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O-Zone: Nothing left

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

MOBILE, Ala. – Let’s get to it …

Rick from Franconia, VA:

O, I’ve been watching the reaction to the hiring of Keenan McCardell as the Jaguars’ wide receivers coach, and my reaction was, “Really?” My view: Hat tip for all he did as a player, but we just went from a guy recognized as one of the best wide receivers coaches in the entire NFL for the past two decades to a guy that didn’t even have a job in the NFL last year. I am bracing for impact. What say you?

John: I say coaches get hired and leave NFL staffs every season, and there often is no rhyme and no reason to comings or goings – beyond a head coach or decision-maker being more comfortable with one coach or another. NFL coaching is a difficult, strange profession that often defies logic. That’s why you can look at pretty much any coach’s biography and see multiple stops with multiple teams – and that’s true no matter the “quality” of the assistant or head coach in question. I thought Jerry Sullivan did a great job with the Jaguars’ wide receivers and think , and the Jaguars’ receivers benefited from his presence. I also think McCardell will be fine as the Jaguars’ receivers coach. I always thought he would make a really good coach when I covered him as a player and I’ve thought the same thing during my conversations with him since he stopped playing. As far as McCardell not being in the NFL last season, don’t sweat that. It’s not unusual for good, young assistant coaches to be out of the league briefly at the start of their careers. It’s a difficult business that often makes little sense. McCardell will be fine. No need to brace yourself over this one.

Levi from Bloomington, IN:

I’d really like to see the Jags jump up and grab Deshaun Watson, but I don’t think they will for the sole fact that we have on the team. Watson seems to be the guy that has that clutch factor, something we really need at quarterback. I just feel like this will be a situation similar to when we passed on Big Ben just because we had drafted Byron Leftwich. If the Jags fall in love with Watson, could you see them taking him, if available?

John: Sure, if the Jaguars love Watson they could take him – but I don’t know that the Jaguars would need to “jump” any team to select him at No. 4 overall. It seems quite likely the former Clemson quarterback will be available at that time. I also don’t know that the decision will hinge nearly as much on Bortles’ presence on the roster as on how the Jaguars feel about … Watson! Should the Jaguars select him? That remains to be seen. The concerns over his ability to be a big-time pocket passer are legitimate – and while mobility is nice, making plays from the pocket remains a key, necessary attribute for elite NFL quarterbacks. There’s a long way to go in Watson’s evaluation process before the draft and I imagine it will be one of the No. 1 pre-draft issues league wide. Will the Jaguars fall in love? I doubt it, but we’ll see. Sometimes love takes time.

Saif from Washington, DC:

If after next season Bortles shows us he is not our franchise quarterback, what does that mean for the future? Would we have to wait another season or two to find our next quarterback? And what would it mean for Doug Marrone and David Caldwell, who both had faith in Bortles? I assume Tom Coughlin would be spared any repercussions.

John: I doubt Bortles’ play next season will have any repercussions for either Marrone or Coughlin. As for Caldwell, he has a three-year contract that runs through 2019. That speaks strongly to repercussions in the future. The more pressing question in your scenario is how long the Jaguars would have to wait to find their next quarterback. If they know after this season that Bortles isn’t the answer, the Jaguars wouldn’t wait at all. They would actively seek the next quarterback. As of right now, I wouldn’t rule out the Jaguars’ seeking that player right now. The odds of finding a starter better than Bortles for next season seem long, but does that mean the Jaguars aren’t evaluating and exploring options? I doubt that.

John from Ponte Vedra, FL:

After watching the conference championship games this past weekend, it really became clear how far the Jags have to go to contend. Do you really think that major work is not required? Is that what you said? If so, do you still stand by that view?

John: My point in recent weeks has been that the Jaguars do not necessarily have major work/overhaul to do to contend for the postseason – and yes, I believe that. As far as contending for the Super Bowl, yeah … right now, it’s fair to say that seems like a ways off. All four teams playing last weekend had elite quarterback play, and at least three – Green Bay, Pittsburgh and New England – had franchise quarterbacks playing in stable, long-term coaching situations. That’s a good formula for perennial Super Bowl contention. It’s not the only formula, but it’s a good one.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:

Why is this franchise wasting time with Blake? We have seen enough to know he is garbage. We can’t afford to waste 2017 to find out rather Blake is the guy. Cut him/trade him and move on and start the process again.

John: Don’t be shy, Jerell.

Ray from North Augusta, SC:

Do you think that Mr. Khan has so much on the table that he needs to have a man like Tom to run things while he spends more time with his other interests? He can’t be giving the other businesses the attention they need because the Jaguars are taking the bulk of his time.

John: Shad Khan since purchasing the Jaguars has allowed football people to run the football operations of the Jaguars and President Mark Lamping to run the business side of the operation. This isn’t to say that Khan is not involved in the Jaguars, but it is to say that Coughlin’s hiring isn’t likely to change significantly the amount of time Khan spends with the organization. Khan has never pretended to be an expert on football, and since purchasing the Jaguars he has preferred to let people more knowledgeable in the area make decisions.

Jason from Jacksonville and Section 140:

John, I think it’s easy to see now all of the blame for the past season’s struggles is squarely being put on Gus Bradley’s shoulders by the organization. Not that his historically terrible record doesn’t speak for itself, but it seems like David Caldwell and Shad Khan were satisfied with what they did, and felt Gus was the one holding the organization back.

John: This has become a popular theory among observers – that the organization believes Bradley was solely at fault for all that went wrong last season. It indeed appears that is going to be the narrative of many observers moving forward. That’s fine, and people are going to believe what they want to believe and say what they want to say. I can tell you that the people running the organization do not believe 2016’s struggles were all on Gus Bradley – primarily because when you go 3-13 it’s never all-anything. The Jaguars, remember, changed not only Bradley, they also changed the person with final say over the roster – and I expect they also will change a lot about the offensive and defensive schemes. I don’t remotely expect personnel to stay the same, either. In fact, by the time the 2017 season starts playing out, I expect a whole lot around the Jaguars to look different, and perhaps we won’t be quite as concerned about blame, either.

Rick from Alexandria, VA:

O, once upon a time Tom Coughlin had total control over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was great as a head coach but he mismanaged the remainder of “football operations” so badly his greatness as a head coach couldn’t overcome his shortcomings as a general manager and he was fired. He went on to win two Super Bowls as a head coach when someone else was the general manager. So now Shad Khan has hired him not as head coach, but to assume the only role he’s ever failed at. What are you counting on that makes you believe it will be different this time?

