Category: Uncategorized

O-Zone: Flair for the dramatic

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

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

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

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

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

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

John: Yes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John: Not particularly, no.

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

John: OK.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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O-Zone: Admiration society

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

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

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

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

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

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

John: Yes.

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

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

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

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

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

John: This is one part of the Kaepernick discussion …

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

John: … and this is another side.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John: Admiration.

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O-Zone: Pretty cool

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

DUVAL DOOM from Section 217:
Your answer about waiting until August 1 to begin preparing shocked me. I have felt for some time it was unusually short-sighted of the owners to give in on all the practice time rules in the last Collective Bargaining Agreement as to me the quality of the game has really suffered since that time. I liked what Tony Boselli suggested this past Monday on 1010XL: EVERYONE reports on April 1 and begins working. Limit the on-field stuff if you must, but everyone is in the building, being coached and working out. Allow on-field practice at the current OTA schedule, but longer sessions. Then, break and come back for camp as normal. It’s a job. Go to work.

John: I’m sorry you’re shocked. Shock can be … well, shocking. But while I tend to agree that the quality of the play in the NFL has dipped a touch since the 2011 CBA, I attribute that more to reduced contact in practice – fewer “real practices,” if you will – than to anything that goes on in the offseason. I don’t mind Boselli’s suggestion, but it’s not dramatically different than what occurs now. His system I guess would have players reporting April 1 rather than mid-April – and I also guess attendance would be mandatory for all players. Most players report for the voluntary offseason sessions anyway. So, in the Jaguars’ world of 2017, the player most affected by Boselli’s theoretical changes would be Branden Albert because he has yet to report. The biggest thing that could help the quality of play would be more hitting in practice – and more contact practices overall. Still, I don’t see the league moving back toward that – or even toward more or longer practices – anytime soon. That doesn’t seem to be an area on which the NFL Players Association will want to budge.

Geoff from Jacksonville:
I don’t know how I feel about having two Brandons on the O-line. I don’t think that’s ever worked before.

John: Then I suppose it’s a good thing the Jaguars have a Brandon and a Branden.

CC from Duval:
People are really down on Dante Fowler Jr. because of a four-sack season, but they forget he was coming off of an injury that takes a full year after surgery to get back to their comfort way of playing. They also forget players such as J.J. Watt and Vic Beasley had four sacks their first year also; Beasley followed that with 15 sacks in his second season and we all know what Watt has done. Give Fowler a chance to adapt to the NFL and become fully healthy before we start throwing words like “bust” around. DTWD!

John: While I agree that Fowler can’t yet be called a bust, the stories of Watt and Beasley don’t automatically mean Fowler will go from a four-sack player last season to double digits. Being a year removed from a torn anterior cruciate ligament doesn’t guarantee that. The need for him to develop pass-rushing fundamentals is real, and he must do so to reach his potential.

Ben from Northside of Jax:
What are the minicamp dates/times and will they be open to the public?

John: June 13-15. No.

Mark from Jacksonville:
Hi John, I just saw a stat that Blake Bortles has only thrown five touchdowns when the Jags were winning. Do you think this has more to do with the play calling getting more conservative when the Jags are winning or an indication that Bortles only can score in “garbage” time? I found the stat very interesting.

John: I think that statistic mostly has to do with the fact that the Jaguars haven’t been ahead very much in the last few years. It’s difficult to throw touchdown passes with a lead when you rarely have leads.

Logan from Wichita, KS:
So, I have a what-if question. IF the Jaguars had won the Super Bowl in 1999, how do you think that would have changed where the Jaguars are now? I feel if we won the Super Bowl, the Jags’ first-round pick in 2000 would have not been R.J. Soward (the signal of the start of the end of the Jaguars being great). We would have gone linebacker or taken Dennis Northcutt (the clearly better receiver available at the end of Round 1). In that case, we also pay less and could afford to keep our defense solid, and I think we would have built a dynasty on the shoulders of Mark Brunell and Fred Taylor.

John: I doubt a Super Bowl victory following the 1999 season would have changed what was to come for the Jaguars. First, I don’t know that it would have prevented then-Jaguars Head Coach Tom Coughlin from wanting the speed/quickness element he felt Soward would bring; more likely, facing the St. Louis Rams in that Super Bowl would have made him want it more. Second, the end of the Jaguars’ initial run of success actually was brought about by the decline of an offensive line that lost both Leon Searcy and Tony Boselli in a brief period as well as the obvious effect of losing players such as Seth Payne, Gary Walker, Keenan McCardell and so on as salary-cap constraints began to fully take hold. If the Jaguars had won that Super Bowl, the change would have been a four-year run remembered by a lot more people as it should be remembered – as a remarkable early run of success for an expansion franchise and as a remarkably talented, entertaining team. It wouldn’t have done much beyond that.

David from Orlando, FL:
Hey O-man, we’re entering the rainy season. We can’t afford to lose practice time. When will the indoor facilities be ready?

John: The Jaguars haven’t missed any practice time during 2017 OTAs; they instead have moved practice from 11 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. The indoor facility is expected to be ready around mid-summer.

Daniel from Urbandale, IA:
The preseason is a bit like that first HR interview. It won’t get you the job but it can cost you the job. Agree?

John: No.

Jesse from Layton:
As I was listening to Poz’s recent talk with the media after the eighth OTA practice, the thought occurred to me: After he is done with football, if Poz wanted to pursue a coaching career he could be phenomenal. He seems to have a very good cerebral grasp on the game and articulates thoughts very well. Has he ever expressed a desire to coach after his playing days are done?

John: It seems to me I have asked Paul Posluszny about this in the past, and it seems he has said he’s not sure that’s a direction he wants to pursue. I agree with you that I think he would be a very good coach. At the same time, he indeed is articulate, intelligent and willing to work tirelessly. Those are traits that could lead to success in any number of pursuits.

Samwise from Shire:
With Barry Church and Tashaun Gipson out, do you know if James Sample has gotten more reps? I know he is just in pajamas, but how does he look?

John: Offseason media policies prevent us from saying too much about repetitions and other practice details, but the absence of Church and Gipson has given all other Jaguars safeties more opportunities. When Head Coach Doug Marrone discussed the issue recently, he talked extensively about Peyton Thompson and Jarrod Wilson and not much about James Sample. That’s not a definitive statement on Sample, but he talked more about Wilson and Thompson.

Aaron from Aldie:
Because Blake Bortles was our best option at quarterback, for me it takes the wind out of the sails. It’s probably more likely that we will have a losing season more so than a winning season. Sure we may get three more wins, but the upcoming season feels very ho-hum. The lone exceptions: Leonard Fournette and our defense! Anything else?

John: That’s a fair way to look at it, because Bortles and the Jaguars have struggled a great deal in recent seasons. For that reason, they must earn offseason enthusiasm. But if Fournette and the defense are good enough to merit your exclamation points(!), that could earn a lot more excitement than you indicate. And I do think the Jaguars will win substantially more than three games this season.

Jason from Orlando, FL:
O let me know; trying to settle an argument. If they feel like it makes the line better to move Linder to guard; why not kick the tires on Nick Mangold?

