some readers actually getting quite upset over the issue. Readers getting upset is, well … upsetting (for them, at least). I have hesitated to answer this because I imagine what people want to hear is that Bortles has more of a cannon arm than Allen – or they at least want to hear something tangible such as, “Yes, here is the physical reason he should be starting … he grades up here while all others grade down here.” That’s generally not how things work. It’s not necessarily a physical trait as much as a feeling coaches have from assessing all players involved in a competition. The bottom line is that while Bortles’ flaws have been picked apart, and while every training-camp interception and touchdown are (over?)analyzed, he also simply is the best quarterback in camp. A lot of this isn’t evident to the naked eye, but is shown in meetings and in an overall understanding and ability to run the offense. While he has made bad throws, he also is making a lot of big-time NFL throws. Does he have a “stronger arm” than Allen? I’d say they’re in the same range. But he is more experienced, understands the offense better and is making throws looking off the defense, coming off receivers and throwing into tight windows. He also is doing it against the Jaguars’ first-team defense. Does he look better than Allen right now? In my opinion: Yes, and I would say Bortles deserves to be the starter. And remember: the coaches are around these guys every day. So is Tom Coughlin. They have a vested interest in the Jaguars being as good as possible. If they believed Bortles shouldn’t be starting, he wouldn’t be starting.

Bob from Sumter, SC:
You wrote that the Jaguars need to not look overmatched and to look like they belong. Has that been your impression of the Jaguars versus the Patriots?

John: The last time these teams were on the field together, in 2015? The Jaguars were absolutely overmatched. This week? Not nearly as much.

Kenny from Rochester, NY:
Is the big hit on Fournette an indication of what he is going to have to put up with on a weekly basis? I don’t think any running back is having even a good season getting hit behind the line of scrimmage like what was happening last year and looking like might happen again this year.

John: Jaguars rookie running back Leonard Fournette took a hit behind the line of scrimmage on Friday that went viral. It’s not an indictment of the entire offensive line – nor is it a precursor of Fournette getting hit behind the line of scrimmage all season. Fournette got hit hard. For a loss. Behind the line of scrimmage. It happens. It hasn’t been the norm, nor is there any indication that it will be norm. C’mon, Kenny. C’mo-o-o-o-o-on.

Travis from St. Louis, MO:
I just watched the video of Fournette getting blown up behind the line of scrimmage. Was that with starting offensive linemen and has this happened often? Because if so, that seems a bit concerning, or am I reading too much into one play?

John: (/Pounds head repeatedly on desk. /Checks for swelling. /Pounds more)

Sal from New Jersey:
I think there’s a need for Blake Bortles to play in the first preseason game. In fact, he needs a whole quarter of play to get his game-time decisions and instincts under control.

John: Bortles will play in the preseason opener. I don’t know if it will be the entire quarter or two series, but he will play.

Dave from Duval:
Big Brother really had something with his statement about the arrogance of the organization. Everyone puts on a face and a farce like we haven’t been one the worst teams in the NFL in the last 17 years. This organization needs a little success – just a little – before they pump out slogans like “All In” and “I Want More.” It’s like the organization – and the marketing department, especially – don’t have any clue of where this fan base is at this time.

John: No one around the Jaguars is unaware that the team has struggled far too much for far too long – and everyone in the organization understands that the idea is to improve. It’s obvious the team needs success. The job of the marketing department is to promote the team in a positive way, and the job of football executives is to make decisions they think will help the team. The football executives aren’t going to sign players and say things like, “Gee, we wonder if this will work.” The marketing department isn’t going to pump out slogans based on losing. The Jaguars are just trying to run a professional sports franchise and trying to get the franchise turned around. That turnaround hasn’t happened. That’s unfortunate, but it doesn’t reflect arrogance – and it certainly doesn’t mean the team isn’t aware of reality.

Mike from Atlanta, FL:
I wonder how the offensive line, particularly the left side, will protect Bortles. If decision-making is his biggest flaw, pressure will only exacerbate the bad decision-making. We have a rookie left tackle and kind of an emergency situation at left guard. This seems like a recipe for disaster. Maybe we will see Marcedes Lewis helping often on the left side. How do you think the left side of the line will hold up in pass protection?

John: I think Cam Robinson will have rookie moments at left tackle, but I expect him to play well this season for the most part. He has shown all the signs of being good quickly. Patrick Omameh at left guard isn’t as much of an emergency situation as people believe; the Jaguars clearly have an element of trust in him or they would have moved more strongly at guard in the offseason. I think the left side of the line will protect well enough to allow Bortles to function. They did that last season for the most part, and I don’t see the left side having gotten worse since last season. This line actually pass-blocked OK last season; it’s run-blocking that needs to make major steps.