John: The ability of an intelligent, motivated, successful football man with a knowledge of how to build an organization and select players to learn from experience.

Strnbiker from Dothan, AL:

There are 256 regular-season NFL games– all gone with only the Super Bowl left. #sad Ready for your vacation? #happy

John: I don’t believe in vacation. I believe in grinding myself to the nub and working until I don’t have an ounce of energy left and until my mind is an absolute fuzz and I’m ready to keel over from exhaustion. Wait … no, I don’t.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Familiar feeling

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

MOBILE, Ala. – Let’s get to it …

Greg from St. Johns, FL:

O, does it makes sense to draft defense again early and often (and sign free agents on defense) with the thought being that the only way to beat elite quarterbacks in the league is to have an elite defense? I think the other way is to have your own elite quarterback. Not picking on at all, but even if he ends up being a mid-tiered quarterback, it might be more important to have that elite defense to get by Tom Brady, Big Ben etc. … Assuming we get to the playoffs. Just looking at big picture … thoughts?

John: I think the unquestioned No. 1 best way to give yourself the best chance to consistently be in the postseason and therefore give yourself a chance to get through the playoffs – and to the Super Bowl – is to have an elite quarterback. If you don’t have one of those, then get the best quarterback you can and surround that guy with good players. If you can surround a good quarterback with good offensive players – and get a few pass rushers to pressure the opposing quarterback when you have leads late in games – you can win a lot of games. If you can get a few pass rushers and enough other good defensive players, then you can defend your way into a lot of success for a long time – a la Seattle in the last half decade. But the best way to assure yourself a chance over the long haul is to be as good as you can at the quarterback position. As for the Jaguars’ approach this offseason, I think they’ll look very hard at the quarterback position and try to determine their best approach there. I also think they’ll be active and aggressive in free agency. The idea is to win. Now.

David from Oviedo, FL:

Johnny-O, some Jags players complained about the Jags’ defensive schemes last year. Does Todd Wash listen to what is being said or do coaches coach and players play?

John: For the good of all that is holy and right – and for the sake of the team – let’s hope that the coaches coach and the players play. You don’t want to see what happens otherwise.

Chris from Mandarin:

Until the defense is good enough to stop Tom Brady, none of it matters.

John: None of it?

Gabe from Washington, DC:

If we were to assume Blake Bortles has a ceiling of a top 15-20 quarterback in this league – which is far from certain – does it make sense to lock him up to a long-term deal? Don’t you need a Top 10 guy to win it all? And if you do, does it make sense to waste a huge amount of cap room on a middle-of-the-road (at best) quarterback?

John: I would be stunned if the Jaguars approach Bortles about a long-term deal before next season. If after next season it appears he has a chance to be a Top 15 quarterback, then sure … a long-term deal makes sense. We have a lot of time and frankly Bortles has a lot of improving to do before that’s a consideration.

Al from Coldwater, OH:

I saw on E$PN that the Patriots would be willing to trade Garoppolo for a first-round round pick. I say we offer Blake Bortles and a second-round pick.

John: I’m truly, truly, truly, truly not trying to be snide here, but why would the Patriots see value in that trade right now?

Garrett from Jacksonville:

Hey John, I’m curious as to when some information will be given about what the new schemes will be offensively and defensively? Is there going to be a press conference with the coordinators any time soon? I’m not expecting every little detail. I’m just dying to know what the new schemes will be.

John: I expect the Jaguars to address these issues when they know enough details about the answers to discuss them. Doug Marrone just finalized the hires of defensive coordinator Todd Wash and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett within the last week and a half or so – and the staff has not yet been finalized. Once that happens, then I imagine we’ll hear more details.

Alan from Ellington, CT:

I liked what Dave Caldwell was doing collecting talent. Did you get the feeling that he needed someone like Tom Coughlin to help him along? It always felt like the coaches weren’t able to put everything together on the field.

John: I truly believe Caldwell is a good, competent general manager and I believe he has laid the foundation for a team that can begin winning soon. I believe it remains uncertain whether or not Bortles is the quarterback who can get this team to the postseason, and I believe there are a few more pieces that need to be put in place aside from quarterback. Coughlin has the experience and vision to make the right choices, so I believe there’s a good chance the Jaguars can succeed soon. I’d hate to use the phrase “help him along” because I think Caldwell can succeed without help … but however you want to phrase it is fine.

Keith from Palatka, FL:

I remember reading an article in “Sports Illustrated” called “Why Can’t Johnny Read?” about a young quarterback who in his fourth season was still struggling to read defenses. He eventually got better at reading defenses and turned out to be a pretty decent quarterback. His name was John Elway. Do you think Blake Bortles will ever figure out how to read defenses?

John: I don’t know how accurate it is to say that Blake Bortles can’t read defenses, though decision-making remains an area he must improve. Do I think he will? I suppose the question now will be whether he will have time to do so. He is three years into his NFL career and realistically needs to improve quickly to remain a starting quarterback – and it will be difficult to improve as a decision-maker if he’s not starting. Fair or unfair, there is urgency to Bortles’ situation. The time is pretty close to now.

Bill from Jacksonville:

John, the NFL Playoffs so far have been frankly bad. Only two games have been competitive, and one of those games saw a team win without scoring a single touchdown – by kicking six field goals. Is this so far the worst NFL Playoffs that you can remember? Why do you think the games have been so noncompetitive? Thanks! Go Jags!

John: I was actually thinking about this Sunday during the AFC Championship Game because there’s no doubt the games in this postseason have been more one-sided than usual. I don’t really see a particular reason for that, though I have gotten the impression all season that there was a big difference between the elite teams – New England, most obviously – and the next level. This is not all that unusual, because the reality is that “parity” long has been a myth in the NFL; it simply does not exist. I suppose the biggest reason the playoffs haven’t been entertaining is you’ve got a lot of cases where teams have been a lot better than the ones they’re playing. My guess is it’s a one-year blip more than a trend.

Jordan from Mandarin:

I would make resigning Alualu a priority. He’s been such a solid player for the Jaguars since Day 1.

John: I would re-sign , too. I don’t know what the Jaguars will do on this front because until key decision-makers – read: Coughlin – delve deep into the roster we don’t know the answer to many questions.

