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O-Zone: Fighting back

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Micky from Jacksonville:

Didn’t Blake have issues his rookie season with a dead arm from throwing too much in the offseason? Is there a fear of this happening again with increasing his throws to get the repetition to correct his mechanics? Increasing from 100 to 250 and the philosophy “the more he throws the better he’ll be” seems a little dangerous. One of your articles from May 13. I read this was Carson Palmer’s problem the first half of last year.

John: It’s something to consider, and Bortles indeed did have arm fatigue toward the end of his rookie season. This is a situation in which you must put your trust in Bortles, Jaguars coaches and Bortles’ personal quarterbacks gurus in California. Bortles spent two months in California right after the season, then participated in the Jaguars’ offseason program. He then returned to California. He by any measure will have done a lot of throwing this offseason – a lot more, presumably, than he did last offseason. The parties involved certainly will have a plan they feel will prevent arm fatigue. But while it’s possible his offseason workload could be enough to cause a certain amount of fatigue. Bortles clearly believed he needed a significant amount of offseason work. If he thinks that will help, his approach is probably worth the risk.

Gator from Gainesville, FL:

O Man … I want a backup quarterback with a winning record as a starter. I’m sure there are plenty of those available. Even I’m not that dumb. Well … there is one out there, but he is playing baseball right now.

John: Wait a minute … Aaron Rodgers is playing baseball?

Ryan from Detroit, MI:

John – the Jaguars averaged minus-0.15 yards before contact when running to the right (yes, that’s a negative number, and worst in the league). Why do you think we should go into the season with the same right side of the O-line as we had last year?

John: I don’t know that the Jaguars should do that, and I don’t know that they will do that. I do think the Jaguars will start Jermey Parnell at right tackle, and they believe he will play better than last season because he improved after getting healthy late last season. I don’t know who will start at right guard, though I believe Cam Robinson and A.J. Cann will be the team’s starting guards in some combination.

Ryan from Dearborn, MI:

Zone, who do you think will be the first defensive player inducted into the Jags’ Ring of Honor? Can I get a “One fer Poz?”

John: I admit I’m not a great source when it comes to the Jaguars’ defensive history. I missed the some really good defensive teams between 2003 and 2009 or so. I therefore missed the bulk of cornerback Rashean Mathis’ career here, and only saw defensive tackles Marcus Stroud and John Henderson a couple of times a year when covering Colts-Jaguars games. My first vote for a defensive member of the Pride of the Jaguars would be for defensive end Tony Brackens because of his ability to dominate games when playing at his highest level. I’d put Mathis second followed by Stroud or Henderson. But I’m all for Posluszny. It’s not his fault the Jaguars have struggled during his time in Jacksonville. And when it comes to on-field production, exemplary approach, consistency, etc. … well, if you had 22 Posluszny’s on your roster, you would win a lot of games.

Dave from Oviedo, FL:

When your opponent’s star player gets injured is it OK if I feel a little bit happy or does that make you a bad person?

John: You’re not a bad person in your scenario; you’re a fan. And fans gonna fan.

Todd from Jacksonville:

As a hockey fan, I’ve heard the argument about old players versus the new, and how much technology (sticks, size/weight of pads and such) has helped the new. I was wondering if you feel that technology has helped the current tennis pros out, and if the McEnroes and Connors of the world (in their prime) could beat the Federers with equal technology?

John: I can’t compare tennis to hockey because I don’t know enough about hockey to speak intelligently about the effect of equipment. My son has played competitive tennis for the last decade or so, so I know enough about the equipment in that sport to be dangerous. I do know that the technology of the rackets has made the game different enough that tennis in the 1970s is barely the same sport as tennis in the 2010s. Players today swing out on the ball with such a pace and put such top spin on the ball that McEnroe and Connors often would be unable to get balls back across the net. That’s IF McEnroe and Connors were using the rackets they used when they played. If McEnroe, Connors, Bjorn Borg and the like had grown up playing with today’s equipment, they no doubt would have grown up playing a style that would have allowed them to be elite and compete. Great athletes adapt to their times and circumstance.

Jim from Middleburg, FL:

Dear John, talk, talk, talk, talk … September: They will or they won’t! … #ask me in October

John: Yes.

Mason from Palm Bay, FL:

Much has been written about Myles Jack‘s ability to call the defense this offseason. Is this because he has shown that he mentally can’t handle this, or is it just because he hasn’t had to before, therefore we don’t know how quickly he will be efficient at it? I can’t tell if this is a legitimate concern or if it’s a “we don’t know until we know” kinda thing.

John: It’s a lot more the latter. Jack certainly has the mental and physical capacity to handle the responsibilities of middle linebacker. His ability to call the defense is being discussed a lot right now because he never has done it at an NFL level – and because the player he is replacing, Posluszny, has done it at a high level for a while. When a young player replaces a capable player and that capable player is still on the roster, that young player is going to be in the spotlight. As for how legitimate the concern is over Jack, yeah … it’s a we-don’t-know-until-we-know thing. And we won’t know until we know. Or something like that.

Dallas from Valdosta, GA:

I really hope some of Tom Brady rubs off on Bortles during the joint practices with the Patriots. Do you think they will spend much time practicing together or will it be team against team?

John: The practices with New England early in 2017 Training Camp will be solely team against team.

Eric from Jacksonville:

People are sleeping on Yannick. I think No. 91 is going to wake up the nation come 9/10. The man on the top of the mountain didn’t fall there.

John: Yannick Ngakoue indeed is perhaps the most-overlooked young player on the Jaguars’ roster. He had eight sacks as a rookie last season, yet people seem to talk about pretty much every other Jaguars defensive player except Ngakoue. I’m guilty of this as well. Perhaps because he was a third-round selection, some people seem to have the idea that he has maxed out or can’t be elite or a difference-maker. At minimum, he doesn’t get talked about enough as one of the Jaguars’ best young players. That’s unfair, but situations like this have a tendency to work themselves out. If Ngakoue continues to be a consistent pass rusher with eight, 10 or more sacks a season, I imagine recognition will come soon enough.

Letsgofun from Jacksonville:

Do you ever root for the other team?

John: I don’t “root” much at all, though I prefer to see the Jaguars win. But no, I never root for the Jaguars’ opponent. I have no vested interest in any other NFL team to remotely consider the possibility.

Logan from Wichita, KS:

Jackson believes we will be in the Super Bowl this year … you know what? OK!!! I am in!!! Jaguars to the Super Bowl! You can’t win until you buy in. Time to buy in.

John: I actually received emails from Jaguars fans who didn’t like Malik Jackson’s Super Bowl prediction. Jackson played on a Super Bowl team in Denver. He looks around him and sees a young team with talent. He believes in himself. He believes in his teammates. If he wants to set the Super Bowl as a goal, good for him. What is he supposed to want when a season begins? To lose?

Dylan from Tulsa, OK:

Being born and raised in Oklahoma and being a Jags fan is hard especially with the recent success Dallas and Kansas City have had. I’ve been a fan since the days of Donovin Darius, Marcus Stroud, and Mike Peterson. Any advice or snappy quips you could give a loyal Jags fan just trying to defend my team?

John: I know you are, but what am I?

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Author J32bassPosted on July 23, 2017July 23, 2017Categories Uncategorized207 Comments on O-Zone: Fighting back

O-Zone: Simple solution

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Thrill from the ‘Ville:

Why is it that so many fans legitimately believe that a desire to win is all it takes to turn things around? I blame decades of inspirational movies like Rocky. Where all you need is a motivational song played over a training montage and you can suddenly be the best in the world at a certain thing. As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth.” The expectations of a head coach or front office can’t change the abilities of the players on the field. Just because someone’s inspired to do something or “won’t settle for less” than something – whatever that means – doesn’t make it so.

John: Wow, look at Thrill from the ‘Ville … dropping some truth – and these indeed are some of the truest words dropped by an O-Zone reader in quite some time. Fans do indeed often feel that a losing record somehow reflects low expectations, bad planning, bad coaching, general off-field lack of direction or even a lack of effort. Those things unquestionably exist in professional sports, but when I am asked about a team showing lack of effort, I always think of something Hall of Fame Head Coach Tony Dungy told me once. Talking about fans criticizing one of his Colts defenses for a “lack of effort/intensity,” Dungy said people often thought that a team lacked those things when it couldn’t stop the run. Dungy’s point was that sometimes it was simply a case of a team not being able to do something – no matter how much effort the team gave, or how much intensity it showed. The same can be said of a team not winning. Is it lack of effort when a team loses, or just a matter of that team not being good enough? It’s the latter far more often than not. And yeah … Rocky and just about every other sports movie made since the mid-1970s can pretty much share equal blame for this phenomenon. It’s the hand we’ve been dealt.

