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O-Zone: Down in front

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Tommy from Fernandina Beach, FL:

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

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

Dude from Clermont, FL:

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

John: Excellent question.

Brett from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

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

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

Hatter from Jacksonville:

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

John: Welcome to my inbox, Hatter.

Chris from Hamilton:

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

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

Big Brother from Duval:

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

John: OK. Sure. I guess. Yeah.

Chris from London, England:

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

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

Josh from Pensacola, FL:

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

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

Henry from Section124:

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

John: Absolutely.

Tim from St. Augustine, FL:

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

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

Chad from Yulee, FL:

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

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

Dave from Glass Half Full:

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

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

Tom from Loughborough, England:

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

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

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

O-Zone: Bloody that nose

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Dave from Duval:

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

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

Bill from Folkston, GA:

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

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

Nick from Phoenix, AZ:

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

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

James from Jacksonville:

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

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

Will from Riverside:

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

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

Bill from Hammock, FL:

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

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

Zach from Keystone Heights, FL:

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

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

Jaginator from (formerly of Section 124):

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

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

Mike from Egan, MN:

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

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

Dylan from Tulsa, OK:

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

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

Jim from Middleburg, FL:

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

John: #DTWD

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

O-Zone: Happy football people

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Rob from Brunswick, GA:

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

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

Mike from Cortland, NY:

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

John: Goodness, I hope that, too.

Mason from Palm Bay, FL:

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

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

Keith from St. Augie:

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

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

Just a Fan from Fanville:

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

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

Jeremy from Jacksonville:

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

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

Travis from High Springs, FL:

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

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

Keith from Palatka, FL:

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

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

Tom from Charleston, SC:

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

John: Can you repeat the question?

Joshua from Jacksonville:

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

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

Sandro from El Paso, TX:

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

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

Mitch from Atlanta, GA:

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

John: Slim. Very, very slim.

Dave from Orlando, FL:

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

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

Derrick from Jacksonville:

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

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

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

O-Zone: Just not funny

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

James from Jacksonville:

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

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

Jeff from Orange Park, FL:

Huh, wait what?

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

Marcus from Jacksonville:

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

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

Jagsfan69 from Jacksonville:

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

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

Joshua from Jacksonville:

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

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

Jeff from Orange, CA:

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

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

Dave from Duval:

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

John: OK. No.

Jaginator from (formerly of) Section124:

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

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

Rick from Jacksonville:

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

John: Yes. Almost certainly.

Rhonda from Jacksonville:

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

John: #DTWD

GPP from Savannah:

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

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

John from Daytona, FL:

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

John: Because.

Mike from Middleburg:

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

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

Mike from Jacksonville:

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

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

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

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

John: I wouldn’t LOL at that.

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

O-Zone: Experience is key

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Chris from Downtown London:

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

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

Chris from Downtown London:

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

John: Well …

David from Maplewood, NJ:

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

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

Scott from Fernandina Beach, FL:

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

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

Otto from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

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

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

J. Hooks from Orange Park, FL:

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

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

Richard from Orange Park, FL:

Has Brandon Allen taken any snaps with the number ones?

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

Stephen from Glorieta:

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

John: OK.

Larz from Jacksonville:

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

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

Donald from Orange Park, FL:

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

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

Thurman from Southbound Brook, NJ:

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

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

Keith from St. Augustine, FL:

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

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

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

O-Zone: Feed the beast

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

La Shae from Maryland:

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

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

Bill from Jacksonville:

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

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

Jerrell from Columbia, SC:

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

John: Saturday night was bad. No question.

Different year, same Blake:

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

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

Dave from Duval:

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

John: OK.

Zac from Coughlinville:

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

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

Jean from Jacksonville:

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

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

Cliff Lives in The Underworld:

Sorry ’bout your inbox John.

John: Me, too.

Stu from Sandy:

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

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

Josh from Pensacola, FL:

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

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

Jon from Jacksonville:

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

John: #DTWD

Aaron from White Hall, AR:

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

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

Greg from Section122 and Jacksonville:

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

John: Life? No, life never gets better.

Big Dwayne from Miami, FL:

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

John: I smell something. I do know that.

Baby Boi from Jax:

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

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

Otto from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

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

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

Brian from Gainesville, FL:

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

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

Peggy from Jacksonville:

Remember that time you scored four touchdowns in one game?