Chris from Houston, TX:

I was reading your article about the Senior Bowl. Is it normal for many of the seniors who are projected to be drafted early not play? Do they not want to get hurt/lose draft stock? Most of the players mentioned in the article were second-round picks with most being mid-late round picks. Or is it a possibility of more juniors coming out this year that much better?

John: Most players who are projected in the Top 10 or even in the Top 25 or so in the draft forego the Senior Bowl. For those players, there’s nowhere to go but down and the risk of injury outweighs any positives.

Joe from Hall of Fame City, OH:

Hey Mr. John, I for one am very pleased about TC coming home. He not only brings experience, his newly formed position creates a solid front for the team. No games allowed in Duval anymore … everyone knows or will quickly find out. At the very least Shad Khan would get a blueprint for how to win for a long time #DTWD

John: #TCTWD

Bill from Hawthorn Woods, IL:

With the London game so early (Week 3), do you expect we will see the bye week in Week 4, or would the team consider going the path of the Colts last year and playing the following week?

John: I hope the Jaguars delay the bye week because I hate the bye so early. I believe there is a good chance the Jaguars will do as I wish. If they don’t, I suppose I will be disappointed yet again.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: All ripped up

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Logan from Wichita, KS:

I am going to predict right now our defense takes a HUGE step back next season. The offense will continue to be as effective as a dead cat in a mouse-catching contest and the “new scheme” or old one will fail or be figured out and we will be yet again in the Top 5 of the draft. This sucks.

John: Well, I suppose your scenario indeed would suck for the Jaguars – except that there’s no reason to think the defense will take a huge step back next season. I don’t know that the Jaguars will be the sixth-ranked defense in the NFL next season, but there’s no reason they can’t be a Top 10-to-12 defense – which essentially is what the Jaguars’ defense was this past season. The unit was improved and solid, but it wasn’t great. As far as next season, it can be a defense that can improve – if it improves as a pass-rushing unit, which is an area I expect to be addressed in the offseason. It can also improve in producing takeaways, an area that should improve as the pass rush improves. As for the offense … well, a lot of that depends on quarterback play more than scheme. That’s probably about . That’s the Jaguars’ great unknown. We’ll see how that develops.

Chris from Mandarin:

What I am most excited about this season is that Dave Caldwell will not have the final say on offensive-lineman acquisitions. Tom Coughlin is an amazing evaluator of that part of a team. I know that this area will become a strength soon. Count on it.

John: OK.

Justin from Jacksonville:

Hey, Zone. I saw a mock draft recently that only had two offensive linemen going in the entire first round the first of which didn’t come off the board until Pick 20. I know mock drafts are essentially popular guessing games, but are the offensive line draft prospects really this bad?

John: Mock drafts indeed are guessing games, but they’re usually at least indicative of a general consensus among draft analysts. And yes … the general consensus among analysts this offseason is that the 2017 NFL Draft isn’t a great one for offensive linemen.

Max from Wyckoff, NJ:

O-man, you never answer my questions any more. I guess I need to find a new O-Zone?

John: Oh, gosh. Please don’t.

Rick from Chicago, IL:

Recently I saw an interview with Justin Forsett and he talked about his experience with the Denver Broncos. He said what impressed him the most was the veterans there had such a high standard – and what they expected every day. If that is one of many traits you need to win in the NFL, where is this going to come from in the Jags locker room? We are still a very young team and that leadership doesn’t work from players who don’t know how to win yet. Blake Bortles sure doesn’t have the experience to help the team yet.

John: Experience and veteran leadership indeed are areas the Jaguars still need to improve. I believe it’s very important, and I believe it has been a big area of need. Perhaps the biggest area lacking is a core of veterans who set the standard about which Forsett spoke. That’s a difficult standard to establish with free agents, and it has been difficult for the Jaguars to establish because many of the players who should be establishing it – i.e., players drafted between about 2009-2012ish – are no longer with the organization. The hope is that many of the players drafted since that time will prove worthy of being re-signed and therefore will form the core moving forward. We’ll see.

Nate from Vidalia, CA:

has been one of my favorite players on this team for a long time. A grinder. Definitely hope he sticks around and finishes his career here.

John: Hey! One fer Tyson!

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

I am really excited to see Keenan McCardell as the wide receivers coach. What are the odds Coughlin gets the band back together and they hire Fred Taylor as the running backs coach? I’ve heard worse ideas, what do you think?

John: I don’t mind the idea in theory, but it might bother Tyrone Wheatley a bit seeing that he was hired as running backs coach last week.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

Julio Jones is the best receiver in the NFL. True or false?

John: True.

Jeff from Richmondale:

I have a theoretical question for you. Let’s say you have a solid roster but you’re being held back by your quarterback play. You also have eight or nine picks in the draft. Do you think it would be worth the risk to draft a quarterback in every round and increase your chances of one of them becoming great? It sounds dumb, but hey … it’s all about the quarterback isn’t it?

John: Your approach in theory is an intriguing one, because it indeed is all about the quarterback. One major issue in your approach would be logistics, because it would mean a minimum of eight or nine – and possibly more – quarterbacks in organized team activities, minicamps and training camp all needing repetitions. That never would have been realistic in any era, and it’s certainly not realistic with current limitations on practice and meeting times, etc. The realistic limit on quarterbacks you could have legitimately fighting for a job? Three, maybe four – and even that’s high.

Jerome from New York:

This is more of a statement than a question, but I really like what this organization is doing inside. We are fixing inside the walls of this team. I am very excited about this team now. I go through this every offseason with the Jags. I even try to go Jacksonville to see at least one home game every year. I just love Jacksonville. I know the draft is not here yet, but if he is still available we should really draft Jonathan Allen. So happy about Tom Coughlin, Doug Marrone, the offensive coordinator – even Keenan McCardell as wide receivers coach is gonna be great for our young receivers. It’s gonna be beneficial for A-Rob a lot –and and – but it’s gonna really help A-Rob. I’m excited and this is just the beginning. Maybe I will be taking three or four trips to Jacksonville this year. Let’s see what happens. To be continued …

John: #DTWD

Charles from Midlothian, VA:

“We’re going to turn this around under Gus Bradley and make a run.” – When we were 2-6, that wasn’t going to happen. BUT there was a chance if Gus was gone we could. Why not THEN?