John: They don’t think he will help at this point in his career. That’s almost always the reason teams don’t pursue players. Mangold, remember, is in his 12th season. Players don’t play at a high level forever.

Dave from Orlando, FL:
O-man, have you stepped foot in Daily’s Place and what are your thoughts?

John: Daily’s Place is cool. I like it. More importantly, because of its sightlines and unique atmosphere, artists and fans seem to like a lot, too.

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O-Zone: No worries

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Rob from Brunswick, GA:
There are lots of posts on Facebook groups and general chatter about us bringing in basically any decent wide receiver that gets cut: Jeremy Maclin, Victor Cruz, etc. I personally think that’s absurd, considering wide receiver is easily our most talented and deepest position – even last year, but especially now with Dede Westbrook on board. What is the position where you feel we could or perhaps should still make a move in free agency for the right player?

John: Indeed … ‘tis the NFL offseason and the NFL offseason ‘tis the time for chatter. But I don’t know that the Jaguars’ Facebook chatter – or any other Jaguars chatter, for that matter – is limited to wide receiver. Whenever a player with the slightest name recognition is released this time of year, chatter is pretty much off the charts. Could the Jaguars use a big-time, experienced, reliable veteran receiver? Sure, if he’s playing at a high level. Are teams going to release, big-time, experienced, reliable high-level players in June? Or ever? That’s a different question. As for the strengths of the Jaguars’ various positions, I’m not as sold as you on wide receiver being “easily” the most-talented group. The Jaguars have potential and some proven production there, but not much more than at, say, secondary and defensive line. Where could the Jaguars make a move in free agency for the right player? I suppose they could do it anywhere for depth, though I would be surprised if anyone signed now makes a huge splash at any position.

Robert from Fleming Island, FL:
Coach Marrone’s press conferences have shown me someone who is “comfortable in his own shoes:” introspective, honest, and demanding while holding everyone to be fully accountable as professionals. What’s your take on how well our team will react to that approach?

John: I have said often in this forum I believe Jaguars players will respond to Head Coach Doug Marrone’s approach because there’s no reason they wouldn’t respond. He is a new head coach and therefore a new voice; players – people in general, actually – typically respond to a new voice. He also as you noted brings an honest, demanding approach and seems to treat players like professionals and adults. Players tend to respond to that. Remember, though: players responded to former head coach Gus Bradley for quite a while and players generally speaking respond to most NFL head coaches for at least some time. Teams must perform on the field and win for players to continue responding to coaches. Belief and response only lasts so long in the face of losing.

Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
I think we need to fire Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone and hire that guy I talked to in the grocery store. Man, that guy had all the answers. He is a janitor right now but he has a very high ceiling. Impressive dude who has a scooter and soon with his promotion he can buy a car. He really has all the answers. He knows a heck of a lot more about football than soon to be Hall-of-Famer Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone. I think his name Billy or Bob or maybe it was Billybob. Just let me know before some NFL team snatches him up. He played soccer in high school so he gets it.

John: His name was William. He knows his stuff.

Stephen from Jacksonville:
If the Music City Miracle had not happened and the Jaguars played someone other than the Titans in the 2000 AFC championship game, do you think they would have played in Super Bowl XXXIV? How do you think the 1999 Jaguars would have fared against the Rams and the Greatest Show on Turf?

John: The Buffalo Bills lost to the Tennessee Titans in the game known as the Music City MiracIe, and the Bills would have played Indianapolis the following week for a spot in the AFC Championship Game against the Jaguars. Bills-Colts would have been played at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, so I suppose the Colts would have had the edge. I do think the Jaguars would have beaten the Colts in that matchup, mainly because I think the Jaguars matched up well against most of the AFC that season – with the Titans being an obvious exception. As far as the Jaguars against the eventual Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams, I would have given the edge to the Rams because of exceptional speed and explosiveness on offense. But would the Jaguars have had a real chance? Obviously. Could they have won? Absolutely.

Larry from Brunswick, GA:
Hello John, is there any possibility that Jacksonville will make a move to prior to summer camp to bring in another quarterback or center?

John: Is there any possibility? Sure. Is it likely? No.

Rob from Orange Park, FL:
Not sure how much access you have to the locker room, but what is your sense of the locker room’s “feel” (attitude, morale, confidence, etc.) compared to the last several years. Mostly wondering how the coaching changes have affected the culture. Thanks!

John: In more than two decades covering the NFL I’ve come to find the “culture” of teams most offseasons is similar: hope reigns supreme. That hope is usually accompanied for weak teams by a confidence of improvement and for stronger teams for postseason appearances and Super Bowl contention. The Jaguars’ past two offseasons had a terrific culture, positive attitude, wealth of confidence, etc., etc, etc. That overall forward-moving, good feeling under Bradley really only waned last season when it became evident during a long losing slide that what they originally believed would work wouldn’t. The culture, confidence and morale again appear positive. The players seem to have responded to Marrone’s approach and there’s a general belief that the roster is strong enough to compete and win games. They are saying the right things about Marrone’s approach and I sense they mean what they say. Does that mean the Jaguars will win? That’s another question entirely.

Gabe from Washington, DC:
If Dante Fowler Jr. does not ever beat out Yannick Ngakoue for the starting weak-side defensive end spot, how likely do you think it is that the Jaguars sign him to a second contract to play a different position (in a couple years)?

John: Not very.

Justin from Hampton, VA:
Colin Kaepernick is still unsigned. The Jags should really consider bringing him in to compete with Blake Bortles. It’s proven with a supporting cast and tough defense that Kaepernick can lead a team to the Super Bowl, let alone the playoffs. People are scared to sign him because of the negative attention. I really would like for us to be the team to say “this guy didn’t commit a crime;” let’s bring him in to compete! I know our defense and offensive weapons would appreciate it; some fans will not, but it’s about putting your team in the best position to win! Even Pete Carroll believes he is still a starter in the NFL. How do you feel about the possibility?

John: I don’t believe the Jaguars not signing Kaepernick is an off-field issue, though I don’t doubt there would be fall-out and negative reaction. I do believe it’s a lot more about not believing he’s an upgrade over what’s already here.

Brandon from Washington, DC:
I just want it to be known – and maybe it’s an uncommon position to take – but I really like what the Jaguars are doing with their offensive line. To me, it seems like they are building from the inside out with young talent at the guard and center positions (Linder, Tyler Shatley, A.J. Cann, etc.) with some veteran leadership on the outside at the tackle spots via (Jeremy Parnell/Albert). Got a feeling next year the Jags are going to draft some young tackles to develop into future starters.

John: I think the Jaguars drafted their future left tackle in Cam Robinson this year.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:
John, what is the difference in skill sets for an outside receiver and a slot receiver? Is the difference large enough that the three best receivers may not be the most productive on the field at the same time? In four wide-receiver sets do we typically have two slot wide receivers or three outside?

John: This can differ from team to team depending on the skill sets of a team’s receivers. A team ideally would have two outside receivers with speed, length and great hands with a slot receiver who was quick, strong and durable enough to take the punishment necessary as inside receiver. The Jaguars ideally last season would have had some combination of Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee outside with Rashad Greene in the slot; instead, it worked out that Hurns, Robinson and Lee played most of the repetitions with Hurns moving inside to the slot when all three were playing at the same time.