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

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

O-Zone: A trendy guy

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Clyde from Jacksonville:

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

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

Jonathan from Yulee, FL:

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

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

Steve from Jacksonville:

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

John: Yes, we will.

Aaron from White Hall, AR:

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

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

Bradley from Carson City, NV:

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

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

John from Boynton Beach, FL:

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

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

Bill from Springfield, VA:

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

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

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

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

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

Tom from Loughborough, England:

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

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

David from Jacksonville:

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

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

Cornell from Jacksonville:

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

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

Scott from Jacksonville:

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

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

Travis from St. Louis, MO:

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

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

Steven from Duval:

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

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

Non-trending from Jacksonville:

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

John: I’m not trendy. I’m 51.

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

O-Zone: Big first day

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Mandy from Section 414:

Hey, Mr. O! Training camp is finally here. My husband and I have been sitting in our seats for 12-plus years now and we have seen many losses – as you know – and I’m trying to find something, anything, to make me feel good about this season. I know Blake will never be a Tom, Big Ben, Peyton, etc. But, is it too much for me to ask for him to be like a Brad Johnson or Trent Dilfer? They were middle-of-the-road quarterbacks that managed games and had strong defenses to add up the wins during the year that eventually led to Super Bowl victories. My question, “O” Great One, is this: can Blake do something similar, or were Brad and Trent that much better at the quarterback position – and is our defense comparable to the defenses they played for? Be honest with me O, this Jags girl can take it …

John: I don’t know that we know Bortles’ ceiling yet. He has shown he is capable of making big plays, and making plays “above the Xs and Os.” He also has shown he is capable of committing game-turning errors that prove very, very costly. He has not yet shown he can be a game manager, but it should also be said that the Jaguars’ defense and team as a whole has not during the last three seasons shown themselves good enough to be “managed” to a successful level. I don’t know that Dilfer or Johnson were that much better than Bortles, but they did prove capable of managing the Super Bowl teams for which they played. The most important answer to your question may be this: I can’t place this current Jaguars defense with the 2000 Baltimore Ravens or the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers because those two defenses were among the best of recent decades; the Jaguars have to prove they belong close to that category. It’s hard to manage your way to a Super Bowl if you don’t have a defense on the other side that is capable of doing some of its own managing.

Merriam Webster from Jacksonville:

Zone, I like the way you Defensed yourself in the O-Zone against the critics. I think you may have Defensed yourself into the lead in the Defensive player of the year so far, as you have Defensed well … or Defensed Good … or Defensed well … or Good. Is it well or good? Well, you were good – and Good, you did well?

John: Your question is indefensible.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:

Dante Fowler Jr.’s arrests and tickets are not a good look but it could be much worse. I’m encouraged by the way his teammates talk about him and hold out hope he can turn things around. He seems to have a high motor and a bigger desire than most to really be great on the field. Let’s all hope he can achieve greatness on and off the field. You’re closer to the situation. Do you think he will?

John: Fowler does have a high motor, and there’s little reason to question the energy and desire with which he plays. The question around Fowler is can he hone that motor, energy and desire – and package it with improved pass-rush technique and discipline necessary to be an effective, disruptive defensive end at the highest level of football. I think he has a better chance to do this than many people seem to think, but we need to see some serious signs of it this season. We’ll know relatively soon.

Midlife from Winston-Salem, NC:

Back in high school in Tallahassee in the mid-1970s, I took three years of journalism and considered a career in sports journalism. At that point, it was an extremely poorly compensated profession, so I chose another field. With all the changes since then and all the money in sports now, I am questioning my decision. Not asking for specifics, but is your guaranteed money from the Jaguars north or south of the Linder line?

John: You made a good decision.

Jeff from Jacksonville:

There may not have been a unit that generated more groans per play last season from the fan base than special teams. Do we finally have the depth to put a formidable special teams unit out there? Who do you project to be our two best return men for kickoffs and punts? Would you rather have a returner with great speed/elusiveness but sometimes bobbles the ball, or a returner who will never botch a catch but isn’t much of a touchdown threat?

John: Depth may not be as much of a factor when it comes to special teams as previously was the case; Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone has made clear he has no problem using offensive and defensive starters extensively on special teams. He said Thursday he has reduced offensive and defensive players’ reps in the past for not performing well on special teams; I doubt he would hesitate to do so again. My guess is Marqise Lee will return kickoffs this season with Dede Westbrook returning punts. As for the qualities I want in a punt returner, I would (slightly) prefer a guy with sure hands to a game-breaker. I’m conservative that way, but a lost fumble on a punt return is mega-deflating and a sure way to lose games. A similar case can be made the other way about the lift a team gets from a punt return for a touchdown, but I would still rather know I’m getting the ball after every punt.