Rhonda from Jacksonville:

I’ve seen a lot of drivers who need to be punched and have their keys thrown in a lake. Non-issue … let the police deal with it. This is another reason to bring back the prison leagues. They are already in jail. #socialjusticefighterssuck

John: I don’t know that I always understand everything Rhonda’s talking about, but I do know I’m starting to like her.

Damian from Appleton, WI:

Who do you think will have the greater positive impact for the team this year? Myles Jack, Cam Robinson, or Yannick Ngakoue?

John: Myles Jack. Because it will be Jack’s first year in his new position (middle linebacker), he could have a few negative-impact moments. But considering his athleticism and ability, the positive impact could be really, really positive.

Derrick from Jacksonville:

If Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns play lights out this year, do the Jags keep all three?

John: That would be a tricky, tricky situation. They probably could keep all three for the short term because Hurns’ contract is structured so the Jaguars can get out of it after any season with negligible dead money on the cap. Bottom line? Possible, but I doubt it.

Hippy Ryan from Fleming Island, FL:

As for Bortles’ ability to sell the run in play action, it seems to me a team needs a RUN GAME to sell. I have an ’87 Ford Probe that is absolutely beautiful and runs great if anyone’s buying.

John: OK.

Derrick from Jacksonville:

I don’t disagree A-Rob’s game took a slight drop this past season. However, in watching many of those games I would contribute at least 50 percent of his down season to Blake Bortles throwing many off-target passes. Way too often the passes were either too high or behind the open receiver and A-Rob and other receivers had to make some super catches. Would you agree?

John: I don’t know how to place an exact percentage on this question, but yes: Bortles’ accuracy issues last season contributed heavily to whatever struggles the Jaguars’ wide receivers had statistically.

Mike from Jacksonville:

Do you have a sense of what Fowler is like in the locker room among his peers? Is he the same hotheaded, immature person that has two arrests and 20 traffic tickets in two years? Is he the same guy that tied for the league lead in penalties among defensive ends? If he is that guy in the locker room as well; I believe they call that a “cancer” and serious consideration should be given to removing him regardless of his unfulfilled potential. It feels like we’re watching a train wreck in the making with a whole lot of red flags.

John: I wouldn’t call Fowler a locker-room leader, but he’s not a cancer. Not even close. Fowler is a perfectly likeable, agreeable person to be around. Not every player is at one extreme or the other.

Thommy from Miami, FL:

John … between your column and SOME of the staff at 1010XL, I think I might survive another dead zone. Just wanted to say “thank you.” As you know, I am a musician. It’s the Ramones, the Clash, the Damned the DKS, Black Flag and Fear with an honorable Motorhead mention. … You’re welcome.

John: Good list, and she don’t want a chicken … she don’t want a roast … #therecord

Dan from Fort Dodge, IA:

O-man just got my new shirt and hat combo for the upcoming season, so I hope this set is better than last year’s combination. I also purchased a power bank for my phone which has not worked once and I hope this is not the same as our season, look flashy but fail to convert. #badpowerbank

John: Jaguars 2017 Training Camp begins in five days.

Gabe from Washington, DC:

If you were the GM, and you had to make the call right now between Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee, who would you sign, who would you let walk and why?

John: I’d probably fall down on my knees begging to please, please, please let me wait at least a few games because the decision is just too tough. If forced to make the decision, I would look at Hurns’ production, toughness and reliability and want to retain him. I would worry maybe the slightest bit that Lee sustained some career-slowing injuries his first two seasons. But I also would think of Lee’s remarkable athleticism and remember that he does things no one else on the roster can do. Thinking that way, I probably would choose Lee. But I wouldn’t feel great about letting Hurns go, because I would know there was a good chance I would regret it.

Mike from Jacksonville:

A few years ago I was in Denver and watched Chad Henne and Justin Blackmon absolutely dominate Denver’s defense. He is one of the best backups in the league. Give him time to throw and someone to throw to, he can be more than just a backup. The Jags need to keep Chad!

John: Hey, one fer Chad!

Rob from Kansas City, MO:

I suppose I did show my age a bit! I’ll take it considering how seldom that is any more. I suppose I wasn’t commenting on the quality of tennis so much as it was the thought of it being more “mainstream” and I think the evolving 24 hour sports programming world that really blossomed in the 90s probably contributed to the extra attention the sport received during that time to including my (mis)perception of it. I just look at how Tiger Woods seemed to make golf “cool” for a whole generation in the same time period, but that “coolness” stuck for golf. I just don’t think it happened with tennis, which is a shame because it can be quite a grueling individual competition. What’s the best singles match you think you ever saw?

John: I missed Federer-Nadal at Wimbledon in 2009 because I was traveling. So, give me Roger Federer’s Australian Open victory over Rafael Nadal in January or Bjorn Borg’s over McEnroe at Wimbledon in 1980 … nah, go with Fed over Nadal in January. I love me some Fed.

Mike from Section 408:

If Sheldon Day and Michael Bennett outplay Dante Fowler Jr. and Yannick Ngakoue, is it possible Calais Campbell and Malik Jackson kick outside to make room for Day and Bennett to be on the field more when the game is on the line and we need our best linemen out there?

John: I suppose anything’s possible, but what you’re describing would be a reach because your scenario would mean no pure edge rushers in the lineup. Anyway, I don’t see a scenario where either Fowler or Ngakoue when healthy isn’t the best edge rusher on the line – unless rookie end Dawuane Smoot emerges, which is a big ask for a third-round rookie.

Brian from Nocatee:

Maybe we are cursed. What can we do about it?

John: The Jaguars aren’t cursed. Win.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 22, 2017July 22, 2017Categories Uncategorized367 Comments on O-Zone: Simple solution

O-Zone: #ANALytics

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

JACKSONVILLE – Happy birthday to me.

Jonathan from Yulee,FL:

How would you rate, or what are your thoughts, on our strength of schedule? I know any given Sunday… but being in the dead zone and evaluating the teams on our schedule, it looks pretty favorable. I feel like we’re gearing up for another year like ‘99 where it’s between us and the Titans for the division. I hope we get to party like it’s 1999, but we beat the Titans this time.

Charlie John: I’d rate it about a 6, that’s about all the
time and effort a stupid fucking question like yours deserves.

Steven from Memphis,TN:

Very sad about the Fowler incident in St. Petersburg. I do not know the entire story, but his actions seem very immature and do not reflect well. I know last year he had a lot of penalties that seemed to be selfish, uncontrolled, immature behavior. I was hoping he has grown up a little, but stepping on a guy’s glasses and throwing his beer in the lake do not seem to me he has grown up one bit.

Charlie John: You sanctimonious piece of shit, you don’t deserve to call yourself a fan! I know for a fact that Fowler was provoked in each and every incident you cite in your question, you have no right to judge this fine young man.

Bruce from Green Cove Springs, FL:

The news regarding Dante Fowler’s arrest, and the revelations of a previous arrest and numerous traffic violations, is extremely disappointing. Although no alcohol or drugs were involved (according to the news sources), it seems Mr. Fowler needs to do some quick maturing. Now, we face a possibility of starting the season without him. So many positive things have happened this offseason that we fans are building a genuine hope of a winning team. Dante Fowler’s childish antics could be the first crack in the dam.

Charlie John: You and Steven can both go fuck yourselves, you are not Jaguar fans!

Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

Dante Fowler is an angel compared to Charles Haley and Lawrence Taylor. Give the young man a break. He made a mistake. It’s not the end of the world for him or the team. He had a pretty good year coming off injury and playing his first season. When your children make mistakes, do you put them up for adoption? I like Dante and I think he has the potential to be special. Those groceries will get replaced by a lot of green cabbage and all will be forgiven. Go Jaguars!

Charlie John: I couldn’t agree with you more
Don, I simply don’t understand all the angst being shoved toward such a
talented, upstanding young man who simply made a mistake. It’s too bad there aren’t more real Jags fans like yourself out there.

Fred from Naples, FL:

For the record, I am a big Blake Bortles fan and hope he has a big turnaround this year. I have always felt he has never had a strong running game to complement the offensive balance we need to be successful. In your opinion, if Blake did not have a strong game to finish last year against Tennessee and Indy do the Jaguars pick up his option?