Scott from Jacksonville:
I think you just got called Ophelia, and I was wondering how you felt about that?

John: It’s whatever.

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O-Zone: A lot of truth

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Bruce from Green Cove Springs, FL:
I pity the odds-makers right now. How do you predict the Jaguars’ season? If Blake Bortles shows no significant improvement, if the offensive line isn’t effective enough to allow Leonard Fournette to showcase his talent, if the defense fails to generate an effective pass rush… it could be another three- or four-win season. With improved quarterback, offensive line and running-back play, with an upgraded pressuring defense, with a reduction in penalties and turnovers, an 8-8 season seems a reasonable expectation. But with so many remaining questions, how can one even guess at the ceiling? On paper, the talent seems sufficient for 10-to-11 wins and a playoff spot. John, you are notoriously conservative on this, but tell us: if this team makes all the desired improvements, what is the ceiling?

John: I’m notoriously conservative in projecting the Jaguars’ record because while I do think the roster is improved, I also know a team’s record often is more reflective of a few positions than the entire roster. Those positions are often quarterback and pass rush, and those are key areas when it comes to projecting the Jaguars’ record in 2017. I right now see 8-8 or 9-7 as the realistic ceiling because it’s hard for me to project a dramatic improvement from Bortles in terms of decision-making, key plays and awareness until he shows it – and it’s hard to project this team having a “close-the-door, end-the-game” pass rush until it shows it. Those are often the difference in close games, and it stands to reason the Jaguars will play a lot of close games; they sure played a lot of them last season. As for your question – “if the team makes all of the desired improvements, what is the ceiling?” … well, if the Jaguars improve in all of the areas you mention, they’ll be really good. It’s hard to improve drastically in all those areas; if it was easy, all teams would do it. I absolutely don’t see a three- or four-victory season for the Jaguars this season. I think the defensive improvements and the addition of Fournette will get them beyond that. But above 8-8 or 9-7? I’ll need to see significant improvement from the aforementioned areas before I project that.

Billy from Jacksonville:
O-feel-ya, have you recovered from all the negativity of last week yet? You OK, O-dawg? Making sure my main O-dude is cool! OK?

John: Was last week negative? I hadn’t noticed.

Bill from Jacksonville:
John, here’s the problem with going off the last two games Blake played last season: that’s not “franchise-quarterback” play. “Managing” the game for two touchdowns over two games isn’t going to win you a Super Bowl, not in today’s NFL. Thanks. Go Jags!

John: No one has said Bortles played like a franchise quarterback at any point last season. We’re talking about finding a starting point, Bill.

Andy from St. Augustine, FL:
Brandon Linder is working at guard and the rumor is we may end up starting Luke Bowanko or Tyler Shatley at center. If only we had an opportunity to sign a Pro Bowl center last year, our offensive line would be so much better right now. Alex Mack at center and Linder at guard would have been SO much better than Linder/Joeckel last year or any combination we might have this year. Before you answer hindsight is 20/20, it seemed like everyone thought signing Mack last year was a no brainer – except our front office.

John: OK.

Jared from O-Town:
Hey, John: I was wondering just how much one-on-one time would a player like Dante Fowler Jr. get from coaches to work on his technique? Are coaches able to show him different pass rush moves or is this something he must do on his own?

John: Coaches certainly work with Fowler one-on-one. There are periods of individual work early in many practices. Fowler also worked on his own shortly after the regular season before reporting for the Jaguars’ offseason program.

William from Yulee, FL:
Mr. O, which running back not named Fournette will get more carries next season, Yeldon or Ivory?

John: Ivory.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:
Do you feel like people are changing the meaning of words to make them mean what they want them to mean? First it was Branden Albert, and now it’s the secondary. I think for some people the definition of the word “voluntary” has shifted to mean what United Airlines thinks it means.

John: Here’s what I think should lend perspective on the ongoing angst over offseason participation: Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone said last week he doesn’t consider what the Jaguars are doing during organized team activities and minicamp “practice.” Yes, it’s important. Yes, players need to know what’s going on. Yes, they need to be ready to practice come July. Yes, they need to understand the assignments and the scheme. Yes, it is better for players to attend than to not attend. But the fact that a few players are running on the side as opposed to being on the field during OTA practices is not going to make a mammoth difference next season.

Scott from Fernandina Beach, FL:
Hi John, I think an improved offensive line will not only help Blake and the running game, but will also help the defense. We had far too many three-and-outs last year that put our defense back on the field too quickly. I think the wear and tear on the defense showed up late in games last year.

John: Hi, Scott. I think you’re right.

Joy from Jacksonville:
Someone should get a shot of Novak Djokovic’s coach at the French Open. Jags jacket every day. It seems he is a local. Kinda cool.

John: I assume you’re referring to David Witt, who actually is Venus Williams’ coach. Witt played tennis at Fletcher High School in the early 1990s, and while I never have seen him cite an interview with yours truly as a career highlight, I assume it ranks as such. Witt currently lives in Ponte Vedra and is a big Jaguars supporter. And, yes … he often can be seen at the Grand Slams in Williams’ box sporting Jaguars garb. And yes … it’s very cool.

Jim from Glass:
Sir, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. You have written that certain players are not good edge rushers but provide an interior rush to the passer disrupting the offense interior line causing the pocket to collapse around the quarterback. I guess those guard/center combinations covering the eight/nine-holes areas are as important as pulling for sweeps, traps, screens, stunts, backside linebacker/defensive end stunts and downfield blocking. John, comments in statements seem a little well … unappreciative of the skill set and contributions of players like Conrad Dobler, Fuzzy Thurston among others. Love the O-Zone.

John: Guards are important in the modern NFL. Centers are, too. But in an age in which protecting the quarterback is paramount, the tackle positions are generally considered more important. Marrone on Friday, in fact, talked of left and right tackle being the most important positions – in that order – with the interior positions being closer to interchangeable. I put center a little higher than that, but hey … I’m just a senior writer. I’ll defer on this one.

Pedal Bin from Farnborough, Hampshire, UK:
Oh Mighty O, Bortles is clearly going to be the captain of the offense and no one is going to mess with Carson Tinker as captain of the Special Teams. So you have Myles Jack directing the defense, Telvin Smith firing up the defense and Poz still keeping a firm hand on the tiller (and an arm round Jack). So who do you think will be the captain of the defense?

John: I wouldn’t rule out Smith. I also wouldn’t rule out Calais Campbell.

Geoff from Orlando, FL:
I for one am really looking to see what Bowanko can do after a few years as a jar on the shelf. When he played as a rookie, I seem to remember Jeff Lageman lauding his feet and athletic ability. We even ran run plays were he pulled from the center spot. He was just a bit undersized and got pushed around a bit, couldn’t hold up physically against bigger tackles. I bet three years in an NFL strength-and-conditioning program has gotten him big enough to compete and with his feet. I could see him being the Day One center.