John: I understand the perception is that there was no way the Jaguars at 2-6 weren’t going to make a run with Gus Bradley as head coach. I also understand that perception became reality when the Jaguars in fact did not make a run in the second half of the season. But the reason the Jaguars didn’t make a head-coaching change at that point was they believed the best chance to make a run was to maintain Bradley as the coach. I understand fully the chorus of groans and the many, many eye roles this statement brings about. I understand many observers might even laugh out loud at the notion. That’s fine, but no matter how people feel about the fact that the Jaguars felt that way midway through last season that indeed was how they felt. Therefore that was the reason they didn’t make a head-coaching change earlier than they did.

Matthew from Arlington:

Not a question but just a comment that I am glad to see Gus picked up so quickly by the Chargers. Didn’t work out here but, sue me, I like the guy. One fer Gus.

John: Absolutely. One fer Gus.

Dave from Los Angeles, CA:

Random observation. I’ve been following the NFL for 20 years and have never until the last few months heard NFL franchises referred to as “programs” – because that has always been a college football concept. I’m hearing it *quite* frequently all of a sudden. What gives?

John: I have no idea. It’s probably the way Cris Collinsworth says “boundary” instead of “sideline” a few times on Sunday Night Football and everyone has to say it. It’s just one of those things no one can control and we all must live with, I suppose.

DUVAL DOOM from Section 217:

This whole thing hinges on the quarterback. It has always hinged on the quarterback. It will always hinge on the quarterback. Sure, there are a myriad of factors that can HELP the team, but eventually, to play in the biggest games, the quarterback has to be the one to get you there. That being the case, even as much as I want a winner as fast as possible, I STILL find myself hoping it’s Blake. It’s so weird.

John: So, if I’ve got this right, you’re saying one fer Blake even if rips you up inside! Or, #BBTWD … as weird as they may feel sometimes.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Improbable cause

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Jagster from Gainesville, FL:

Let’s be real: assistant head coach is a way to steal a coach from another team to make it sound like a promotion instead of lateral, which wouldn’t be allowed.

John: Not really … no; and in fact, not at all. Any coaching movement between NFL teams that doesn’t involve a promotion to head coach is considered “lateral,” and therefore NFL teams can decline to grant permission to any team wishing to interview an assistant for any position other than head coach. If a team wanted to interview, say, Jaguars running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley for offensive coordinator or any position other than head coach next offseason, the Jaguars in theory could decline permission. That’s true whether or not the requesting team attached “assistant head coach” to the proposed title or not. The assistant head coach title more often than not is a nod of respect to a former head coach or to a particularly respected member or the staff deserving acknowledgment or promotion, but it doesn’t in any way help a team hire an assistant who otherwise would be unavailable.

Chris from Mandarin:

I believe can fix his mechanics, though it will require constant maintenance. However, at this point, I don’t think his inability to read a defense is fixable. He throws easy interceptions into triple coverage. So do I, John … so do I. That among hundreds of other reasons is why I am not a quarterback.

John: This is a fair concern and I agree Bortles’ decision-making is a bigger issue than his accuracy. Can he improve in this area? We’ll see.

Limo Bob from Jacksonville:

Is Tom Coughlin in a no-lose position? Only way we can go is up.

John: That may be how outsiders see it – as if 7-9 if 8-8 would be a dramatic improvement and a pretty cool thing next season, and as if whatever the Jaguars do would be improvement so there’s not much pressure on Coughlin or Head Coach Doug Marrone. I doubt Coughlin would see 7-9 as very cool and I doubt Marrone would like it all that much, either.

Joshua from St. Johns, FL:

So, TC is back, Keenan is the wide receivers coach … can Boselli be far behind as the O-Line coach? They’ve joked about it on 1010XL for a bit, but is there a legitimate reason he wouldn’t merit real consideration?

John: One reason is that the Jaguars already have hired an offensive line coach: Pat Flaherty. Another reason is I don’t know that Boselli wants to coach in the NFL just yet. I can see it being something he does down the road, though – and at that point, I can see it being something at which he’s pretty good.

Bill from Hawthorn Woods, IL:

O, it appears the staff is mostly assembled. What additional roles do you expect to be filled, and what are your thoughts on the group?

John: The Jaguars still haven’t announced tight ends or linebackers coach, but for the most part – yes, the Jaguars’ coaching staff is pretty much assembled. It’s an interesting group because how it was assembled will be the focus of some scrutiny. The Jaguars retained the offensive and defensive coordinators – Nathaniel Hackett and Todd Wash – from last season; because this team went 3-13 last season, that’s a decision that understandably raised some eyebrows. I think both will implement changes next season – and they both showed themselves qualified for their jobs last season – but when you retain coordinators from 3-13 it’s going to be a focus. As far as the assistants, the group has a definite Coughlin feel with defensive backs coach Perry Fewell, wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell and Flaherty all having strong ties to Coughlin. That’s a topic because those coaches feel to some observers like “Coughlin hires” rather than “Marrone hires.” How it feels now matters not a whit compared to how it feels in the fall. How will it feel then? This appears to be a capable staff with a lot of NFL experience. There are no glaring deficiencies. We’ll see how it all comes together.

Bob from Sumter, SC:

Do you think is a natural fit at middle linebacker – or is he a natural weak-side linebacker and the team is trying to find a spot for him with playing at a Pro Bowl level?

John: I think Jack could fit fine either at middle or weak-side linebacker and the team is trying to find a spot for him because both Smith and are playing at very high levels.

Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

The history of the Jaguars after Tom Coughlin left has me thinking anything he wants to do is the way to go. I am ordering up that teal juice by the case. The thought of someday the Jaguars winning a championship is all I care about. Only a fool would bet against Coughlin and I was a fool when he left last time and that is not going to happen again. His word is golden to me. If he wants fans to bark at the moon than I am howling! Go Jaguars!

John: #DTWD

Maurice from North Potomac, MD:

I do understand the temptation behind taking a running back at No. 4, but why? I ask because what good is a running back at four behind THIS offensive line? That to me would be like a Todd Gurley situation in St. Louis all over again. Everyone looks at Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas, but forget he has the best line in the league. OF COURSE, we can all say this NOW without knowing what will happen in March, but to me it’s a HUGE reach – especially since the run game REALLY improved under Hackett. Go need with a guy we really need such as Jonathan Allen, etc., instead of luxury behind a line that clearly struggled. Drafting a running back behind this offensive line is a HUGE reach and possibly a waste of a pick. I still have faith in behind much better interior guard play. Thoughts?