Greg from Section 122 from Jacksonville:

So, I watched the premier of “Ballers” Season 3. Again we are subject of jokes and cheap shots. The first mention of the Jaguars is the suggestion we are moving to London in line with the NFL’s expansion plans. Seriously, these writers or whoever creates content for the show really should do research. Just amazes me we still get this garbage even with all the improvements in the facilities and moves made by Shad.

John: I guess I now have one more reason to not watch “Ballers.”

Steve from Ponte Vedra, FL:

Mr. Khan has had great success BUILDING his international corporate enterprise. He has had great success BUILDING improvements at EverBank field. The same is true of his getting Daily’s Place done. I am sure he will have great success in BUILDING-OUT the Shipyards. So what does it tell us that he has not had any success so far in BUILDING a winning NFL franchise?

John: Wow. You are serious about the BUILDING part of this question. I know his because I noticed you used CAPITAL letters whenever writing the word BUILDING. What does the Jaguars’ comparative lack of success compared to Khan’s success in all things business tell us? That BUILDING a winner in the NFL is hard. Very hard.

Turd Ferguson from Duval:

Yo O, when do you expect the Jags to decide on the starting O-Line? Will this be in training camp or sometime during the preseason?

John: Marrone has said he expects to have a good idea about the offensive line before the team goes to New England for the joint practices August 7-8. I expect the Jaguars to pretty much know their starting line around then or soon thereafter.

Scott from Jacksonville:

So let me get this straight, you are afraid of Boselli, respect Shadrick but are willing to just tell Malik that he’s straight up wrong?

John: Pretty much.

Matt from Las Vegas, NV:

Hey, John. What’s the word on Branden Albert‘s performance? Did he arrive in better shape as Coughlin demanded?

John: Albert appeared to be in better shape on Day 1 of Jaguars Training Camp Thursday than he did in the mid-June mini-camp. I don’t consider this due to Coughlin “demanding” anything as much as to Albert wanting to show up in shape so he can play at a high level. He’s a 10-year veteran. He understands what he must do.

Jerry from New York, NY:

You’re using the fork that fell on the floor?!

John: Why wouldn’t I?

Keith from Palatka, FL:

Does anyone know why the Jaguars did not sign Gary Barnidge?

John: It’s usually safe to assume when teams don’t sign available players that they assume those players won’t be improvements over players already on the roster.

Chris from Duval:

I think the Jags should start Cam at right tackle, look for a starting left tackle in the next draft: second or third round, so he can develop behind Albert for a season. What say you?

John: I say the Jaguars see Robinson as a left tackle, and I say that his status as a first-round talent according to many analysts could give him a chance to play at a high level in the NFL. I also say there’s nothing wrong with playing Robinson at guard if that’s how it plays out.

Micky from Section 408:

Is there anything you want to share that wasn’t in your Day 1 recap?

John: No, I left it all on the field.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 28, 2017July 28, 2017Categories Uncategorized354 Comments on O-Zone: Big first day

O-Zone: Joy to the world

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Hunter from Laconia:

Let’s say Blake Bortles throws a couple of picks, but is improved from last season. Let’s say 28 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, but the picks are from a dysfunctional offensive line. Would Bortles stay another year? Or be cut even if it’s not completely his fault?

John: The Jaguars’ assessment of Bortles won’t be based solely on statistics. It will be on his overall performance with all factors considered. If he’s playing winning football next season that merits him being the long-term starter, they won’t let a few interceptions caused by pressure bother them. Either way, we can list statistical-oriented scenarios about Bortles from now until the regular season – and I understand the inclination to do so. If he’s playing better – i.e., throwing more accurately, making better decisions, showing more awareness in the pocket – the results are going to show up in the form of a more efficient offense. If not …

Marc from Oceanway:

Did I read correctly that Dante Fowler Jr. has been suspended by the team for four games? If so, are you surprised? Is this a Coughlin/Marrone-ism?

John: You did not read correctly.

Touchdown Tony from Festus, MO:

We have an anemic offense, grossly so. It stands to reason, following Jags logic, that we have the highest-paid running back and center. …. Really? 3-13.