John: I’m not ruling out the possibility of Bowanko playing a role at center this season. But I’m even less not ruling out Tyler Shatley playing a role at center this season.

J.B. from Jacksonville:
Would not the NFL be just as entertaining if they waited until August 1 to begin getting ready for the season? I’ve thought, for a few years, all the preparations starting in May are really unnecessary for the players. Your take?

John: My take? Your closer to the truth than many in the NFL would like to admit.

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O-Zone: New crew

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Pradeep from Bangalore, India:
Hey, John, why is Coach Marrone is making Brandon Linder take snaps at left guard? Most people outside Jaguars called Linder the only bright spot in last year’s porous offensive line. If players are toggled between two positions every year, doesn’t it send a wrong message to the players and confuse them? For me, it appears a lack of vision or trust. We aren’t allowing players to master the art for excelling in one position.

John: The Jaguars are working Linder at guard and center for the same reason they’re working Luke Bowanko, A.J. Cann, Patrick Omameh and Tyler Shatley at multiple positions along the offensive line during organized team activities: they’re trying to ensure they have the best five players starting there next season. As far as sending a wrong message or confusing Linder, I wouldn’t worry about that. Marrone on Friday said the positive about Linder is he was one of the best guards in the NFL when he played there and one of the best centers in the NFL when he played there. Linder’s a really good player at both positions. A few days working at different positions without pads won’t derail that.

C.C. from Duval:
Hey, O! Did Malik Jackson switch to his old number, 97? If that’s so, how does it work with all the fans who purchased his No. 90 jersey? Do they get a chance to exchange them for free? My wife asked me and I honestly didn’t know the answer. I feel like I should know this answer already.

John: Um …

Micky from Jacksonville:
Stronger position group: Defensive line or wide receiver? Should secondary be in the conversation?

John: Defensive line and wide receiver are close, and I’d give the edge to defensive line because of experience – and because players such as Calais Campbell and Jackson have had multiple seasons playing at a high level whereas none of the Jaguars’ wide receivers has had more than one really, really good season. Secondary has the potential to be in the conversation and it could clearly be the best position on the team by midseason. I want to see the group play together before anointing it the best, but it has a chance.

Joe from Hall of Fame City, OH:
What’s up, Mr. O? DM said it best. We are here to play WINNING FOOTBALL!!!!! It’s about time someone said it. I’m really excited about this year. Can’t you tell with the whole capital letters and exclamation point thing!!

John: YES!!!

Rob from Palm Bay, FL:
Big O, why is it so hard for the majority of this fan base to realize that A, Brandon Albert is a professional and seeking to renegotiate his contract so he is obviously going to show up in shape and ready to go; otherwise he has no validation for a better contract; B, the NFL is a business and has a Player’s Association; players don’t always necessarily hold out because THEY want to be paid more, but also to raise the benchmark of salary for the entire POSITION; C, at this point, everything is VOLUNTARY; this man is hated for no reason before he even has played a down of football for the team.

John: I can’t honestly say Albert is doing what he’s doing for the good of the entire players’ association. I can say that a NFL player who opts not to attend voluntary activities because he wants a new contract is well within his rights. Is Albert hated by Jaguars fans? I don’t know about that. Fans are annoyed now. If he attends all mandatory activities and plays well at left tackle next season, that feeling will change in a hurry.

Logan from Wichita, KS:
To be fair, I said Dante Fowler Jr. “at this point” is a bust. That doesn’t mean he is cemented as a bust in my mind. If he improves and eliminates bone-headed plays, he can be a superstar. But as far as his sack numbers last season … even a blind squirrel can find a nut. His sacks were three on plays that the quarterback was in the pocket for at least 20 seconds (anyone in the NFL can get a coverage sack if given that long to run around) and his one lone good sack is my point of even a blind squirrel can find a nut. Don’t get me wrong. I really, really like Fowler and want him to be a cornerstone of our defense, but right now he simply isn’t there and it’s a big disappointment.

John: Fowler struggled for sacks in his first NFL season on the field. Many, many, many pass rushers have struggled similarly in their first NFL seasons. If Fowler doesn’t improve, he’s a disappointment. Right now, he’s a pretty typical young player.

Chris from Jacksonville:
What time do the players have practice? Just curious.

John: OTA practices begin at 11 a.m. and are closed to the public.

Cliff from Las Vegas, NV:
I get that the Jaguars see Marqise Lee as an outside receiver. However, shouldn’t the goal be to have the best football players on the field? Over the last ten years, touchdowns from the slot have doubled, and we are watching outside guys move in like Doug Baldwin, Larry Fitzgerald – and even Calvin Johnson did it. I like the speedy little guys like Greene and Westbrook, but I gladly take Lee over them.

John: Lee has the skill set to play the slot, but I see him better suited to the outside. He has smooth, sleek speed and athleticism and the ability to separate on the outside. He could do either inside or outside, but I’d like to see what Lee can do for a full season healthy starting predominantly on the outside before I move him inside.

Scott from Aurora, IL:
Would you rather have a quarterback who experiences mental lapses with decisions and pocket presence, but has superb arm talent (strength, accuracy, touch) or someone with superb mental acuity and average arm talent?

John: The latter – and it’s not close.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:
I understand the logic to not taking chances with injuries in May, June, or any time of year. It’s how the Jags have done things for the last several years. My point is we aren’t good enough to do that yet and expect to improve six or seven games this year. We only take big steps forward with a lot more grit and yes, maybe even taking some risks with minor injuries not getting worse. It’s difficult to believe that four out of the five starters in our nickel secondary all had significant injuries to start OTAs. My optimism is well in check knowing we cannot catch and pass the other three teams in our division if we aren’t fully committed right now and every day going forward. Maybe we can still improve three games and call it a move in the right direction. Agreed?

John: I’m sorry you find the Jaguars’ injury situation difficult to believe, but the players in the secondary are here for the offseason program; they’re just not practicing. I can’t for the life of me figure why they would be here at the facility, meeting and going through all other activities and not practicing if there wasn’t legitimate reason they weren’t practicing. But sure … maybe they’re all collectively lying. As for your expectations for the season, I have no idea what the Jaguars’ record will be. I do know that if they don’t improve by more than three games, it won’t be because Tashaun Gipson and Barry Church missed some non-padded practices in May and June.

Jeff from Orange, CA:
Are there any particular signs we should look for from Blake Bortles in preseason games that would indicate progress, or do we basically need to wait for the regular season? As I remember it, Bortles had a pretty solid showing in last year’s preseason that had many believing he was going to take the next step.

John: Bortles in a no-win situation in preseason. If he looks bad, that will be a bad sign. If he looks good, it honestly won’t matter much until the regular season. It all about what happens in the regular season for Bortles. That’s all that matters.

Otto from Ponte Vedra, FL:
John, I’m still somewhat skeptical about our O line. I am getting the impression the powers that be seem to feel we are somewhat set. I’m looking at the same crew from last year. It was an obvious mistake not to go after Osemele or Mack last year. Could have had Feeney this year in draft. What about Mangold on a one-year deal? I do trust in TC. We shall see.