Charlie John: Of course they would have, GM
Caldwell is one of the finest football minds in todays game and he knows exactly what he is doing. Blake has proven that he can carry this team to victory if he is given the right tools to do so and that is exactly what Dave did this draft.

Jonathan from Yulee, FL:

Hey O, I like these mic’d up videos. Marion Hobby has got me fired up. Keep ‘em coming. Shame he wasn’t in the passenger side with Dante to remind him about “positive energy.”

Charlie John: You had a great question/statement
going until you chose to criticize Dante’s actions, one for Dumb ass fans!

Aaron from Phoenix, AZ:

How much time Fowler could be suspended?

Charlie John: Really? Really! How much time.
Take your third grade education and shove it up your ass, get back to us
when you have even the smallest semblance of a brain. How much time, faggot!

Brian from Orlando, FL:

John: What is the meaning of life and does it include football?

Charlie John: Having a good buddy like HJT to hang out with, to love and experience life’s moments with, spandex, long hot nights of bromance and kinky dreamy lovemaking, that’s the meaning of life!
And yes, after a few months of stretching a football can be incorporating into the love making festivities.

Bob from Fernandina Beach, FL:

I have a problem with the lenient attitude we as a society have towards athletes that are 20-plus years old. When they violate the law, we say “they are just immature young men,” as if somehow they are not responsible for their actions, or they should be excused. If they had been taught discipline and responsibility in the first place these issues wouldn’t keep coming up in their lives. My point is we shouldn’t continue to excuse 22-year-olds when they violate the law … make them pay the price, maybe they can still learn what responsibility means.

Charlie John: Let me say this again, you sanctimonious
piece of shit, you don’t deserve to call yourself a fan! I know for a fact that Fowler was provoked in each and every incident you cite in your question, you have no right to judge this fine young man.

Ty from Fleming Island, FL:

Considering all the quarterback struggles we have had, it could be said that our last quarterback who played well consistently was David Garrard. Please refresh my memory as to why he was let go. It seems to me his accuracy, arm strength and mobility were all pretty solid at that time. Were there durability concerns, or did they just feel that he had reached his ceiling and were looking for a quarterback to make the offense more high-powered?

Charlie John: QB Struggles? Please, more like lack of a running game,
terrible OL game, WRs dropping passes game. Bortles has been great. As for Garrard, who cares! He’s not a GM Caldwell guy so he couldn’t have been that good, my guess is he got released cause he sucked.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:

JJ Watt has 76 sacks in 83 starts. We need someone to average nearly a sack a game
for several years.

Charlie John: I’m pretty sure that Fowler Jr is
well on his way to being this player. If
not for the injury and the fact that Yannick Ngakoue keeps stealing Dante’s sacks he would have been that guy last year.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 21, 2017July 21, 2017Categories Uncategorized244 Comments on O-Zone: #ANALytics

O-Zone: Quite an accomplishment

Dick John Senior writer jags4life.com Follow Dick John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Mike from Jacksonville:
What can you tell us about Dante Fowler Jr.? How concerned should we be?

Dick John: I am no more in the know than dipshits like you reading internet articles. The fucker was already a bust and this just solidifies that.

Jim from Chuluota, FL:
Please send Mr. Fowler to Principal Coughlin’s office.

Dick John: That is very clever. Take you all day to think of?

Brian from Staten Island, NY:
Say it ain’t so, O. Just wanted your thoughts on the Fowler situation. I guess we can’t pass judgment until the whole story comes out, but this is looking like a major blow to the defensive line. What say you, O man?

Dick John: This is far from a major blow. If Yannick was in trouble, maybe. This sack of shit just lowers our depth a little.

Mac from Jacksonville:
Offseason No. 1: Tears ACL. Offseason No. 2: TMZ video of him refereeing a cat fight. Offseason No. 3: Arrested for assault. The guy makes way too many headlines in the offseason and far too few on the field.

Dick John: Hard to make headlines on the field when you miss 1 of 2 seasons, I will say that. However, yes he did in fact suck in his one year on the field.

Charles from Savannah, GA:
Why should Dante remain a Big Cat?

Dick John: 1st off. FUCK YOU. Anybody named Charlie or Charles or anything like that automatically gets one of those. Also, fuck you you stupid cunt. We are about as far from Big Cat as they get. We are little baby kittens still sucking on its mom’s tit right now we are so pathetic. Big Cat. Fuck out of here with that shit.

David from Maplewood, NJ:
John, felt the need to add my voice to what I am sure is an overwhelming chorus in the inbox. Fowler … really? Really, dude? C’mon, man!

Dick John: I am so glad you added your voice to the mix. Highly original and thought provoking issues you raised.

Old Skool from Banner Elk, NC:
Here we go!! Dante “the Bust” Fowler another bonehead incident! He’s like the Justin Blackmon of DE!! Will he be disciplined? I wish the Jags would just cut ties with him and move on! He will never be more than what he showed last year, and the team doesn’t need his distractions!! Kirk out!

Dick John: I agree 100%. Fuck Dante.

Phone from Da Burg:
Well, I guess the Jags will be without Dante Fowler Jr for the first four games of the season! Just as well … he’s horrible. I don’t want to hear “if he could just learn some moves,” ” but he was injured his rookie year.” Like my Granpappy always said , ” If if’s and but’s were cookies and nuts it’d be Christmas all year long!”

Dick John: Tell your granpappy to go and die already.

Jeff from Jacksonville:
Have you ever seen a team handle a quarterback the way the Redskins are handling “Kurt” Cousins? They could have locked him up at a cheaper contract the last two years that Cousins would have happily signed. They waited too long, Derek Carr got a deal that reset the market, and now it looks like Cousins has all but lost interest in staying there. You always say it’s all about the quarterback, but it looks like that’s only true for 31 of the 32 teams.

Dick John: I barely like answering football questions about the team I cover. What in the fuck makes you think I have ANY interest in answering questions about another team?

The Third from Boston, MA:
To add to your response to Rob from KC: it is true that the American impact on this era of tennis has been limited, but “Golden Era” might not be a strong enough phrase. Three of the top five men’s grand slam winners all are active right now, and have amassed those grand slam records within a 14-year run. That is simply incredible, and makes me very excited that I get to watch them when I cross a trip to the US Open off my bucket list in a month.

Dick John: Fuck you. Bragging about going to the US Open to me. I couldn’t give 2 fucks about your damn bucket list.

Justice from Jacksonville:
So, John: What do you think will happen if Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee both ball out this year? With the acquisition of Dede Westbrook, would that mean Allen Hurns could be the odd-man out next season?

Dick John: We would most definitely keep DeDe over Hurns. That is a given. Dede fits our team personality very well. We need more Dante’s and Dede’s.

Robert from Oneonta:
John, is Kirk Cousins a quarterback the Jags might look at now or in the future? The issues in Washington seem … complicated.

Dick John: As long as Dave the Dumbass Douchebag is here, Blake is the only QB you need to worry about starting for us.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:
I created a “slew” of follow-up questions. Such a feeling of accomplishment and celebrity. Is this how it feels to be you?

Dick John: Is answering questions from retards the sign that you’ve made it?

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Author J32bassPosted on July 20, 2017July 20, 2017Categories Uncategorized257 Comments on O-Zone: Quite an accomplishment

O-Zone: Opportoonies

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Andy from Saint Johns, FL:

John, I recently read the O-Zone for the first time since last season when we were out of the playoff race in mid-October. I have really not paid attention this whole offseason except for the draft. I got my preseason magazines, but haven’t read them; my season tickets came last week and I haven’t even opened them. I am at an all-time low with excitement for this coming season. John, can you answer this email with something that gets me excited for this upcoming season? Is there any hope? I’ll check back the rest of the week to see if you respond.

John: Andy, thanks for the update. It certainly infused sunshine. Still, I doubt my answer will excite you much. That’s because like many fans you understandably are beyond the point that offseason words and predictions have meaning. All that will excite that faction of fans is winning, and that can’t happen until the regular-season games begin. I believe we will see at least the beginning of that excitement this season, because I believe the core of this team has reached a stage of their careers – the fourth NFL season for many of those players – that they can be expected to carry a team and begin winning consistently. I also believe the team will respond to the disciplined approach of Head Coach Doug Marrone; if the Jaguars can get some success early in the season, I believe this team has a chance to move in a positive direction. Now, it’s just as true that much of what I am writing depends on the play of quarterback Blake Bortles. For many observers, that is a concern because Bortles has yet to show he is a franchise quarterback. As with the team overall, nothing I can say or write about Bortles will excite many people because they have heard and read many things before that have not come to fruition. So, the hope is that a relatively young quarterback and a lot of other players keep growing up and mesh with some quality newcomers. If that happens, then the results can be positive. I can’t control whether that gives you hope or not, but it does make me think this could be a better season than the Jaguars have had recently. Oh, and welcome back. All of us here at jaguars.com missed you very much.