John: My thought is I often have said that I philosophically am not a big Running-Back-in-the-Top 10 guy in the draft, but what I am more than anything is a Get-an-Elite-Player-Who-May-Be-An-All-Decade-Guy-in-the-Top-5 guy in the draft. When selecting in the top five, you want to get that sort of guy because it’s rare to have a whole bunch of those guys on the roster and you usually can figure out a way to let them help you in the long run. So, if a mega-talented running back on an Adrian-Peterson level is there at No. 4 … yeah, OK. Mega-talent is cool. Coaches like it.

Chris from Jacksonville:

If the front office thinks so highly of Doug Marrone, then why do you think they took so long to make a switch? There seems to be more to this story as it would seem more likely that an earlier switch would have been a great opportunity to test the new coach instead of just the last two games. What’s your take on this?

John: This is a question I get a lot, and the confusion is understandable. But remember: Jaguars Owner Shad Khan and General Manager David Caldwell in November and early December of last season weren’t thinking, “Let’s test Doug Marrone to see what he can do as a head coach.” Rather, they were thinking, “We’re going to turn this around under Gus Bradley and make a run.” Now, it’s understandable to ridicule, resent or even regret that thinking because the Jaguars never did make that run – but that’s why the timing played out as it did. The decision wasn’t about Marrone and the future; it was about Bradley and the 2016 season.

Marcus from Jacksonville:

I have heard a lot about Tom Coughlin’s choices for the coaching staff. Now I’m hearing a lot of questions about what Coughlin might do in free agency and who he might pick in the draft. It is clear that among fans and the media, Tom is the man in Jacksonville right now. It is also clear that any success this team has in Year One will be attributed to him. My question is will Tom be blamed if things don’t work out like everyone hopes, or will the blame go to the head coach and general manager as is customary?

John: I guess I’m just very good at predicting blame – probably because I don’t spend all that much time trying to figure out Individual blame in what is by definition a team endeavor. But if recent history and experience tells us anything it’s that if the Jaguars aren’t successful next season there will be more than enough blame to go around – and yes, Coughlin and Marrone will get the brunt.

Mark from Palm Coast, FL:

It is not that improbable to go from 3-13 to playoffs next season. The Cowboys were 4-12 … then divisional playoffs. It can and will happen!

John: Going from 3-13 to the postseason is by any definition “improbable.” That’s because it likely would take a six-to-seven game turnaround. But is it impossible? Of course not, so yeah … #playoffsin2017 #DTWD

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Staying or going?

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Bill from Jacksonville Beach:

“While Marrone served under former Head Coach Gus Bradley for 30 games, it’s reasonable to assume his approach differs greatly…” So, Bradley hired someone as the assistant head coach whose approach differed greatly from his? That doesn’t sound right, John. Thanks! Go Jags!

John: I guess I’m not sure what doesn’t sound right about Doug Marrone as assistant head coach possibly having a different approach or philosophy than the head coach for whom he works – in this case, Bradley. Is it so unusual for people who work together to have different ideas about how to approach something? I don’t agree with everything my boss says, and I don’t know that he wants me to do so. We can talk something through and figure out a direction – as I assume happens in many work environments. And let’s not misunderstand what an assistant head coach in the NFL means. An assistant head coach is typically there to be the interim head coach if the permanent head coach is unavailable for any reason; that can mean sickness or family emergency, etc. The title in no way makes the assistant coach a co-head coach and doesn’t necessarily mean that the assistant head coach has particularly heavy input into the direction of the team. That person doesn’t have to share the same operating philosophy as the current head coach, either. Marrone’s approach clearly is more old-school and harder-edged than Bradley’s, so his approach along those lines now will be different. That doesn’t mean he couldn’t be a valuable asset as an assistant head coach or offensive line coach – and it doesn’t mean Marrone had to agree blindly with all of Bradley’s philosophies. It just means they’re different.

Perry from Orange Park, FL:

You said you don’t believe that the roster is going to be status quo and that the Jaguars still have a lot of evaluating to do. However, Shad Khan’s statements that this is a very young and talented team would seem to indicate that at least some analysis has been done and there won’t be any major shake-ups roster-wise. What do you see potentially changing?

John: No roster in the NFL is status quo from year to year – and Khan’s correct that this is a very young team with talent. But a 3-13 team is not an elite team, either. So, while it’s difficult to define “major shakeup,” I do think it’s fair to assume there must be talent added to this roster. I’d be surprised if running back isn’t addressed in the draft. The offensive line certainly will be examined closely; the group improved last season, but something must be done to improve the running game. Tight end could be addressed, and I would be very surprised if a veteran pass rusher isn’t added. Yes, and showed signs this past season, particularly Ngakoue. But the idea that a team can “have enough pass rushers” is a silly notion at best and the Jaguars certainly could use an experienced, mature player in the role.

Chris from Houston, TX:

Daniel Jeremiah said that Malik Hooker, the safety from Ohio State, has some of the best ball skills he’s ever seen in a safety. Do you think it is possible that the Jaguars could draft him and move Gipson to strong safety? Gipson said he wants to play closer to the line of scrimmage …

John: I could see playing closer to the line of scrimmage at times, but I can’t see him moving to a strong-safety role. He’s a free safety.

Mike from Jacksonville:

The last time I looked, the four remaining quarterbacks in the playoffs are all strong-armed with velocity to throw into tight coverage. Who are the Jags going to trade for or draft to fix this issue?

John: It seems there is a good possibility that the Jaguars will pursue competition for this offseason. I think it’s a long shot that the competition will be good enough to beat out Bortles and “fix” the issue immediately, and I don’t know that the Jaguars are absolutely convinced yet that Bortles can’t be the one doing the fixing.

John from Boynton Beach, FL:

I just hope TC doesn’t pull a Danny Glover from Lethal Weapon and say, “I’m too old for this …”

John: I worry about a lot of things. I don’t worry about that.

Stephen from Jacksonville:

Given recent history and the current state of the AFC South, if you believe that the Jaguars can push for a 0.500 or winning record next season, shouldn’t you also believe they have a very good chance to make the playoffs?

John: Yes, I think the Jaguars will have a chance to make the playoffs if they can push for a .500 record. I think AFC South teams such as the Texans and Titans are improving enough to get to double-digit victories, but a .500 record or better should get the Jaguars within range.

Matt from Fernandina Beach, FL:

First thing first: We need to get a sound bite of Tom Coughlin yelling “Duval.” How great would that be! Here’s my question: Coughlin’s title with the Jaguars is Executive Vice President. Who had this position within the organization prior to TC being hired or was this position made specifically for him? Also, if the EVP has final say on all roster evaluations and decisions, what is the point of a team having a general manager?