John: You’re looking at a different crew on the offensive line than I see. I see Brandon Albert, Cam Robinson, Brandon Linder, A.J. Cann and Jermey Parnell as the likely starters. Albert and Robinson did not start for the Jaguars last season, so that’s a 40 percent turnover. That’s not a 100 percent overhaul, but it is by no means the “same old crew.”

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O-Zone: Keen insight

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Tony from Los Angeles, CA:

#ReasonForOptimism. O Person! I watched my recording of the Christmas Eve game against the Titans last week (because the offseason is long). There were a number of plays in that game where Blake threw the ball at the feet of the running back when the play he wanted wasn’t there. He did this when there still seemed to be time left to try and make a play. My knee-jerk reaction was, “C’mon Blake. Make something happen!” I then remembered, “Oh yeah, we win this game in a dominant fashion.” And Blake had no turnovers in that game. Seems like I remember some similar plays in the last game of the season. One of the first things Tom Coughlin said when he came back was, “Blake just needs to learn that it’s okay to punt sometimes.” Maybe Blake started to figure that out at the end of last season. Though Blake may not be the most accurate passer, or maybe not even as accurate as my little sister, I feel like he’s athletic enough to win some games when you remove the bonehead plays that occur when a guy is trying to put the whole game on his shoulders. It seems he may have started to figure that out at the end of last season. Here’s one for a bonehead-free Blake Bortles season.

John: This gets near the heart of a key to the Jaguars’ offseason – and, of course, the 2017 season. The Jaguars are putting a lot of faith in the idea that Bortles is more the quarterback he was in the last two games of last season than the one he was in the first 14. Part of his improvement during those two games was accuracy and efficiency; the first half against Tennessee was one of the best stretches of his career. But Bortles also did not throw an interception in either of those two games. He wasn’t all-world, but neither was he making obvious, awful mistakes that cost the Jaguars momentum and eventually any chance to win. Whatever formula the Jaguars find for success next season – if indeed they find a formula for success – more interception-free games from Bortles must be a big part of it.

Chris from Mandarin, FL:

Is Jalen Ramsey the type of cornerback that could reach 20 passes defensed in a season multiple times in his career; just how high do you think his ceiling is, John?

John: Passes defensed are a tricky statistic for a cornerback because opportunities can be out of his control. That’s particularly true for a player such as Ramsey, whose reputation seems likely to be such that quarterbacks will throw away from him a lot. If he gets opportunities at the rate he did last season, sure … he can reach 20 passes defensed. He reached 14 as a rookie, which is a good number. What’s his ceiling? He has a chance to be a position-defining player for the time he plays. He’s that talented.

Jon from Fort Stewart, GA:

My Army career is almost coming to an end, so it’s time to look to the future. I was thinking you could use an assistant and I would come on the cheap. Here’s what I bring to the plate: One, I can browse the Internet and find funny videos for you to laugh at; two, I can run down to the cafeteria and grab you a bowl of soft serve at a moment’s notice; three, every time you make a point I can stand behind you and yell “YEAH.” Just something to chew on.

John: This is tempting, but what would be left for Sexton to do?

Nathan from Provo, UT:

John, the only list the Jags will make next year is the Top 10 Defense and Top 10 Offense list. And both based on total yards. This is not “fanning.” It’s finally coming together. The identity of the Jaguars is stop the run, run the ball explosively. Marcus Stroud, John Henderson, Fred Taylor, Brad Meester, Daryl Smith, MJD, Double D, Mathis, T.B. … Leonard Fournette, Allen Robinson, Blake Bortles. The next “Big Three.” Along with the deepest, all-around defensive starting lineup this team has seen in ten years, the Jags are primed to win now. And I think that is what bad-ass Telvin Smith is saying. What?

John: #DTWD

Ricky from Fairport, NY:

It was revealed this week that running back Ameer Abdullah for the Detroit Lions had a Lis Franc injury to his foot in Week 2 that the team kept secret for the entire year. My question is: Is that an NFL violation of the weekly injury report? And by the way, what is the purpose of the injury report? It seems the only ones who really benefit from it are the gamblers. Thoughts?

John: League policy is a player must be listed on the practice report (injury report) if he has a significant or noteworthy injury “even if he fully participates in practice and the team expects that he will play in the team’s next game.” If Abdullah’s injury was significant and noteworthy, it is a violation. Whether the Lions will be penalized, I have no idea. The purpose of the injury report is to protect the integrity of the game, and while gamblers “theoretically” could benefit from the injury report so, too, could fantasy footballers, passionate fans and media/observers following the league. The injury report isn’t perfect, but in a league in which the instinct of many coaches and front-office types is to say as little as possible about anything imaginable, the absence of an injury report would make accurate injury information so unattainable as to be ridiculous.

David from Orlando, FL:

Thinking back to the 2016 draft, most agreed that Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack were “no-brainer” selections. I kinda feel that opportunity knocked in 2014 with Kahlil Mack and in 2017 with Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney – except in these situations, we didn’t take them. I think much of the draft is like rolling the dice, but when things fall your way in the draft you’ve to be able to capitalize. I know the decision makers have much more info than any of us, but if that info is leading to bad decisions, what is it worth? Thoughts?

John: No-brainer draft decisions are a myth – at least until well after the draft has taken place. If Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney are good, they’ll look like no-brainers. If they’re not, they’ll make the teams that picked them look foolish.

Hugo from Albuquerque, NM:

O-dude, it’s the offseason and I’ve been crunching numbers. In the drafts between the year 2000 and 2014, a total of 187 quarterbacks were drafted with about 23 successful quarterbacks in that span. This means that 12.3 percent of quarterbacks drafted became capable starters with 65.2 percent being first-rounders. It’s really hard to find quarterbacks, isn’t it?

John: Yes.

Chad from Palatka, FL:

What would an undrafted free agent deal look like? Do some teams offer better undrafted free agent deals or are they all the same?

John: Most undrafted rookies sign contracts that pay a minimum – or very close to minimum – base salary provided they make the final roster. But teams do offer larger up-front, guaranteed signing bonuses to the better undrafted rookies. That’s the biggest difference in the deals for those players.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

Why do some people think public displays of anger and yelling at grown men are effective at getting men to do their jobs? Do you have to have your boss screaming at you two feet away because if he doesn’t, you will just sit on your butt and do nothing all day?

John: Actually …

Ed from Ponte Vedra, FL:

I expected Derrick Henry to have a much better impact on the Titans’ offense last year. In your opinion, are we expecting much more from Leonard Fournette first year? How do they compare or not?

John: Yes, the Jaguars are expecting much more from Fournette than the Titans got from Henry last season. The Titans signed Demarco Murray last offseason with the idea he would be their feature back, and that was the role Murray played; the plan all along was for Henry to be more of a complementary back. Fournette was the No. 4 overall selection in the draft. I would be stunned if he doesn’t start the opener. He’s not here to be the other guy. He’s here to be The Guy.

Alan from Reno, NV:

I have a couple of questions. Remember that one time we didn’t want Tim Tebow because of his goofy throwing motion?…even though he won 8 games. But we went ahead and got Blake and his goofy throwing motion, and can’t win more than 5. Maybe Shad should build something else compleatly unrelated to football and pay some more over the hill players to take a break. He can signed me I promise I won’t produce either. What 3 games do you think will get lucky on this year when we go 3-13 again?