Ron from Jacksonville:

I’ve held my optimism in check the past few years, but I really feel good about this year’s team. I see the Jags starting the season 4-0. Am I just a hopeless dreamer?

John: Andy, meet Ron … Ron, meet Andy.

Hippy from Fleming Island, FL:

We will have a beautiful 150 inches of bright and new projection big screen at our undisclosed bar to fully enjoy the away games this year! Game of Thrones looks sweet, but can’t compare to Week 1. #skittleydoo

John: #Skittleydoo

Sebastian from Austin, TX:

Hey John, as a follow-up question to Glen from Orange Park’s question, if they let Bortles play out the fifth year of his rookie contract after a season with 3,350 yards, 18 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 60 percent completions and we win nine games with a strong ground game and defense … do the Jaguars draft a quarterback in the first or second round of next year’s draft, which is expected to have a great crop of quarterbacks?

John: I not unexpectedly received a slew of follow-up questions to Glen from Orange Park’s recent question about just what it will take for the Jaguars to commit to Bortles long-term after this season. The best answer I have is that the answer may not be based on statistics as much as feel: if the Jaguars see Bortles making the right decisions and showing the right things to make you think he’s developing into a winning quarterback, then I think they will re-sign him. If they don’t, then I think they will pursue a quarterback next offseason. That probably would be in the draft. The above numbers would make that a tough decision and would probably mean the Jaguars needing to decide just how much they covet one of the quarterbacks available. They would probably need to covet him a lot, which would probably mean trading up in the first round to get one. You don’t want to draft “a quarterback;” you want to draft a guy you believe is the guy.

Scott from Aurora, IL:

One of the things that makes Queen great is how widely the sound of their music varies. This was due to every single member of the original band being a composer and the band playing music by all of them. In fact, all four of them are in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. A collection of talent such as that is not mirrored anywhere in this age’s music industry.

John: Hey, one fer Brian May! And Freddie Mercury! And Roger Taylor! And John Deacon!

Richard from Southside:

Good day, Zone! Doug Marrone has coached two years with the Bills, and four years at Syracuse, while never having a better-than-average season. The thoughts when Tom Coughlin and Jack Del Rio coached here were playoffs or bust; that seems too far removed. Would an average season really bring satisfaction to a fan base after a decade of losing? Can Coughlin’s winning influence inspire Marrone and this culture to be greater than average? After so long, do you feel a fan base deserves to win? The stats show the Jags have not produced since we let go TC and JDR; it almost feels like bringing TC back is a way for redemption. Thoughts?

John: An average season won’t satisfy fans, nor should it. As for Marrone, circumstances don’t always allow success. Still, remember: Marrone had the Bills moving in the right direction. He was not fired from that position. He chose to leave. He also doesn’t need Coughlin or anyone else to inspire him to want to win and to know that the expectations around here must exceed recent results.

Bob from Jacksonville:

With the addition of Leonard Fournette and two fullbacks this year, our running game should show a definite improvement. It stands to reason our run-pass option should improve as well. Throughout Blake’s career I have found myself talking to myself after a play-action pass, saying “It sure didn’t seem like Blake tried to sell the run.” Have you noticed this or is it just me?

John: Selling the play-action pass is an area where many young quarterbacks fall short. I don’t consider Bortles one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL in this area, but neither do I think he’s horrible. I actually would put it pretty low in areas he needs to improve. But yes … he could do a better job in this area. The play-action should be a more prominent part of the Jaguars’ offense this season, but the quarterback does have to sell the play fake.

Rob from Kansas City, MO:

Ah, tennis. I enjoyed tennis, playing and watching. Unfortunately, I think the closest tennis ever came to being “cool” in the US was the Agassi/Sampras rivalry, which was awesome. The Williams sisters made a good run at making the sport “cool,” too. Which rivalries do you think have helped tennis the most up to this point?

John: You’re showing your age, Rob. Tennis was phenomenally cool in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s when John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert helped make the sport significant in this country. I doubt the sport ever will return to that level of prominence in the United States, because I doubt the country’s junior system will consistently produce Grand Slam contenders on the men’s side. As for rivalries helping the sport, my perspective is different than most people in the United States, because I consider this a tennis golden age. Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal is perhaps the best rivalry in the history of the sport, and Novak Djokovic-Nadal/Djokovic-Federer are terrific, too. They haven’t helped the sport in the United States much, but in terms of the quality of the game, they’re off the charts.

David from Duval:

In the pass-happy league that the NFL has become, it’s apparent that the rule changes have helped quarterbacks. The fact that Chad Henne has a 58/63 touchdown/interception ratio in this era and the Jags re-signed him and said, “Yes, this is who we want to play quarterback if Blake Bortles goes down” just completely blows my mind. What a wasted roster spot. The quarterback mentoring doesn’t hold up anymore. He sure couldn’t mentor Bortles into playing better last year. And when a game starts with Chad Steven Henne under center, his career record is 18-35! I’m just sick to death of watching this franchise fumble and bumble decision after decision since 2000. Here’s to hoping that one way or another Henne does not attempt a pass this season. When the Jags do part ways with Henne, he is done in the league. No one is dumb enough to sign him except us. Take that to the bank. And may God have mercy on his soul.

John: I’m sorry your mind is blown. That can be disconcerting. As for Henne, there’s nothing at all wrong with him as a backup quarterback. And if he Henne weren’t the backup here, he would have opportunities to be a backup somewhere else.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 19, 2017July 19, 2017Categories Uncategorized516 Comments on O-Zone: Opportoonies

O-Zone: Skittleydoo

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Micky from Jacksonville:

You’ve talked a lot about Poz coming off on passing downs in favor of Aaron Colvin. What adjustments and substitutions happen on the line on passing downs? You’ve called Abry Jones a nose tackle, so I assume he lines up over the center. Where do the other three linemen line up?

John: Substitution patterns in passing situations vary more on the line than in the back seven. Whereas the common substitution in the back seven indeed would be a nickel corner for a strong-side linebacker – Colvin as a nickel for Paul Posluszny at strong in this case – the substitutions vary for the defensive front. Teams rotate defensive linemen in passing situations because rushing the passer is more physically taxing than protecting the passer, and the Jaguars this season absolutely want to be deep enough along the defensive front that they can pass rush in “waves.” It’s something they discussed a lot around the 2017 NFL Draft. Specific to Jones, his pass-rush ability and athleticism will get him on the field in passing situations more than, say, Roy Miller in recent seasons; still, I doubt he’ll be a pass-rush staple. More common will be combinations that feature Calais Campbell, Malik Jackson, Yannick Ngakoue and Dante Fowler Jr., with Campbell and Jackson inside and Ngakoue and Fowler outside.

Doug from Syracuse, NY:

The schedule-makers are obviously not Jag fans! Who else has to travel to both Super Bowl teams in the first four weeks of the season? … Well, preseason

John: Fight the good fight, Doug.

Ryan from Apopka, FL:

So Roger did it! No. 8! Didn’t drop a single set! Nineteen career majors! Any reason you can’t see him win No. 20 in a couple of months on New York?

John: We’ll set this up for those who don’t follow tennis: Ryan’s referring here to Roger Federer winning Wimbledon Sunday, and the question is whether he can win his 20th career major title at the U.S. Open in September. Is there any reason Federer won’t win? Sure, because winning a grand slam is hard. And because he hasn’t won the U.S. Open since 2008. And because Rafael Nadal is good, too. And because Marin Cilic and any number of big servers/big hitters can get hot and win that tournament. And because Stan Wawrinka is really good on hard courts. But Federer won on hard court in Australia earlier this year. And he won Wimbledon. He has won all four of the important tournaments he has entered this year. So, sure: he can win it. He’s probably the favorite right now anywhere that’s not on clay.

Shawn from the Mean Streets of Arlington:

What a great answer. I couldn’t agree more. You know what I’m talking about.

John: Yes, I do.

Ed from Ponte Vedra, FL:

When I got my season tickets, I had to look up the names of at least five of the nine players featured. That’s kinda sad.