John: The executive vice president of football operations role was created for Coughlin. As far as the point of the general manager, there absolutely is still a point to the role held by David Caldwell. He oversees the Jaguars’ personnel department and he and Coughlin will work together on roster decisions such as draft, free agency, etc. Coughlin will have final say, but that doesn’t mean Caldwell won’t have say.

Alex from Orlando, FL:

How much face time do you think Tom Coughlin will get in front of the entire team? Will he be involved in team meetings before games? The more I think about this I just don’t get why he wasn’t hired as head coach.

John: I imagine Coughlin’s face time before the team in formal situations will be limited – and I doubt he will speak to the team before games. That is the role of head coach and that will be the role of Marrone.

Jags Fan 818:

Is ‘s contract up with the Jags? Will they keep him or let him go? Personally, I’ve never been a fan of his.

John: Henne has a year remaining on his contract at a base salary of $3 million. That’s not an unheard-of salary for a backup quarterback, and Henne’s status is one of many, many issues on which the Jaguars must decide in recent weeks. It wouldn’t be shocking if Henne returns. He has worked with Bortles and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett closely for two seasons. At the same time, the Jaguars’ dead cap space if they release Henne is $250,000 compared to $5 million last season. So, while there was almost no way Henne wasn’t going to be the backup last season, it’s much more possible in 2017.

Artie from Orange Park, FL:

With Hackett as the “new” offensive coordinator, does that mean Bortles will be learning another new offense? Wouldn’t that be his fourth in four years and one of the things that has hindered his performance?

John: Hackett indeed likely will install his offense as opposed to Greg Olson’s offense, which Olson ran with Bortles for 23 games and which Hackett ran with a few of his own tweaks for nine games last season. That essentially makes three offensive coordinators for Bortles in four seasons – Jedd Fisch, Olson and Hackett – but once the Jaguars let Olson go in October that scenario was pretty much unavoidable.

Steve from Nashville, TN:

Who will be our starting tight end to begin the 2017 season?

John: 1.. 2.. 3.. 4.TBD. 5.Some combination of all of the above.

Bruce from Green Cove Springs, FL:

There are (I think) 11 unrestricted free agents on the current roster. Of those, my guess is that , , and are most likely to go. , , John Cyprien, and are most likely to stay. , , , – no idea. Your thoughts?

John: I would be surprised if Cyprien is back at this point because I think he’s going to get big money on the open market and I don’t know that the Jaguars will want to pay him big money. I think Joeckel might return because I don’t know that he’ll get big money on the open market – at least in part because of his knee injury. I think Alualu will return because I think the Jaguars will want to re-sign a player who is durable, hard-working and a really good player. That’s the sort of player teams like to re-sign.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Rush like no other

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Paul from Duval:

My opinion is if the Jaguars think they are close to being successful, they are extremely deluded – and maintaining continuity makes little sense given history. I get not hiring people just to make a “splash,” but what do you think the front office sees that basically no one but the front office sees?

John: What does the front office see? That the people they’re selecting are the right people; that’s the only reason they would make the selections. Look, I don’t know that Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin necessarily thinks the Jaguars are close. I know he said during his introductory press conference that he believes the team can win quickly, but he also knows football well enough to know that a 3-13 team by definition is more than a small step from the postseason. I also know a few things are true because Coughlin is running the organization. One is that the Jaguars indeed won’t do things to “make a splash,” and that they won’t do things based on what media or fans are saying – or based on what is being tweeted. Coughlin’s radar won’t extend that far – and if he hears about it, it won’t occur to him to care or react to it. That’s not to say he doesn’t care about the fans, but it to say he won’t make decisions based on reaction. I also know that Coughlin won’t look at the roster or anything within the organization and say, “Well, it’s close, so let’s not do everything we can to improve that area.” Rest assured that Coughlin is examining every facet of the Jaguars’ football operations and trying to determine what needs to improve and what needs to change. I have no idea if Coughlin or the Jaguars will be successful or not – but if they aren’t, it won’t be because Coughlin just wanted to maintain continuity or because he thinks the Jaguars were close last season.

Steve from Jacksonville:

Coaching!? Quarterbacks!? Come on John, it’s all ball bearings nowadays! Just ask Fletch.

John: I’m not even sure that’s a crime anymore.

Scott from Gilbert, AZ:

Zone, I got to see Joey Bosa play a little this year. He did some nice things in the twelve games he was active, and I believe he has a very bright future in this league. But, the Pro Football Writers of America voting him Defensive Rookie of the Year over ? I don’t think that’s cool. I don’t like it.

John: I would have voted for Ramsey, too, but if I had been a neutral observer I probably wouldn’t have seen a huge difference between the two.

Bill from Jacksonville:

Out of all the available coaches in college and pro football for offensive and defensive coordinator, the Jaguars just happened to have the best two men for the job already on staff? What a coincidence! Is this really what the team is telling the fan base, John? Thanks! Go Jags!

John: Yes. That’s what they’re saying. Maybe they’re right. Maybe they’re wrong. We’ll find out.

Robert from Burlington:

Hey John, what an offseason so far. I am one who is liking the hirings. The mentality of both Tom and Doug seem to be one and the same: WIN!!! This got me thinking about players. Do you think the hiring of Tom and Doug will influence them to go out and get players from previous teams? For example: Jason Pierre-Paul. He already has stated he’s not looking for a one-year deal. Do you think someone like him would be influenced to come to Jacksonville due to Coughlin? What other players do you think would be influenced to come here because of Doug and Toms hiring? Lastly, do you think is worthy of a long-term deal as he was here on a one-year prove it deal like ?

John: I certainly think the presence of Coughlin and Marrone give the Jaguars credibility among players. I don’t know that it puts them No. 1 in the NFL in credibility with a wide gap between them and No. 2 – but yes, the Jaguars will be credible. That gives you a chance. Paying the players a lot of money gives you a better chance. The Jaguars have a lot of money to spend, so sure … I think the Jaguars will be a big presence in free agency if they so choose. As far as Prince Amukamara … I do think the Jaguars should try to retain him – and I imagine they will. I don’t know that it’s going to be at a long-term, elite-level contract, but if it’s reasonable – whatever reasonable means in free agency – I think it’s a real possibility.