John: #hottakes

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O-Zone: Just for fun

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Scotty Jag from Points North:
OK … we all wish Blake Bortles the best this year. Put that aside for a moment. How does Brandon Allen look at the quarterback spot? Does he throw a tight spiral? Nice fades? Give us something.

John: Allen remains a topic of great intrigue in Jaguarsland, an understandable fascination considering the uncertainty regarding starting quarterback Blake Bortles – and considering Allen, a sixth-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, looked OK during his brief appearance last preseason. How good is Allen? Is he capable? His lack of significant NFL playing time makes it hard to assess from the outside. I watched Allen for a few minutes last Friday during the third organized activities practice. This was the first I really had watched him throw in anything close to a practice or game situation since last preseason. I plan to watch him more as media access permits. He often throws a fine ball. His spiral is often fine. He appears often to be able to make NFL throws. I wouldn’t be so bold as to say his ball stands out from a bunch of other quarterbacks I’ve seen throw, but neither do you cringe and raise your eyebrows after he throws and wonder how he is getting paid to play football. I think Allen perhaps could function at the position and manage a game. I have no idea based on the limited amount I have seen him if he has the “it” factor to be a starter. I’m sure he’ll get a lot of snaps in the preseason. I’m sure observers and fans will focus on him more this preseason than they did last preseason because fewer observers and fans feel good about Bortles than they did last offseason. Can Allen make a push and show he’s more than a reserve? We’ll see.

Steven from Memphis, TN:
So if Brandon Linder is working out at guard, who will play center? Luke Bowanko? Or someone else. Actually I think Linder will play center, but is someone else looking decent at center?

John: It’s unpadded work during OTAs; so the importance of how anyone looks is minimal. I, too, believe Linder will play center. That’s because I believe Branden Albert will play left tackle for the Jaguars next season, with Cam Robinson at left or right guard, Linder at center, A.J. Cann at right or left guard and Jermey Parnell at right tackle. If that scenario doesn’t play out and Linder plays guard, I would guess Tyler Shatley or Bowanko likely will play center – more likely Shatley.

Mark from Archer, FL:
John, am I reading too much into Linder playing guard right now? It would seem to me that if he was/is going to be the starting center, then he should only be playing that position to get better. Do you think that they are planning to play him at guard and start someone else at center? If so, who?

John: I think they are working Linder at guard mostly to have a Plan B in the incredibly remote scenario of Albert not playing left tackle. I also think that the negative to not having Linder at center during OTAs is miniscule because this is unpadded work. There are those who believe it is a crisis to not have Albert in camp, and to not yet have announced the Week 1 starting line. It is not a crisis. It hardly qualifies as an issue.

Chris from Los Angeles, CA:
What’s good, Johnny O! I just saw the piece with you and Mychal Rivera. Gotta say, pretty impressed for the few minutes you had him. Albeit just a few minutes of exposure, he seems like a really intelligent ball player … a real Jimmie Johnson type of player. Well-spoken and good on the mic. Felt good energy out of him, too. What’s your impression and how do you think he’ll fare in our system and club?

John: Rivera indeed was impressive and came across well during Thursday’s O-Zone Live on Facebook. When someone can overcome my influence and come across well in an interview … well, that’s impressive. I’ve brought many a good man down. And I think Rivera’s going to have a bigger role in the passing game than many observers believe. I think he’ll lead the tight ends in receptions, and I think he’ll have a significant impact on the offense.

J, Hooks from Orange Park, FL:
Great interview with Rivera! He truly has been the dark horse in the free-agency frenzy. If he plays as big as his personality, it very well might be the spark we needed at that position. I’ll bet that was a fun interview.

John: Not for him, it wasn’t.

Charles from Midlothian, VA:
I think you decide on who makes the cut based on how awesome our questions are and how much we feed your ego (both good and bad… 😉 ) or at least that’s how my questions seem to get answered. Am I wrong?

John: Darts at a board, Charles … darts at a board.

Gary from Jacksonville:
O, I have a proposal. We hear the tackle from Miami [Branden Albert] wants a new contract. I say: let’s do one. Hear me out. As it is, he gets roughly $8 million a year good, bad or ugly. I say, redo the contract where if he plays every game and makes the Pro Bowl, he is the highest-paid left tackle in the league. However, if he gets hurt, misses games and generally stinks he makes, say, $4 million. If he is as good as he thinks he is, that contract shouldn’t scare him a bit. Put up or shut up, baby. What say you?

John: I say it’s a wonderful idea. I also say it’s not based in anything close to reality.

Glen from Orange Park, FL:
I’ve been trying to contain my optimism and I think I’ve found a way. Just look at four/fifths of our starting secondary sitting out with what? Hangnails? They haven’t done anything yet to injure themselves. Where is the “grit” and playing through injuries that TC talked about? To Telvin’s point, we’ll never get where we need to be with so many starters on the sidelines.

John: I don’t know if that was Smith’s point. There’s grit and playing through injuries, and there’s being smart. Is smart pushing through an injury in organized team activities – nearly two months before pads go on and three months before the start of the regular season – and risking long-term setbacks? Sure, maybe.

Jeff from Jacksonville:
While watching Telvin’s press conference the other day, I made note of the fact that he said “Defense Wins Championships.” I, too, am a firm believer of this age-old philosophy, but it seems like most teams in the league have gotten away from it. Based on this offseason’s acquisitions mostly being on the defensive side of the ball, do you think that the Jags are trying to “Win Now” by hiding sub-par offensive play with hopefully stellar defensive play? It seems as if great defense can carry this team while still trying to figure out how to make the offense work.

John: The league has gone far more toward offense and it’s a league heavily dependent on quarterback play. It’s hard to argue with this approach because the great majority of teams that contend for the Super Bowl every year have elite-level quarterback play. I don’t believe the Jaguars are trying to hide subpar offense. I do believe they saw a defensive unit that was very close to being a strength last season and are trying to turn that unit into something that can help build an identity. I also believe the Jaguars believe they have a better chance at getting better than subpar offensive play by emphasizing the run rather than the pass – at least for the short term. And I think on that topic they’re probably correct.

Ralph from Jacksonville:
Logan’s rather acerbic statement that Dante Fowler Jr. needs a million plays to have a successful pass rush suggests a sack is not a successful pass rush since he had four of them last year and, while I have not counted them all, I am pretty sure he wasn’t in on four million plays. I also note Dante is but 22 years old. I, for one, am far from calling him a bust as Logan has so frivolously concluded.

John: I’m not ready to call Fowler a bust yet, and I honestly don’t think he ever will qualify as a bust. That’s because I think Fowler is fast enough, strong enough and sudden enough to contribute in some capacity along the defensive front. I don’t know if he’ll live up to his status as the No. 3 overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft because he needs to develop into an elite pass-rusher to do that. He obviously has significant, difficult improvement to make before he gets there.