John: Don’t get down on yourself, Ed. It’s comparatively easy to keep track of the Jaguars’ players. For players currently on the team, simply watch a few games in person or on television. For players new to the roster – say, rookies or free agents – just read the website or the local newspaper. You’ll get up to speed soon enough and you no longer will need to feel sad.

David from Broward County, FL:

O-Man, with all the talk of predicting the Jags record this season, I thought of a different question. What will be the Jags’ AFC South record in 2017? I say the expectation should be 4-2, but 3-3 is more likely. A losing division record will be a huge letdown. What do you think the Jags division record will be?

John: Three and three.

Tom from Loughborough, England:

John, my friend (Cardinals fan) has some bold predictions for the Jags next season: Lead the league in sacks, Leonard Fournette to have 1,500 yards from scrimmage, Bortles to throw less than 10 interceptions, the Jags to reach the playoffs. Which do you think is most likely?

John: Fournette having 1,500 yards from scrimmage seems most likely. The Jaguars are going to build the offense around the running game, and he’ll be a focal point of that. One thing about your friend’s list that’s obvious is if the Jaguars attain the first three objectives, they’ll have a really good chance at reaching the fourth.

Scott from New York, NY:

Can you list the items at EverBank Field that you do have say over?

John: Hold on.

Scott from Doboy Island, GA:

Regarding Michael from Port Orange’s question, have the Jaguars’ profits gone way up or the value of the franchise? Or both? The value may have gone way up but that doesn’t mean Shad is making mad bank. Oehser’s double-wide may have doubled in value but that doesn’t do you any good until you sell it!

John: NFL teams with the exception of Green Bay don’t release figures such as profits, revenue, etc., though the Jaguars at their state of the franchise each offseason are a bit more transparent in this area than most. But you’re right that franchise value doesn’t necessarily reflect year-to-year revenue and expenses. As for the double-wide doubling in value, I think you have me confused with Sexton. He showed me around his double-wide a couple of weeks back and it is ni-i-i-i-i-i-ce.

Bored from Jacksonville:

What would happen if I barged into the house of Oehser?

John: Rat dog wouldn’t like it, so there would be insane barking to start. But even aside from her reaction, I’d advise ringing the doorbell. Barging in on a man in his boxers and his tight, sleeveless, white T is considered a high-risk, low-reward endeavor at best.

Steve from Jacksonville:

Go-Go’s because Belinda Carlisle.

John: Indeed.

Otto from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

John, I do realize the Collective Bargaining Agreement does not require teams to list injuries during OTAs as opposed to the regular season. With that in mind, I am somewhat nervous about injuries to Barry Church, Tashaun Gipson and Jalen Ramsey. That is three quarters of our starting defensive backfield. I still don’t know what core muscle surgery means. It would be great if the Jags could tell us a bit more.

John: Jaguars 2017 Training Camp begins Thursday, July 27.

Craig from Auburn, IN:

Monumental prediction! If the Jags score more points than their opponents, they will … win! If they don’t, they will … lose! I also predict that their record will be between zero to 16 wins in the regular season, and they may or may not make the playoffs; and if they do, they may or may not make it to the Super Bowl! Man, I am the Nostradamus of our time! Let me know if YOU have any questions of me.

John: Will you mow my lawn?

Ryk from Fernandina Beach, FL:

Maybe, just maybe, it would be palatable for Keith if the video adds were all old-school “Culligan Girl.” How bout it, O!!!!!!!

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

Ernest from Rockville, MD:

While we are still in the Dead Zone, here is another music question. What are your thoughts on the band Queen? Did you ever enjoy listening to their songs? The remaining members and Adam Lambert will be playing a show in Washington, D.C. in about two weeks. I would have loved to have seen the “original lineup” but I never took a serious interest in their music until college and Freddie Mercury had already passed away. But I’m grateful to see them in some form.

John: I do consider myself a Queen fan. My credentials include having owned “News of the World,” “Night at the Opera” and “Jazz” on vinyl, and being a fan of “Bohemian Rhapsody” long before Wayne’s World. Best deep track Queen songs: “Don’t Stop Me Now” (Jazz), “It’s Late” (News of the World) and “Year of ’39” (Night at the Opera).

Tyler from Jacksonville:

Why not bring in Johnny Football? I bet you’d be hard-pressed to find a fan that would rather watch Chad Henne…

John: Stop.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:

Let’s say Bortles puts up 3,350 yards, 18 TDs, 10 interceptions, 60 completions and we win nine games with a strong ground game and defense. What kind of contract will he be offered?

John: That may be a scenario in which Bortles plays for the final year of his original five-year contract.

Jonathan from Section 122 and still in the Army:

I got my season tickets in the mail the other day and I let out a “skittleydoo” of excitement upon opening that beautiful yellow envelope. Then I find out that I have to go to California for a 30-day rotation at the National Training Center (NTC) smack dab in the middle of October. You should google NTC, John. It’s not a lot fun, especially since my tickets will go to my son (gasp). The football gods are not on my side this year, it would seem. Remember, I offered to be your assistant when I retire soon. If only for pity, hook me up with a John. #softservewheneveryouwantit.

John: Well, so much for “skittleydoo,” I guess.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 18, 2017July 18, 2017Categories Uncategorized244 Comments on O-Zone: Skittleydoo

O-Zone: Trophy time

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Ty from Fleming Island, FL:

Fair or not, the Jags and Panthers will always be compared to each other since they both entered the league in ’95. Most would agree that the Panthers have been the more successful franchise up to this point with two Super Bowl appearances and more playoff appearances. What factors do you consider to be the primary reasons they have had more success? Could it be front-office consistency, better scouting/drafting, or just plain luck? Here’s to hoping the Jaguars can turn the tide soon.

John: Really? Do people still compare the Jaguars and Panthers? I suppose so, because I get questions like this from time to time, but I haven’t had much sense for the last decade and a half or so that people compare the Jaguars and Panthers any more than they compare the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers because they both entered the league in 1976. As for your question of why the Panthers have had more success than the Jaguars the last decade and a half, it’s pretty much the same reason the Jaguars have struggled compared to most of the league during that period. The Jaguars haven’t drafted and developed well enough over that time. That’s due in part to luck and in part to bad decisions. Whatever the cause, their talent dipped a great deal for a while. I look at this roster now and believe the Jaguars may finally after a long while be back on even footing with a lot of the NFL. I don’t believe they’re yet above a lot of the NFL, but they’re establishing a foundation. That’s the first step.

Simon from Jacksonville:

Mr. O-Zone, Sir: I like when the Jaguars win. Winning makes me happy! Can I have one fer winning please?

John: Absolutely.

J. Hooks from Orange Park, FL:

Yo Zone! O-line. Prediction. Zone scheme that failed last year, or power scheme? I think I know, but what’s the difference?

John: Most blocking schemes in the NFL these days feature a combination of zone and power. But the Jaguars have two fullbacks (Tommy Bohanon and Marquez Williams) compared to none last year and have two power-oriented backs on the roster (Chris Ivory and Leonard Fournette) compared to one last season, so there might be a smidge more power running in the scheme this season.

Don from Norfolk, VA:

Big O, Thanks for making me look up the word “whelm”. Like I got nothing else to do…

John: Apparently…

Scott from Fernandina Beach, FL:

Hello, Mr. O. While I think Blake Bortles will be improved this year and improved enough to start the entire season, I hope your expectation that Blake will start until the Jaguars are no longer in contention for the postseason is wrong. Blake remaining the starter should be based upon his play, not the win/loss record. If Blake goes something like 37 for 85 with three touchdowns and seven interceptions in the first three or four games, I would hope Doug Marrone and Tom Coughlin would pull the plug and put in Chad Henne/Brandon Allen.

John: My assumption that Bortles will be the starter in 2017 for as long as the Jaguars are in contention is based on the assumption that the Jaguars will contend if he plays well. If Bortles struggles to the degree you mentioned, then yes … he probably wouldn’t be playing anymore. That’s because the Jaguars probably will lose consistently if he plays as you project. Considering his touchdown-interception numbers are 58-34 over the last two seasons, it would be surprising if that number completely flipped to the degree you mentioned.

Michael from Port Orange, FL:

Just read in Black & Teal that Shad Khan has made so much more money in the value of the franchise so when will he give us back our home game! Fans don’t count for the NFL only profits!!!

John: The value of the Jaguars indeed has risen dramatically in Khan’s time as owner – and that is an important thing for the franchise. Considering the progress the Jaguars have made toward stabilizing the franchise in Jacksonville since Khan took over as owner – and considering the importance of London to that stabilization – I can’t foresee Khan and the Jaguars changing their approach anytime soon.