Adam from Saint Johns, FL:

I’m OK with Marrone, but this goes back to last season. If Marrone, Nathaniel Hackett, and Todd Wash are retained, why didn’t they make the change after the Titans loss? It just seems so Mickey Mouse. They kept Gus Bradley far too long and ended up with the same people. Is Khan being cheap and trying not to excite anyone? I think the fans are getting punked. It seems like Tom was brought in to be the latest distraction. None of this has made any sense. Why won’t Shad address the fans?

John: Coughlin is not here as a distraction. He is involved in and making decisions – and there won’t be any question that this team will have his identity. As far as Khan “addressing the fans” … no, Khan didn’t talk to the media publicly this past season – but that’s not all that unusual for NFL owners. Khan did discuss these topics at the press conference last Thursday to introduce Marrone and Coughlin. He said he doesn’t believe in making changes mid-season in the NFL. He said he believed that would destabilize the program more. The move to Marrone late in the season was made because Khan wanted to start the process of moving forward at that point and didn’t want to do it with Bradley still the head coach. Once that process started, Khan decided on Coughlin as executive vice president of football operations and Marrone as head coach. You may not like these moves, but Khan has stated those were the reasons for the moves. I don’t know how else he could or should “address the fans” on these topics.

Tim from St. Pete, FL:

John: The fact that the NFL may take a draft pick away from Seattle for nondisclosure of Richard Sherman’s knee injury is ridiculous. The only reason injury reports exist is to help Las Vegas handicap the games, even though the NFL says that it prohibits gambling. What do you think: time to get rid of the injury reports?

John: I’m not smart enough nor do I operate at a high enough pay-grade to know all of the philosophical and moral reasons the NFL has an injury report. I do know that while many teams place some players on the injury report in far more “reluctant’ fashion than others, the presence of that injury report keeps all teams from hiding injuries. If there were no injury report – and no rule from the NFL that teams had to disclose injuries – 99.9 percent of head coaches would respond to injury questions by saying “It’s our policy not to discuss injuries.” There are worse things in the broad scope of life, but within the world of people following the NFL, that wouldn’t be a positive development.

Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

There is no one that knows quarterbacks better than Tom Coughlin. If he says is the man, then he is. Blake Bortles is going to be a star in this league.

John: #DTWD

Nick from Miami, FL:

Can you please explain to me why the Jaguars haven’t tried out as a linebacker? He seems more naturally suited for linebacker than defensive end, we have a need at linebacker, and he was underwhelming at defensive end this year. I’ve never understood this.

John: The Jaguars used Dante Fowler Jr. at defensive end last season because they believed he was the best fit the Leo defensive-end role for which he was drafted. It will be interesting to see what the Jaguars do with Fowler moving forward. Do they find a 3-4 linebacker-type role? Do they see him as an outside linebacker? Does he continue to play with his hand on the ground? I agree that he has a lot of traits of a really good outside linebacker and it will interesting to see if the Jaguars can find a way to use him there. But as far as the Jaguars having a “need” at linebacker … OK. I guess. Actually, not really.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:

Outside of Tom Coughlin being brought back nothing has changed. I expect the record to reflect that.

John: Well, now there’s a surprise.

Conrad from InsaneClownville:

Hey Oehser, when do you predict the Jags will win the Super Bowl? Also, what’s your favorite hobby?

John: Someday before I retire. As far as a hobby … lifting. I pretty much like to lift anything heavy as much as possible. It’s a rush like no other.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Go big or go home

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Garrett from Albany, NY:

O, I know the staff is committed to Bortles. However, if Kirk Cousins somehow slips into free agency would you say the team makes a run at him? I’d be willing to pay him whatever he wants to come to Jacksonville. He’s proven his worth with worse receivers in Washington. Go Jags!

John: I wouldn’t go overboard pounding the table about the staff being head-over-heels “committed” to . Yes, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin said last week “Blake Bortles is our quarterback,” but this staff has yet to delve deep into the Jaguars’ personnel and has yet to finalize its offensive philosophy. A lot of that is going on now and will continue in the coming weeks. A lot of analysis and decision-making needs to happen before we know the exact level of commitment there is to Bortles or any other player. I believe Bortles will probably start Week 1 for the Jaguars’ next season, but I don’t believe right now the Jaguars are blindly assuming that will be the case and exploring no other options. Could Cousins be among the players they explore? I doubt it because teams usually don’t let capable, effective quarterbacks hit unrestricted free agency. We’ll see.

Brian from Greenwood, IN:

Dan Marino and John Elway as the best quarterbacks of the 1980s to mid-1990s? I think you forgot Joe Montana, who many consider the GOAT.

John: Montana did skip my mind. At the same time, I would put Montana with Elway and Marino in a group of the best quarterbacks of that era – not as the GOAT.

Tony from Section 148:

O-Zone, my dude! As I’m sure you have noticed, a lot of Jags fans are clamoring for drafting a big-school, splash running back whose skills will without a doubt translate into the league. However, I think it’s important that we remind them that we can get a big-splash player like Peppers, Adams, or Allen in the first round and still get an awesome value pick in the second round such as Samaje Perine from Oklahoma. The guy did set an FBS single-game rushing record, after all. What do you think? Should we let them know? Also, does Dave need any help in the scouting department? I’m available! Call me, Dave!

John: Tom Coughlin and David Caldwell … hire this man!!!

Andrew from Sampson, FL:

If the Jags were to decide to part ways with , how likely is a trade? What would his value be? Fifth or sixth round?

John: First off, I don’t know that we can assume the Jaguars are parting ways with Julius Thomas, because I don’t know that we can assume all that much about the roster moving forward yet. Assumptions left town when Coughlin arrived. As far as Thomas, I don’t imagine the Jaguars would be able to get much more than a sixth or seventh-round selection for him – and even that would be a major surprise. That has nothing to do with Thomas’ value as a player and everything to do with many other teams likely believing that the Jaguars are ready to move on from Thomas. When that’s the case, teams prefer to wait for the player to be released rather than give up value in a trade. That’s because free is better than, you know … not free.

Gabe from Washington, DC:

In your opinion, how likely is it that SenDerrick Marks is back with the Jaguars in 2017?

John: Quite likely – and I think he should be back. I say that because one thing the Jaguars need is experienced, veteran players who have respect in the locker room and who are proven performers. Marks is such a player.