Shawn from the Mean Streets of Arlington:
Why did you lie to us John? Why? Whyyyyyyy?

John: For sport.

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O-Zone: Sweet anticipation

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Mason from Palm Bay, FL:
You typically ignore all of my questions, but I’ve got 99 days until the start of the season to keep asking some version of this. You said Blake was neither great nor awful at practice last Friday. Which is what you wrote before 2015 and 2016. Okay, so is that the standard of NFL quarterbacking? Is 2015 and 2016 acceptable? Are we just going to assume he’s a bad practice player every year and limp our way into the season and finish with five wins? I’m not even sure what “not being a practice player” means when he doesn’t look like a regular-season game player, either.

John: My answers about how Blake Bortles threw in practice Friday aren’t meant to establish a standard of NFL quarterbacking, nor are they meant to provide grounds for whether or not his 2015 and 2016 seasons were acceptable. They were meant to say how he threw Friday – or at least, how I thought he threw. What’s acceptable from Bortles? Not 2015. Or 2016. I don’t have the answer on how much Bortles’ practice performances translate to games, the definition of a practice player or how much Bortles’ performances in 2017 organized team activities will have to do with his 2017 performance. I just know he has to be better, and I believe his decision-making next season will have more to do with his performance than the mechanical issues that are such a hot topic right now. As for my approach to your questions, I rarely ignore any question. I read every email sent to me, in fact. But I can’t answer them all. How do I decide what questions make the cut? Sometimes it’s just how the breeze is blowing when I read the question; I am, after all, a whimsical sort. Other times, I am sending a message about my perception of the emailer’s value as a person by whether or not I answer. I’ve found it better to not to indicate when I am doing the latter. The fallout isn’t always pretty.

Matthew from Jags4life:
Will you come to prom with me?

John: Lemme ask my mom.

Steve from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
Why are the defensive players not participating … the ones Smith is upset about? Are they injured? Most of them were here recently and I do not recall anything being said about them limited.

John: Before we go further here, I didn’t hear Smith say he was upset about the Jaguars defensive players who aren’t participating in OTAs. I heard him say he was upset the team wasn’t further along in its progress. I have seen some people speculate he might be upset about players not participating. That speculation doesn’t seem very realistic. And if Smith is upset about that, it’s not particularly fair. The defensive players who aren’t participating in practice – cornerback A.J. Bouye, safeties Barry Church and Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Aaron Colvin chief among them — are out because of injuries. Most of them to my knowledge have been in meetings and at practice working on the side far more often than not.

Logan from Wichita, KS:
I get that it is hard to come back from a torn ACL, but that doesn’t excuse bone-headed plays nor does it excuse Dante Fowler Jr. for only using one pass-rush move every single play. His one and only move is… SPRINT OFF THE EDGE AND HOPE HE IS FASTER THAN THE OFFENSIVE TACKLE. He has no spin move, no swim move and no combo of anything. He just tries to use pure speed and that works great in organized team activities when no one can hit you. But in a real game just sprinting off the edge every play will be successful all of one in 1,000,000 times. That’s why he is currently a bust.

John: It has been well-established that Dante Fowler Jr. must improve his pass-rushing technique. It’s also well-established that he needs to reduce avoidable penalties.

Chris from Mandarin, FL:
I know that in the end we will see what we shall see, but do you think the young defensive ends with the addition of Calais Campbell and other defensive linemen will make the needed jump this season to at least be average at rushing the passer on third down? Do you think an average third-down pass rush would elevate the Jaguars from currently being a good defense into a great one?

John: Third-down pass rush absolutely holds the key to whether the Jaguars can be an elite defense this season. That’s why I believe Campbell was the most important unrestricted free agent signed by the team this offseason. I do think his presence and the further development of Yannick Ngakoue will get the pass rush to at least an average level. I believe it needs to be great in must-pass-rush situations, and I do have serious doubts whether this group can be great. That’s because when it comes to pass rushing, great means multiple players who can get consistent pass rush in late-game situations. I believe Campbell can do it. I think Ngakoue will get a step better in the area this season. Fowler is important in this equation, and he hasn’t shown it yet. If he does, then the Jaguars can take another serious step toward greatness. If he doesn’t, I wonder who gives them that step.

Justin from Hampton, VA:
Other than Leonard Fournette, who are you looking forward to seeing when the pads are on? My pick is Cam Robinson; we need a beast on that line.

John: Dede Westbrook. This team needs game-breaking players.

Robert from Moorpark, CA:
Two questions, Big-O. I like Allen Hurns, and Marqise Lee, but when I watch A-Rob, he just looks like he has “it” out of the wide receiver position despite the dropped off production from last year, and the dependence on quality quarterback play. Do you see Robinson having another Pro Bowl year in 2017? And what are your thoughts on him becoming a NFL superstar?

John: Robinson can have a 1,000-yard, double-digit touchdown season next season because he wasn’t too far off those numbers last season in what by any measure was a very difficult season for the offense on a lot of fronts. I’d have to put Robinson as a Pro Bowl long shot not because he won’t be productive, but because the Jaguars don’t want to throw nearly as much as they did in 2015. That doesn’t mean Robinson can’t have a very productive season – maybe even a better season in some ways than 2015 – but his numbers may not be eye-catching enough to make the Pro Bowl at a very competitive position. As for him becoming a superstar … sure, I think he can get into the upper echelon of receivers. He has the skill set – and his range and ability to high point the ball is the sort of “above-the-Xs-and-Os” attribute a player needs to be special in the NFL for the long term. This is a big year for him on that front because he’s had one down year. He doesn’t want that to become a trend.

Zack from Jacksonville:
One of the biggest improvements I want to see under Doug Marrone is reduction of penalties. It seems like we always have not only the worst timing when it comes to penalties, but just extremely dumb penalties at that. I especially think of Fowler as I type this. Do you foresee an improvement? If so, what do you think Marrone can do that Bradley could not, in regards to getting the team to play smarter?

John: Marrone will emphasize the area, and players will have no room for doubt about what penalties are acceptable and what penalties are unacceptable. Marrone will make it clear in meetings, in team rules and in immediate ramifications for unacceptable penalties. And yes, Marrone will be quicker to reduce playing time for mistakes in this area than Gus Bradley was last season. Will Fowler get it? Will other players? If they don’t, it won’t be for a lack of emphasis.

Kevin from Fleming Island, FL:
Why are we rebuilding everything but the quarterback position, which is the most important of all? You know and I know how this will end up. I can’t believe Tom Coughlin is going to accept this poor talent at quarterback that will drag the franchise down.

John: You’re not nice.

Don from Jacksonville:
Hey, John: Do you think Gus Bradley will get another shot at head coach in the NFL? Why not?

John: I don’t think it’s out of the question. History shows many NFL head coaches who have lost many games have gotten another chance. I’m not saying Bradley “deserves” anything after his record in Jacksonville. I am saying it’s a weird league.

Trevor from Deland, FL:
Hey Johnny. Just checking in on ya! I hope you have a great summer. See you at training camp! Peace!

John: Well, we’ll look forward to that, Greg.

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O-Zone: Who knows?