John: The Jaguars’ offense indeed has been anemic in recent seasons; no question. I suppose the way to have changed that would have been to not draft a running back this past offseason or to not have participated in free agency a couple of years back – and then to not have re-signed Brandon Linder and allowed him to leave as a free agent. Yes, yes … that would have been the better plan.

Flounder from Delta Chi:

Oh, boy. Is this great!

John: I know you think that, but try telling that to Tony.

Steve from Sunroom Couch:

John, tell Richard from SS that the Jaguars are already penciled in for a prime-time slot on 10/15 at 4:05 p.m. against the mighty Rams.

John: I’ll definitely tell him, but he probably will tell you that 4:05 p.m. is not a prime-time slot – and he will be right.

DUVAL DOOM from Section 217:

I told you not to say it. I’ll see you at training camp, punk. Shadrick can’t be with you all the time.

John: You know where to find me.

Nate from Atlanta, GA:

With training camp finally here, I was looking through the roster and realized with all the talk about Poz and Jack I know virtually none of the backup linebackers. Is depth a concern with the Jags linebackers?

John: It’s a concern to many fans because they haven’t heard of a lot of the backup linebackers. It’s not as concerning to the team because the backup linebackers are a lot about backing up the position and a lot about special teams. Players such as Audie Cole, Josh McNary and Hayes Pullard III are experienced special teams players and rookie Blair Brown has the skill set to be a factor on special teams. That’s a primary focus for the Jaguars at those spots.

Mac from Fernandina Beach, FL:

Telvin Smith, Jalen Ramsey, Dede Westbrook and Corey Grant line up to race a 100-meter dash. Who you got coming in first, second, third and fourth?

John: Grant wins, and I’d guess Westbrook is second followed by Ramsey and Smith.

Mike from Section 408:

According to Pro Football Focus, Patrick Omameh graded out as our best pass blocker last year. What odds do you give him at supplanting A.J. Cann in the starting lineup?

John: I think there’s a chance this happens, though I would give a slight edge to Cann. That could change dramatically by next week because the Jaguars will have practiced in pads several times by then. So, the odds? Three to one. No, wait: three-and-half to one.

Gavin from Jacksonville:

How many yards do you think Leonard Fournette will gain this season?

John: Eleven hundred fifty-one.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:

Who do you think will line up where regarding our wide receivers and is there much chance that could change during camp and preseason?

John: I can’t see Allen Robinson not remaining in the “X” role he has played the last two seasons. That means he will play the majority of snaps. It remains to be seen how reps/positions are split between Allen Hurns, Marqise Lee and Dede Westbrook, though I anticipate Lee starting opposite Robinson with Hurns/Lee/Robinson all moving into the slot at times. Westbrook as a rookie remains something of an unknown – and how he performs in camp could go change the position’s dynamic.

J.E.T from Jacksonville:

How optimistic should I be this year? Or should I watch the upcoming season with bated breath to finally believe this is the season things turn around?

John: I suppose you should maybe just watch and see how things turn out. These things have a way of working themselves out.

Fred from Jac:

I must admit, I feel it too. But all 32 teams’ fans have an immense amount of hope just before training camp commences. Coming out of the gate quickly is critical: 0-4 to 0-8 just cannot happen. The lousy starts are what have collectively pummeled the fans the past few years.

John: Yeah, 0-8 wouldn’t be good.

Kyle from Pensacola, FL:

Johnny O, I gotta side with The Dude from Clermont. Defensed is informal and should only be used when the word is spoken, not written (or typed). So it’s OK for sports announcers to say “…play was well defensed,” but sports writers should always use “defended.” Even lowly bloggers and menial website guys. I joke … sort of.

John: This is not a topic about which I am passionate, but because “passes defensed” is commonly used as a statistical category, I have no qualms about using it when referring to that statistic.

Holger from Zurich, Switzerland:

What does your normal day look like on a training camp practice day?

John: Hot.

Logan from Wichita, KS:

IT’S HERE!! Training camp us here!!! Football is back!!!! Wait … now what?!?!

John: Now, we sweat. And stink of sweat.

Tom from Marlton, NJ:

I saw on ESPN that Von Miller had a pass-rush camp and many players from around the league were there. I was wondering if you heard about this and if you knew, why it looked like Malik Jackson was the only Jaguar there. I would think Ngakuoe, Fowler, or even Smith would have benefited from a camp like this.