Greg from Orlando, FL:

Federer!! Thoughts?

John: My thoughts are that my tennis thoughts haven’t the slightest whiff of expertise, but I know beauty, grace and greatness when I see it. Federer on Sunday won his second grand slam of the season when he won his record eighth Wimbledon and extended his record to 19 career major titles. His story to me is the most remarkable story in sports this year because the greatest player in the history of his sport is reaching the highest level of his career at an age well past when most players of recent decades have long since retired. It’s rare to witness an athlete redefine the possible. That’s what we’re seeing right now with Federer. I understand few in America care about tennis, and I’m well past the age when I beat the drum to try to force people to care about something because I do. But greatness is greatness, and those who are watching Federer right now feel fortunate to be witnessing true greatness and a true legend far longer than anyone had the right to expect.

Brian from Jacksonville:

Johnny, it’s so nice of you to answer so very many questions every day. But you too must have questions. Zone who do you ask? Do you have any questions for me?

John: Hold on.

Travis from North Dakota:

If Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee all have a good season this year do you think we would keep all four of them or do you think that Blake and two of the three would be signed if that were to happen? I mean, this is a passing league and if all three receivers show they can be very good together you have to pay them all don’t you or is that just too much money tied up into one position?

John: I imagine Bortles and two of the receivers would be re-signed in your scenario. Some of this could depend on the development of Dede Westbrook; if he emerges as planned then I doubt Robinson, Lee and Hurns are all back in 2018. I actually doubt that happens either way. My guess is out of the trio of Robinson, Hurns and Lee two return. I’d guess right now it’s Robinson and one of the other two. I continue to say this is one of the more intriguing storylines on this team this season because I don’t believe it’s remotely played out. Stay tuned.

Paul from Jacksonville:

To Christopher from Duval Baby, if Chad Henne were better than Blake Bortles, he would have started more games Blake’s rookie season.

John: Well, yes.

Larry from Brunswick, GA:

Mr. O: If things go bad in the first half in Houston, can we expect to see Henne or Allen start the second half instead of Bortles? Also, much is made about Bortles’ poor passing mechanics so how is his handoff mechanics compared to 2015.

John: I don’t expect to see Henne or Allen play against Houston in Week 1 unless Bortles is injured. As for Bortles’ handoff mechanics … they’re awesome, Larry. Just awesome.

Gabe from Washington, DC:

One fer Bortles leading us to a solid 2017 season, even having some seeing us as making a playoff run in 2018! #whelmthem

John: #whelmthem

Jared from O-Town:

Hi John. If we were to be completely blunt, what is the realistic chance that Bortles sees that $19 million fifth-year option? Even if he puts in a Brady-like season in 2017, do you believe the front office lets him play 2018 under that contract? In that scenario, and with his recent history in mind, would he be offered a new contract that better fits his value? On the flip side of that, would becoming a decent game manager prevent him from being released after the season (with an appropriate contract as well)?

John: I put the chances of Bortles playing for the fifth-year option at about 20 percent. If he is really good the Jaguars will re-sign him and if he’s not, then I imagine he will be released after the season. I think the team will want to make a decision after this season, but we’ll see.

Spoon from Hard Work, USA:

Do you think Shadrick and Sexton have noticed you have worked every day while they have … well while they ….aah while they are…. just left you on your own to do all the heavy lifting?

John: Offered without comment.

Wallace from Jacksonville:

Do you play soccer?

John: Wallace, I turn 51 soon. I’m old. If I can get my three-to-four miles a day in on the treadmill, I’m not only finished for the day, I’m looking to see if someone will give me a trophy.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 17, 2017July 17, 2017Categories Uncategorized297 Comments on O-Zone: Trophy time

O-Zone: Get up, stand up

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Josh from Pensacola, FL:

I don’t agree that Blake Bortles is the best running quarterback in the NFL. However, I do think that needs to be part of his game. He seems to have gotten away from it. When he carries the ball, he usually gets a good chunk of yardage. I’m not saying make him a running quarterback, but why not take advantage of that and make defenses worry? It just adds another dimension to the offense. Agree?

John: Not particularly – or at least I’m not “all in.” But that’s because I’m not big on building a large part of an NFL offense around a quarterback’s ability to run. The league more often than not is about quarterbacks winning from the pocket, though there obviously are exceptions. Should Bortles run more? Perhaps a bit more. He rushed about three-and-a-half times per game last season, averaging 6.19 yards per carry and gaining 20 first downs rushing. Bortles does have good awareness once he leaves the pocket, and he has been effective on designated runs. Considering this effectiveness, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Jaguars work quarterback runs into the offense a time or two more a game. Still, you don’t want to see the Jaguars and Bortles get overly dependent on quarterback runs. You need to win from the pocket in the NFL.

Adam from Jacksonville:

Do you play golf?

John: No.

Bryce from Waterloo, IA:

John, if you could take any former Jaguars player (not named Tony Boselli) and insert them into the starting lineup, who would it be? For me, it would be John Henderson. Calais Campbell, Henderson, Malik Jackson, and Yannick Ngakoue/ Dante Fowler Jr. would be a solid defensive front. Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye would thrive in the secondary if we had a front like that. I miss the intensity that Big John brought each and every game.

John: I didn’t cover the Henderson/Marcus Stroud era, so I’m a bit biased toward the Jaguars teams I did cover in the 1990s. Acknowledging that, I suppose my answer to your question would be Mark Brunell. I can’t put Brunell on a par with Boselli, Fred Taylor, Jimmy Smith or even Tony Brackens from that era, but reliable play at quarterback trumps all else.

Craig from Jacksonville:

John, thankfully we are near ending the dead zone for some football. I wanted to ask, do you look forward to game day or is just another day at the office?

John: Game days are cool. I like them.

Cliff from Jersey City, NJ:

Yo, O. A while back you mentioned it was about time for CBS to move on from Phil Simms, or something along those lines. What gave you that sense, and what do you typically look for in game-day announcers? I am interested to see how Tony Romo and Jay Cutler do and how it will ultimately impact their football legacy.

John: I don’t recall saying that about Simms; if I did, I wasn’t passionate about it. I don’t actually pay much attention to CBS or FOX broadcasters because I’m usually covering the Jaguars Sunday afternoons and not watching/listening to the other games very intently. I typically like announcers who can mix insight and humor and make the game a bit more interesting. It’s why I liked John Madden in his prime. He had the ability to entertain and inform in a way that made the casual football fan feel like an insider.

Thommy from Miami, FL:

The Jags are a talented team. While many are gun-shy because of unfulfilled promises, I don’t see the point in not recognizing this. I believe Coach(es Doug) Marrone and (Tom) Coughlin get the best from their people, and IF your roster is better than the other teams in your division, why NOT make the playoffs? There, I said it. I’m glad I did, I’m tellin’ ya! I’m GLAD I DID!

John: #DTWD

Sam from Edgewater:

Cutting ties with Daryl Smith, Reggie Nelson put us further behind than a lot of people want to acknowledge. Hindsight is never 20/20 but those two moves STUNK.

John: I agree the Jaguars made erred not re-signing Smith in the 2013 offseason. He would have helped this young defense during a couple of pretty dark, rough rebuilding seasons. I never covered Nelson, but my understanding was few questioned cutting that tie when the move was made. Either way, I don’t know how much those moves really hurt in the big picture. Would the Jaguars have been better defensively for a few seasons with those two players? Sure, but it’s unlikely they would have been a playoff-caliber team. Would those two players make a huge difference now? Doubtful.

Charlie from Cliff’s basement:

Do you ever plot revenge?

John: A better question is, “Do I ever not plot revenge?”

Marty from Jacksonville:

You said if Blake can’t overwhelm people, he can at least whelm them. Interesting that “whelm” is actually a word. It means “engulf, submerge, or bury.” That’s a tall order for any quarterback.

John: OK.

Nathan from St. Augustine, FL:

If any Hall of Fame voters are on the fence about Tony Boselli, I wish they would watch the tape of him against Hall-of-Famers Bruce Smith and Jason Taylor. A good measuring stick for the Hall of Fame should be how you performed against Hall of Fame players.

John: Performance against elite players is a good measure of a player’s ability, and Boselli more than stands up to that test. It’s something that gets brought up quite a bit when discussing Boselli’s credentials with Hall voters. But it’s difficult to quantify one-on-one battles against Hall of Fame players for all positions, and it’s pretty near impossible for every voter to study every game candidate played against great players. But the more memorable games you have against great players, the better your argument when such things get discussed. Boselli fares well in that area.