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

TBoyone from Fruit Cove, FL:
John: Just watched Telvin in his press-room interview session. HOT DAMN, I’m happy he is on our side. Man talks like a man, and we have seen him play like a winner. Foretells a better “in-game” attitude if I read between the lines of his comments. Is he as real as he appears on camera?

John: You’re referring to Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith’s comments after organized team activities Tuesday. Smith said he was “heated” because the Jaguars weren’t where he believed they should be as a team. Yes, Smith’s as real as he appears on camera – and yes, he clearly was sending message to teammates. He’s a leader. He has grown into that role and knows it’s time for him to embrace it even more than he has in the past. He’s also tired of losing, which he made clear Tuesday – and which he made clear earlier this offseason and late last season. Smith also made clear Tuesday he believes this is an important time if the Jaguars are going to improve next season – and finally, he made clear he believes what he and his teammates have done thus far in OTAs isn’t good enough. This is a good sign for the Jaguars, as was Head Coach Doug Marrone last Friday saying the Jaguars still had a long way to go. Why is it a good sign? Because both men are right. The Jaguars went 3-13 last season. It’s May. If they were talking about the playoffs, something would be wrong. And is it good that the Jaguars are being vocal in their displeasure? Sure, it doesn’t hurt.

Rob from Brunswick, GA:
John, I know you have been asked this question a hundred times at least. So, I won’t ask it again.

John: OK.

Bill from Jacksonville:
John, what’s the “culture” Telvin Smith says the team is trying to break in the locker room? Wasn’t Gus Bradley credited with creating a good culture for this young team? Heck, when all else failed for Bradley, the “culture” of the team was the area his defenders could still point to. Now a leader of the team says his culture needs to be broken. Thoughts? Thanks! Go Jags!

John: When NFL teams lose, all things involving culture, approach, philosophy, system, etc., etc., etc., are seen as wrong and therefore must change. The Jaguars liked their culture under Bradley for several seasons because it was seen as one in which young players could develop. Then they kept losing. That meant the culture had to change. So, what specifically is the culture Smith says the team is trying to break? The losing one.

Logan from Wichita, KS:
Sounds like Smith is making it painfully clear that Gus created a “who-cares-if-we-win” environment. That will be a hard cycle to get out of. Sounds to me like this season is already off to a bad start.

John: There will be those who take Smith’s comments Tuesday as a knock on Bradley, though considering the respect Smith has for Bradley I hesitate to make that assumption. There will be others who see Smith’s comments Tuesday as him making it painfully clear it doesn’t matter who’s coaching a team, and that in professional football it’s up to players do the things necessary to win: “They [coaches] can only do so much. I like the analogy that they’re just the wardens of the prison, but we’re the officers in the prison that run the day-to-day. They just oversee what’s going on. We have to take the things that we go through in the locker room and outside of this building and we have to grow and come together.”

Glen from Orange Park, FL:
O, your description of Blake Bortles’ performance last Friday was far from glowing. It was actually concerning. His ceiling seems to be fairly low as is his floor. In your opinion how long of a leash will he have this season? If he doesn’t look good in camp will they stick with going Chad Henne/Brandon Allen? So much is riding on the quarterback position and not sure this fan base can endure another three-to-five-win season, especially with the same quarterback all year. Throw me a lifeline, John! Tell me there is a Plan B.

John: My description of Bortles last Friday wasn’t glowing, but neither was it harsh. He looked OK. Not great. Not awful. OK. I would have said much the same if asked about Bortles in OTAs before 2015 and 2016. The point I was making is it doesn’t matter too much how Bortles looks in OTAs so long as he doesn’t look awful – and he didn’t look awful. I don’t expect him to be a classically beautiful quarterback in practice; many successful quarterbacks haven’t looked classically beautiful in practice. If Bortles looks OK mechanically next season and improves his decision-making and pocket awareness then I think he and the Jaguars can be successful. As far as the length of Bortles’ leash next season, I don’t know that there’s a hard, fast number. I don’t think he can struggle as mightily as he did during the middle part of the season last season and continue to start. Whether or not Plan B would be Allen or Henne likely will depend on how well Allen plays during the preseason. I’d love to give a more specific answer, but Allen has played a few preseason series. The body of work isn’t yet there for more specifics.

Aaron from Bethlehem, PA:
Why does everyone call Dante Fowler Jr. a great athlete? Sure, he ran a great 40-yard dash for an edge rusher, but did you know he was only in the 43rd percentile for vertical jump, 37th percentile for broad jump, and 23rd percentile for three-cone among the edge rushers in that class? So, he has below-average explosion according to the jumps. The three-cone drill is also a very important drill for a pass rusher indicating his quickness, ability to change direction, and bend … and he did very poorly in that. Can we put an end to the myth that he is a great athlete? He can run fast in a straight line, that’s about it.

John: I look at Fowler and see a better athlete than you (or the numbers) see, and we could probably have a healthy debate about combine numbers and what makes a player athletic. Bottom line: Fowler absolutely needs to get better fundamentally as a pass rusher, and if he’s not successful in the NFL it won’t be because he’s not a good enough athlete.

Paul from Jacksonville:
Someone forgot to tell Dave from Orlando that the reason “most of us” don’t value your opinion isn’t because of your bias, dishonesty or inaccuracy, but rather because you keep printing “you won’t print this” emails.

John: It’s funny. I get a lot of emails from people who like me for my dishonesty.

Jeffrey from Milton, GA:
Can you explain the type of players that the Jaguars, including Dave, Tom, Doug and the coaches, are looking for to play strong-side and weak-side linebacker in the Jags’ 2017 defensive scheme? Is there a comparison to be made from another team or teams in the league? Thanks.

John: Paul Poslusnzy will play strong-side linebacker in the Jaguars’ defense and Smith will play weak-side linebacker. Though Smith is not as big as many NFL weak-side backers, he has other prototype traits of the position – quickness, suddenness, ability to pursue, ability to disrupt in the backfield. Posluszny’s strength on the strong side would seem to be strength at the point of attack and ability to pursue and consistently in the running game. Neither Smith or Poslusnzy excel as pure edge rushers, but that trait is comparatively rare in 4-3 outside linebackers.

CC from Duval:
Watching the NFL Top 100, it just dawned on me that Jalen Ramsey isn’t on this list. I’m questioning if A.J. Bouye will get snubbed as well. No worries: 2017 they’ll get their minds right and remember the tandem. DTWD!

John: I have a tough time working myself into a lather for offseason lists, and I particularly have a tough time getting emotional when players from 3-13 teams don’t get honored. I honestly don’t know if either Bouye or Ramsey will make the NFL Network’s Top 100 players list for 2017. Both probably deserve to be on it. It probably would qualify as a snub if they don’t make it. So … yeah.

Todd from Jacksonville:
Continuing Tommy’s wise words about what “we all know.” We all know the earth is flat, and the sun revolves around us. And you can’t deny the moon landing was faked. Above all else, you have to admit that we are all part of someone else’s dream, and none of this is real! Just praying for the day you all wake up and admit it! (Except for the person whose dream we are all living in … then we’d all disappear!) We all know!

John: Well, what do you know?

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