Paul from Jacksonville:
Marqise Lee is the one who earned himself the nickname the Albino Tiger (given to him by his own coach, not a fan). It might be time to stop painting him with that brush, but maybe not.

John: You go, girl.

Mike from St. Marys, GA:
What’s up with Mychal Rivera? He should’ve passed Ben Koyack on the depth chart by now, right? Or has he been injured or something?

John: Yes, Rivera has missed much of the last week with an undisclosed injury.

Scott from Fernandina Beach, FL:
Hi, just curious, when will the Jags have to disclose injuries by league rules?

John: The week of the regular-season opener. Not coincidentally, I expect that to be when the Jaguars will disclose injury information.

Otto from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
John, I’m a bit curious about Jalen Ramsey’s core surgery. I believe it took place mid-June. Now I fear he will not be ready to start opening day. Why did the medical staff wait until mid-June to perform this operation?

John: I have heard nothing to indicate Ramsey won’t start Week 1. His operation was performed in mid-June because that’s when the issue arose.

Kyle from Jacksonville:
Hey bOzo – Your condescending answers to fan questions don’t gain readers. FYI: Let’s just remember how excited you were about this team last year… you’re not exactly Nostradamus.

John: My answer under normal circumstances would be that if you read my answers throughout the 2016 offseason, you might recall that I was one of the few people covering this team who did not expect the Jaguars’ offense to be highly explosive – and that I was one of the few people covering this team who believed and wrote that Blake Bortles had a lot of difficult work/improving to do before reaching a level that would make the offense efficient. I also recall thinking and writing that I didn’t think the Jaguars were a playoff favorite last season despite many fans and national (and local) media thinking the team would have a winning record and make the playoffs. That would be my answer under normal circumstances, but I don’t want to be … what’s the word you used? Condescending? That’s it. I don’t want to be that. Oh, and I didn’t go to Notre Dame – though they begged and begged and begged. And begged. I went to Florida. And what in the world does that have to do with anything anyway?

Red from Jacksonville:
Oehser, I wanna be your best friend. Will you be my best friend?

John: No. Kyle is my best friend.
 
 

 
 

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O-Zone: Good start

 

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

FOXBORO, Mass. – Let’s get to it …

Stephen from Jacksonville:
You’re right that there are no major surprises about the first depth chart of 2017, but I find it slightly interesting Marqise Lee is listed as the starting receiver opposite Allen Robinson. Does this say more about Lee’s talent finally coming through, a drop off in Allen Hurns’ level of play – or simply that the Jaguars intend Hurns to only play in the slot receiver position this year? It’s probably nitpicking on my part, but does the listed order of the Jaguars’ top three receivers mean much at all? Also, with Lee and Hurns both having some health concerns, how important is it for the receiver depth chart to remain fluid, in regards to the roles everyone who is in the top six will be expected to play?
John: Lee being listed as the starter on the Jaguars’ first unofficial 2017 depth chart is significant because it reflects what has been going on throughout ‘17 Training camp – that Lee is running with the starters, and that he most likely will be a starting outside receiver in the regular season. It has nothing to do with Hurns’ level of play, which has not dropped off. It has to do with Lee being a big-time talent who earned a starting role with his play late last season – and his level of performance during the offseason and thus far in training camp. And I think it’s time to stop referring to Lee’s “health concerns.” He like very NFL player could be injured at any time, but he has gone long enough without having the stops and starts that plagued his first two seasons that people can stop painting him with that brush.

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

John: Without question.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John: For the most part, yes.

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

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

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

John: That wouldn’t suck.

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

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

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

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

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

John: You go, girl.

Pauk from Duvsk:
There is no old Bortles. There is only Bortles. Hold me and pray.

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

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

John: So far, so good.
 

 
 

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O-Zone: A phone call away

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

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

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

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

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

Julio from Oak Hills:
What’s wrong with Calais Campbell? Why is he not practicing? Should this be a concern?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Al from Orange Park, FL:
I know that this isn’t exactly the hot topic of the week, but have the Jags ever hosted the Seahawks before?

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

Bob from Sumter, SC:
Any observations so far regarding James Sample? Are Sample and Wilson competing for one roster spot?

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

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

John: True.

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

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

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

John: Yes.
 
 

 
 

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O-Zone: Our candidate

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

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

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

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

John: Yes – and so plentiful, too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sam from Jacksonville:
Zone, someone is spreading rumors that the Tink is not invincible…?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gamble from Brasilia, Brazil:
What kind of season does Bortles need to have to prove he is worthy of a long-term deal?

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

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

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

Gabe from Washington, DC:
What are the chances that the team adds a starting-caliber offensive lineman via free agency before the season begins?

John: Slim.

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

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

Paul from Gainesville, FL:
Luke Bowanko for President!

John: I’d click on that.
 
 

 
 

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