Spencer from Birmingham, AL:

I forgot about the green-helmet dots. I, too, was wondering why we didn’t leave Poz at Mike and just have him exit in nickel situations leaving Telvin Smith and Myles Jack. How do the dots work? I assume all quarterbacks active on game day have them since only one will be on the field at a time. Can only one defender come to the stadium with a radio in his helmet? What happens if that guy gets hurt? Does someone pop one in the new guy’s helmet on the sideline? Does the backup Mike already have one? If that were the case, am I to assume he and Jack couldn’t be on special teams at the same time? Poundsigngreendotponderings

John: Two defensive players may wear the helmet-to-sideline device in their helmet – a starter and a designated backup player. It’s typically the middle linebacker and his backup. It doesn’t come into play on special teams as much because the headset is for communication between plays and special teams don’t often play back-to-back plays.

Doug from Jacksonville:

This year Bortles will have better numbers than Marcus Mariota and whomever the Texans roll out. This is a take-it-to-the-bank statement. Oddly enough, Andrew Luck will have better numbers than Bortles but the Jags will have more wins than the Colts. This needs to be earmarked and brought back in a Jaguars.com story come January. These two are free … the next ones will cost ya.

John: I guess we’ll all look forward to that.

Brian from Orlando, FL:

Do Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Ben Roethlisberger have summer quarterback camps? Maybe Blake Bortles should attend. Just sayin’.

John: Many NFL quarterbacks work at facilities with personal quarterbacks coaches during the offseason. Bortles works with quarterbacks “gurus” Tom House and Adam Dedeaux in Southern California. He did so early in the offseason – as he did a couple of offseasons ago – and again for much of the last month. Bortles put in more than ample time this offseason. However his season turns out, it won’t be because he didn’t put in the time to work and prepare.

Gavin from Jacksonville:

Who will be the best Jacksonville Jaguar player in the year of 2017?

John: Jalen Ramsey.

Keith from Woonsocket, RI:

Man I hope Blake has an amazing upcoming season so all these babies can stop crying over this.

John: So, one not fer the babies?

Keith from Summerville, SC:

I’m sure you don’t have any say in this but please, please Jaguars.com stop showing advertisements in front of videos on this site. I know you need revenue but I refuse to watch any video clip that has an advertisement in front of it. Put them on the sides of the screen all day but stop putting them in front of videos. Thank you.

John: You’re right that I don’t have say in that, and I have remarkably little say in a remarkable number of areas with this team. I doubt the Jaguars stop showing advertisements in front of videos on this free website, but … hey, take your stand, Keith. Stick it to the man.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 16, 2017July 16, 2017Categories Uncategorized348 Comments on O-Zone: Get up, stand up

O-Zone: Let’s get physical

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Chris from Niagara Falls, Canada:

Hey, Zone. I am still scratching my head on the Leonard Fournette selection. My logic is this: I expect Blake Bortles to be underwhelming this year again. So, if the Jags are bad again this year, they will draft a quarterback next year. So, why spend a pick on a guy who you are going to run into the ground and will be of no value when you finally get a new quarterback and have him adjust to the NFL? Was this not a deep draft at running back?

John: One reason the Jaguars took the approach of drafting Fournette No. 4 overall is, of course, that they don’t necessarily agree with your assumption that Bortles will be underwhelming. Their approach is that even if he doesn’t overwhelm opponents this season, he can at least … well … whelm them. They also believe that an improved running game (Fournette) and an improved defense (a bunch of free-agent acquisitions) can help Bortles. But I get that you and many others don’t agree with that. If the aforementioned moves don’t work and the Jaguars indeed change direction at quarterback after the 2017 season, there’s no reason Fournette’s career must be so tragically short that he’s not still playing when a new quarterback is playing at a high level. The career spans for running backs are short, but they’re not that short.

Deegus from 90fournette:

How many touchdowns and/or yards do you expect from Fournette?

John: Eleven and 1,150.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

Deion Sanders also played wide receiver. I remember guys saying that he would have been a great wide receiver.

John: Sanders did play wide receiver for part of his career. Though he primarily was a deep threat when he played the position, I agree that had he played the position full time – and therefore had the time and training to be a more refined route-runner – he could have been very good.

Stephen from Jacksonville:

It’s been announced: new episodes of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” start October 1. How does that make you feel?

John: Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good.

Willis from Jacksonville:

Looks aside, Bangles or Go-Go’s?

John: Go-Gos – not because of advanced musicianship, or because they had more integrity, or anything of the like … but because when “Our Lips Are Sealed” or “We’ve Got the Beat” came on the car stereo in the early 1980s, you couldn’t help singing along.

Dylan from Tulsa, OK:

I might be one of the few fans 100 percent behind Blake for at least one more year. I think he might have gotten a little dragged into the hype of the team last year – and he disappointed us and himself. So I’m giving him one more year of complete and total faith. After that, however, Mason Rudolph should be everyone’s favorite quarterback in next year’s draft.

John: Hey, one fer Blake! Or, one fer Mason? Now, I’m confused. Again.

Chris from Da Burg’ to Vegas to Hollywood and back to Vegas:

DeAngelo Williams’ comments made me mad, but it’s his opinion and opinions are like you know what. His thoroughly stinks. I literally would slap him with a Jaguars foam finger and inform him that he has never been better than any Jaguars running back and we know that at least two will be HOFers. The important part is … he cannot say the same about himself. And it’s funny how he has this uppity attitude since he played for Pittsburgh. He should remind himself that he was a band-aid holding the real stars’ place. So his pink, purple or whatever color dreads can go hold a sign outside of whatever organization he thinks would kick his tires but I fear he’ll be in the same spot through the season. RIP DeAngelo Williams’ career.

John: I understand that fans feel differently, but I don’t care all that much what Williams has to say about Jacksonville or anything else. It doesn’t stem from a dislike of the man, just a disinterest. It’s like my friend Pete Prisco likes to say, “You’re entitled to your wrong opinion.”

Bruce from Green Cove Springs, FL:

John, assuming Branden Albert is healthy and in shape by the regular season, and further assuming Cam Robinson starts at left guard, the offensive line could be pretty darn good. Good enough, at least, to make holes for Fournette and provide decent protection for Bortles. We’ve taken a “wait-and-see” approach to Bortles, but if Blake does indeed improve both his technique and his decision-making behind our (hopefully) improved offensive line, what do you see as his ceiling?

John: This answer obviously depends on how much Bortles improves his technique and decision-making. If he improves them a little, that’s different than if he improves them a lot. I think Bortles can be an Andy Dalton-level player, but if his decision-making gets a lot better, who knows?

Roshandra from Jacksonville:

John, the Titans and Houston are the favorites to win our division, and they both have a very good running game. Since we got rid of Roy Miller, and he was our main run-stuffer in the past, who is going to replace him? I know we have Abry Jones, but when he gets tired who is subbing with him? I know we have other defensive tackles on the roster, but none to be the size that can play nose. Don’t we need another nose tackle since I am pretty sure the Titans’ and Houston’s main focus on offense is to run the ball? In my opinion, if we can’t stop the run in those games we are not going to be able to compete in the AFC South.

John: The Jaguars’ run defense played at a high level for 10 games after Miller’s season-ending Achilles injury last season. Those games came with Jones starting at nose tackle and without another “true nose tackle” playing a major role. Nose tackles are critical in running situations, but rarely play all three downs so I don’t know that Jones getting tired is a major issue. Either way, Stefan Charles is on the roster, and he can play a role at nose tackle.

Tyrell from Jacksonville:

At the end of this season who do you think well have made the biggest impact for their respective team. Dalvin Cook or Leonard Fournette?

John: Fournette.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:

Russell Wilson is a better running quarterback than Blake for the reasons Don from Ponte Vedra Beach makes in Bortles’ favor – and more importantly, he also wins more games. A 3-13 quarterback is not the best at anything that can be viewed as a positive.

John: This is a conversation that began with Don’s point that Bortles is the best running quarterback in the NFL. Don had some interesting and compelling thoughts and statistics to back this up. That’s fine – and Bortles is effective as a running quarterback. He’s perhaps a lot better than most people believe. But watching players such as Russell Wilson and Cam Newton, it’s difficult to make the argument that Bortles is the best running quarterback in the NFL.