John: It’s my understanding that the camp was known as the “Von Miller Pass Rush Summit” was something to which Miller invited certain players. So, maybe the players you mentioned weren’t invited, or maybe they had previous engagements. Or, in the case of Smith, maybe they’re not really a pass rushers. But whatever … Camps and summits are fine, but they’re hardly the only way to work and improve in the offseason; attendance or lack thereof isn’t a defining commentary on a player’s career or work ethic.

Dan from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

O, what are your theories on what is going to happen on Game of Thrones? I know you watch.

John: My wife watches Game of Thrones. I do not.

Marius from Stuttgart, Germany:

Zone, in last year’s training camp, Dante Fowler Jr. didn’t only look like a pass-rush monster, all the other players (especially defensive linemen) said so in interviews. Was our offensive line that bad last year or is he really that good – and just couldn’t do it against other teams? How good does he have to be after this training camp to be a starter?

John: Fowler looked devastating in non-padded work last offseason because that’s when his athleticism and intensity shone through. He is impressive in those situations, and he is impressive in games when he gets off blocks. His issues began when pads went on, because that’s when technique and pass-rush fundamentals moves are at a premium. How good does he have to be to be a start this season? Better than Yannick Ngakoue.

Jags from Jag Town:

Joy to the world … O-Zone is dead … We barbecued its head … What happened to its body … We flushed it down the potty … and round and round it went … and round and round it went … and round, and round, and round it went.

John: I can get on board with this.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 27, 2017July 27, 2017Categories Uncategorized376 Comments on O-Zone: Joy to the world

O-Zone: One day more

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Richard from Northampton, UK:

So Zone, it seems we don’t have to wait for training camp to find out our starting center then.

John: This is in reference to Jaguars offensive lineman Brandon Linder signing a five-year contract extension for a reported $51.7 million with $24 million guaranteed. There was immediate reaction after the announcement that this means Linder will be the team’s starting center. I don’t get the idea the team is ready to officially commit to that yet. Still, I have said throughout the offseason that I believe Linder will remain the starting center and Tuesday’s news certainly does nothing to change that.

Jeremy from Wise, VA:

With Brandon Linder locked up, do we see any other important players (Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee, Telvin Smith) signing extensions before the season?

John: I would be a little surprised if anything happened on this front before the season. Part of that is because I think the Jaguars still want to see how the wide receiver position plays out, and there’s still some benefit to the new regime seeing first-hand how players perform in new systems. We’ll see.

Brandon from Louisville, KY:

How important do you feel it is for the Jags to win their opener against Houston? If they do win, it will be the first time since 2011 they have won their opener. It seems like it could be huge.

John: It indeed could be huge, and I think it’s important for the Jaguars to win early in the season. They have a new head coach, and there’s a strong belief among players right now in the direction under Doug Marrone. It’s always a good thing when that belief is supported by on-field results. So, how important is winning in Week 1? It’s really important if the Jaguars win – and build on it with more winning in September. If they beat Houston and lose their next three games, it’s not important at all. Bottom line: it’s important – but perhaps not “all important.”

Byron from Denver, CO:

O-Man, if the Jaguars have another disaster season (another year picking Top 10 in the draft) how could the front office convince any fans to stick around for yet another “rebuild?”

John: There’s nothing a front office can do to control this, at least not beyond what the front office always does – which is to have the business and marketing side create the best possible fan experience, and to have the football side acquire the best players possible. That’s a stale answer, but I know of no better one. Jaguars fans are passionate, loyal and they have withstood a lot of difficult seasons. The team appreciates that and understands it needs to win for those fans. There’s no other way to “convince” fans of anything.

Dave from Orange Park, FL:

O-man, why is everyone so high on Fowler? I watched a lot of Gator football, and while he made some spectacular plays, he also seemed to disappear a lot. So far, his NFL career has been a disappearing act. Yannick Ngakoue proved last year he was the better player … maybe it’s time to find Fowler’s replacement and let Ngakuoe shine. Look forward to your opinion on this.

John: Fowler has played one NFL season in which he had four sacks and made a few other memorable plays. This is a similar start to many young NFL pass rushers. As for wanting the Jaguars to “let Ngakoue shine,” Ngakoue played 706 defensive plays last season. That was the second-highest total among Jaguars defensive linemen and 136 more than Fowler. Fowler’s presence on the roster in no way inhibits Ngakoue’s opportunities to shine.

La Shae from CP, MD:

Will they or won’t they this year?