Dave from Duval:

Dear Mr. O, if we are going to talk about Jaguar players and the Hall of Fame, I agree Tony Boselli should be in the HOF as he was the most dominant NFL left tackle during his career. I believe Fred Taylor deserves serious consideration based on his career numbers and his rare his ability to “take it to the house” or run over a DB on any given play. But, if we are talking Jags and the HOF we MUST also talk Jimmy Smith based on his career numbers. Your thoughts?

John: I believe Smith deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. I believe his touchdowns total for his career – 67 – is the biggest thing that hurts his case, but I do believe he deserves consideration.

Dwayne from Jacksonville:

“Shadrick, he’s waist deep in his summer ‘me time’ … it’s best to leave him alone right now.” Shadrick is a fine, upstanding member of the jaguars.com staff and he deserves – nay, commands – our respect. I’d appreciate it in the future if you would remember this.

John: You’re right. My bad.

Nathan from St. Augustine, FL:

With training camp right around the corner this year, what differences can fans expect from Coach Marrone’s camp as opposed to Gus Bradley’s? Oh – and all I can say about your choice in pizza and garlic rolls is you must not have made it out to the Mellow Mushroom yet!

John: I think there will be a handful of days early in training camp during which you see a few more physical drills under Marrone than you did under Bradley. I emphasize “handful” and “a few” because while Marrone likely would love to have a bunch of brutally tough practices, he also knows there’s a limit to how long and how often you have players hitting in camp. But there will be a difference under Marrone? Will there be a harder edge? I’d be shocked if there’s not.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 15, 2017July 15, 2017Categories Uncategorized325 Comments on O-Zone: Let’s get physical

O-Zone: Here it comes

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Jonathan from Jacksonville:

This is how low the bar of success is for this organization. We are now basing Blake Bortles’ improvement on the last two games and just forgetting that he sucks for the last three-plus years of his career and hoping he will get better this year because of those two games. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. Just like when they tried to fool us and say we’re built …

John: I understand this perception, because it’s true that the Jaguars want very much to build on Bortles’ final two games from last season. But no one’s forgetting Bortles’ first two-plus seasons. And no one’s assuming that Bortles will magically turn things around because of those two games. And no one is setting what Bortles has done in any of his first three NFL seasons as the franchise’s bar for success. It’s certainly true that both Head Coach Doug Marrone and Executive Vice President Tom Coughlin know Bortles has serious improving to do to get this team where it wants to go. The Jaguars chose to stay with Bortles as the quarterback because they have seen enough from him to believe they can win if he reduces turnovers, and if they build a stronger running game and defense. Are they right? Is the approach justified? It’s fair to be skeptical, and criticism will be warranted if the approach doesn’t work. We’ll find out the results soon enough. And as far as that blind squirrel … have you seen it? Can you prove it? Didn’t think so …

Dave from Duval:

Mr. O, speaking of numbers, I think an important one for the Jags this season will be rushing touchdowns. Over the last two seasons the Jaguars have only 13 rushing touchdowns and Bortles has five of those. The FIRST thing I heard Tom Coughlin mention to Leonard Fournette after being drafted was about scoring touchdowns. You can’t win in the NFL if you can’t score rushing touchdowns.

John: Wish I’d said that.

Josh from Jacksonville:

A lot of people are worried about the offensive line, but I’m not so much. I am more worried about depth in the secondary. Hopefully no one in the secondary sustains any major injuries but if so, do you feel like we have good enough depth to stay somewhat solid at those positions?

John: Great depth is rare in the NFL, and few teams can withstand a slew of injuries at any one position. The Jaguars like their depth at safety, with Peyton Thompson and Jarrod Wilson. Cornerback is dicier. The top three of Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye and Aaron Colvin have a chance to be as good as any trio in the league at that position. Beyond that trio, the depth isn’t nearly as experienced or well-known. Rookie Jalen Myrick figures to have a chance to be the fourth corner, but do the Jaguars need someone to impress during training camp at the position? Well, they wouldn’t be disappointed if that happened.

Dan from Jacksonville:

I ran into Shadrick the other day and he told me that … YOU are a fine, upstanding member of the jaguars.com staff and deserves – nay, commands – our respect. He’d appreciate it in the future if your readers remember this.

John: That’s nice of him to say. I can’t say I feel the same way about him.

Tom from Virginia Beach, VA:

Why does Myles Jack have to make the defensive calls? As long as Poz is on the field why can’t he still make the calls?

John: Myles Jack as the middle linebacker will be on the field on most of the defensive plays. Paul Posluszny as the strong-side linebacker will be coming off the field in passing situations. It makes sense to have the player who is on the field the vast majority of the plays be the one talking to the sidelines in the helmet-to-sideline head set – and making defensive calls.

Eric from Jacksonville:

When do the Jaguars report back to camp and who do you see as the clear-cut choice for the No. 1 receiver spot?

John: July 26. Allen Robinson.

Mark from Silver City, NM:

Zone, you brought up a good point about A-Rob first needing to prove his effectiveness in this new offense before discussing an extension. To date, he has never really shown the ability to beat double coverage, and throwing with a fullback in the game – meaning fewer receivers on the outside – will make it easier for defenses to double him. We’ve all seen Robinson make some incredible 50/50 catches; however, 33/66 throws probably wouldn’t help our quest for fewer turnovers. It seems that true No. 1 receivers in this league have historically come out knowing how to beat double coverage. In your estimation, is that something that can be taught and learned in the fourth year?

John: Beating double coverage – or more accurately, learning to cope with defenses shading safeties toward their side of the field – actually is something with which many receivers struggle early in their careers. It’s usually something the better receivers handle better over time.

Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

Blake Bortles is the best running quarterback in the league. He gets the most yards and first downs and takes the least amount of hits. That makes him the best because that’s the only way you get away with it in the NFL. Yards and first downs and no hits. Cam Newton is the best pure running quarterback but you can see he is nicked up – including head injuries – a lot. There is always another perspective. Quarterbacks who take hits will not be in the league long. They also will miss games and have bad games. Nobody gets down or gets out of bounds better than Blake. He has great vision when running. That makes him the best running quarterback in the league.

John: OK.

Christopher from Duval Baby:

Shouldn’t we just let Chad Henne manage the game? He can hand it off and throw 15 times a game. Better than Blake?

John: No, the Jaguars shouldn’t do that.

Jared from O-Town:

Hey John. While I sincerely believe that both Tony Boselli and Fred Taylor are deserving of serious HOF consideration, I wonder how much of what you said of the small market and no Super Bowl is taken into consideration – if any. One example for you: Lee Roy Selmon played in a small market and during his career with Tampa Bay, they were a combined 44-84 with no Super Bowl appearances or wins. If I remember correctly, he was inducted in 1995 (the day before the Jaguars/Panthers HOF game in Canton).

John: I’m not one who believes that the small market plays as much of a factor as many believe. Now, there’s little question that playing in a huge market – say, New York or Chicago – can play a role in this, but I don’t know that playing in Jacksonville is all that much different in terms of national notoriety than Tampa Bay, Seattle, Atlanta. Not playing in Super Bowls certainly hurt that duo, because playing in Super Bowls – and winning them – does carry cache among Hall voters. The bottom line is that while Taylor and Boselli are deserving, they also have elements of their careers that hurt them in the Hall of Fame consideration. Taylor made just one Pro Bowl and never led the NFL in rushing. He also wasn’t a huge touchdown guy, and the Jaguars made the playoffs just twice after his first two seasons. Boselli was an other-worldly offensive tackle, but played at an elite level just six seasons – 1995-2000. I believe both players should be in the Hall of Fame, but I also believe there are legitimate reasons beyond market size why they are not. As for Lee Roy Selmon, he is a good comparison. That’s a reason it was far from a no-brainer when he made the Hall.

Steve from Redlands, CA:

“I can’t think of anything positive about that organization outside of the fact that they have pools in the stadium” – DeAngelo Williams. I did not like his statement although he is entitled to his opinion. If I were a player, this statement would cause angst. It probably does not bother you professionally. I think it should bother everyone associated with our team or the culture will never change. I know: winning changes everything. How long do you think Jaguars fans and the organization will endure these shots? P.S. – one for the pool, I suppose.

John: Winning does change everything. The organization will endure such statements until it wins just like the Cleveland Browns will endure such statements until they win, just like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers once were called the Yucks, just like the Cincinnati Bengals were once called the “Bungles” and so on. The perception of losing organizations is changed when the losing stops. Not before.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

Did I read that correctly? Training camp is less than two weeks away? Not a moment too soon.

John: Yay.

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Author J32bassPosted on July 14, 2017July 14, 2017Categories Uncategorized289 Comments on O-Zone: Here it comes

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