John: Some will and some won’t. Some might.

DUVAL DOOM from Section 217:

Can’t take exhibition games to Europe because they’ll know the difference, but by God, you home fans better pay full price for them. You make me angry, O-Zone.

John: You’ll probably really be mad because I edited your last sentence – and I don’t make the rules; I just explain them from time to time.

Rhonda from Jacksonville:

John: Soccer … really, soccer???? Come on: I’m an American girl. Bring the violence, bring the hurt. Not men who should be wearing skirts!!!

John: Go girl.

Stephen from Jacksonville:

Hey John, is Shark Week overrated?

John: I’m probably the wrong person to ask. I’ve heard of Shark Week, so I know something called “Shark Week” exists, but I don’t have a real feel for whether it involves real sharks in the water or that show that Mark Cuban is on or that WFL team from Jacksonville in the 1970s. It’s all very vague to me.

Miyagi 24 from San Diego, CA:

I know that a lot of people don’t expect our Jags to do too much this year but, for me I look for Leonard Fournette to get 1,400-plus yards on the ground, the A-Team of Robinson & Hurns to each go over 1,000 yard receiving and for Blake Bortles to throw for 4,000 –plus yards!! You gotta have faith in this era of Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone football knowledge. Is that realistic or just wishful thinking? What say the O-man?

John: Your statistics certainly would put the Jaguars among the NFL’s elite offenses, so the naysayers among our readers might say a couple of things. The first thing they would say is “Nay,” because that’s what naysayers say. The second thing they might say is if Fournette reaches 1,400 yards the Jaguars might not be throwing quite enough for Robinson and Hurns to reach 1,000 yards – and they also might say the presence of Marqise Lee might prevent one of those players from reaching 1,000. But hey, who am I to say “Nay?” I say, reach for the stars, Miyagi. Reach for the stars.

Paul from Jacksonville:

I thought Carson Tinker was the best left tackle in the world …

John: No. But he’s the best at everything else. #Tink

Otto from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

John, I am still somewhat nervous about the O-Line. I don’t get the love for Jeremy Parnell. There didn’t seem to have any competition to challenge him in camp. A.J. Cann was mediocre at best. I really hope the coaches give other players a chance at these positions. I would be somewhat disappointed if the same two start the season.

John: OK.

Frankie from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

Boselli says that Fowler’s latest incident by itself wouldn’t be a big deal if it weren’t for the fact that it’s part of a larger pattern of behavior. Should fans be concerned about Dante’s behavior or is it the whole “boys-will-be-boys” deal?

John: Fowler reportedly has received a slew of traffic tickets in recent years, which indeed is a pattern of behavior relatively in line with this latest incident in Tampa in which he reportedly got into an altercation that ended with him throwing a bag of liquor in a lake. Taken individually all of Fowler’s reported incidents seem relatively minor. Considered in totality, it’s not the best look if you’re trying to present the image of maturity. Still, while it seems a bit beyond “boys will be boys,” it doesn’t seem to necessarily make Fowler an overly malicious menace. It’s hard to say how it affects Fowler on the field. Some seem to be jumping to the conclusion that Fowler’s off-field behavior points to an immaturity that prevents him from maximizing his potential. I don’t know that that’s a correct assumption. We’ll see.

Trey from Fruit Cove, FL:

This time of year is so full of hope for the football faithful. Offseason moves, draft picks and signings are all made. The rookies all look good. The veterans have all been healing up or working hard on their craft … how could we NOT go 16-0?? We know that isn’t reality, but it doesn’t matter, because we hope. Every one of use feels it. It’s just around the corner. Cool days spent with family and friends watching, relishing, and hoping. We don’t go on that field, but we are there and we can feel it. We are ready for it. The dead zone is almost over for another year. Can you feel it John? It’s hope. And we all feel it.

John: I actually think do feel it. I first thought it was from eating pizza out of the box that had been left out all night despite my wife telling me not to … but no, it’s hope. And I feel it.

Jeff from Wake Forest, NC:

I think I must’ve had a dream where I wrote you a question and every day I am reading and checking to see if you answered it. Also, I think in my dream I am turning into The Dude or you are and we are bowling …ahhh! is The Dead Zone almost over??

John: You did write. I didn’t answer because it was a lousy question. And Jaguars 2017 Training Camp starts Thursday.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 26, 2017July 26, 2017Categories Uncategorized456 Comments on O-Zone: One day more

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