Tony from Section 148:

I’m not sure how often this is brought up, but I think the key to fixing this team in general – on both sides of the ball – is in the turnover ratio. Since we were 30th or so in the league last year in turnover differential, what can Coughlin – and specifically Marrone and crew – do to improve this?

John: Improve the running game. Improve the decision-making at quarterback. Get in fewer third-and-obvious situations. Get opponents in more third-and-obvious situations. Improve the pass rush.

Aaron from White Hall, AR:

I’ve seen people lately talking about if the players will be able to handle a more “old-school” style of discipline. It’s been my experience with the NFL that if a player doesn’t want to go along with what the coaches say and have him do then he will no longer be employed by that team.

John: I’m so-o-o-o not worried about this being an issue – and I honestly can’t imagine Marrone or Coughlin worrying about it being an issue, either. Most NFL players adapt to their coaching/environments and are capable of working within a structure. If they experience success or improvement within that structure, then they will continue to function within it. If they don’t experience success or improvement, then the locker room and the culture typically will start to go bad because players will complain, point fingers, whatever. It’s sort of, you know … human nature.

Brian Not a Season Ticket-Holder anymore:

Same OC, Same DC, Same Interim Coach. Basically, if you don’t believe in Caldwell’s vision or Blake Bortles, you either a) will be fired or b) won’t be hired. The fans demanded change; we didn’t get it. The players even wanted change; they’re not getting it. The Kool-Aid pitcher is empty. Sorry John, I’m a big downer today. You have to understand the skepticism.

John: There’s no need to apologize. That’s because it’s understandable to look at those three positions – offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and head coach – and think, “Nothing has changed.” But the thought that a belief in David Caldwell’s vision or a belief in Blake Bortles is driving the decision to retain Hackett, Wash or Marrone … well, it’s just not the case. Look, I get that the coordinator and head coach hires don’t feel like changes. But Marrone will not be the same head coach as Gus Bradley and I don’t sense that Hackett/Wash will be the same coordinators next season as they were at the end of last season. I also don’t get the idea that the roster is going to be status quo, either. The Jaguars in a very real sense barely have begun their offseason and the process of moving forward. There are a lot of decisions to make and a lot of analyzing to do before that happens. It may look similar right now, but I don’t think this thing will have a familiar feel very long.

Rob from Brunswick, GA:

While I am super-excited to see Tom back, I have a hard time thinking he’s going to “save” the franchise from our losing ways. He isn’t drafting players, coaching or playing. While I am certain he would make a huge difference as a head coach, I find myself wondering just how much difference a 70-year old who has never met any of the players on the roster can make from his office. But, if he’s not in his office and he’s on the sidelines at practice or in the locker room then he’s “meddling.” I suppose I’m just having trouble with the idea that in his current position he can make that much of a difference.

John: Don’t get the idea that Coughlin’s going to be sitting in his office out of touch with what’s going on on the field or in the locker room. He’s going to have the same sort of influence any executive charged with running an NFL team would have – providing direction, making decisions on personnel, providing input on hires, setting the tone for the organization. Doing those things doesn’t guarantee Coughlin will “save” the franchise. A lot of things must happen right for this thing to turn around. But don’t think Coughlin won’t influence this organization in his position. He absolutely will. And he already has.

Mark from CP, Maryland:

The Jags were a successful organization early because of their ability to draft in the first round. Since “Shack” Harris we haven’t had a successful first-round pick since – maybe . Every year – whomever we draft – I’m a fan of them because I’m a fan. I’d like to see whomever we pick be good at football at the highest level. O-Man, can you get this done?

John: Hold on.

John from Jacksonville:

In my opinion, I think Tom Coughlin and the coaches must be thinking this is a really great chance to be quick heroes for the 2017 season. With the talent we have on the team and the fact that we were close in the fourth quarter in most of our losses, all we need are some adjustments (not any overhauls) to have a winning season and go to the playoffs in 2017. I’m confident winning will be the new norm and we aren’t as far away as our record this past season would indicate. Mark me down for 10-6 or better.

John: Whoa … OK.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Indeed he did

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Tom from Charleston, SC:

Same offensive coordinator, same defensive coordinator, same head coach from within the same staff … As much as I would like to be excited, I’m afraid that it is more of the same.

John: Your fear is understandable, because in terms of titles and names, the Jaguars’ coaching staff indeed looks pretty familiar. That became sort of official Wednesday evening when the Jaguars announced that Nathaniel Hackett will return as offensive coordinator. Because Todd Wash returned as defensive coordinator, that means both coordinators remain the same as at the end of the 2016 season. And yes, because Head Coach Doug Marrone was the assistant head coach-offense/offensive line coach since the beginning of the 2015 season, that means the team’s top three coaches all previously were on the staff. But does that necessarily mean all stays the same? It absolutely does not. While Marrone served under former Head Coach Gus Bradley for 30 games, it’s reasonable to assume his approach differs greatly, with Marrone approaching the NFL in a much more traditional, hard-edged old-school style than did Bradley. And while Hackett was the offensive coordinator the last nine games of last season he was running former coordinator Greg Olson’s offense – because there’s simply not time to overhaul an NFL offense on the fly during the regular season. I also believe Wash will make significant changes to the defense. So, are the names much the same as last season? Yes. Will the approach be the same? No. Does that excite you? Well, I can’t control your excitement – and frankly, I’m not sure I want to do so.

Dennis from Macclenny, FL:

Hey John: Really enjoyed Jaguars.com Live Wednesday. When Charley Casserly was asked if he believed was the guy, there was no mention of his record of past performance or bad mechanics or coaching changes but more about his work ethic and motivation and needing to see if that drive to succeed is there. You’ve been around Blake a few years now. What do you think?

John: First, it’s likely Casserly is not as well-versed in the details of Bortles’ issues as those of us who follow the Jaguars on a daily basis, but yes: I think Bortles has the desire and the drive to be successful. I believe as a young quarterback he is in the process of trying to find the way to best work and improve that will yield results for him. That’s sometimes much more difficult than it sounds.

Patrick from Rutherford:

“So I’m sure he’s thinking playoffs soon – like now. It’s realistically a long trip from 3-13 to the NFL postseason so I’ll be more conservative and say 2018 – but I definitely believe this team can push for a .500 record next season.” Do you really believe that statement? We all have been expecting to make the playoffs for the last four seasons (with realistic expectations), so I find it hard to believe that YOU believe we will make the playoffs as you say it year after year. Love your writing, but have to question you at some point. I hope you are correct though!!

John: What I question is how closely you are reading – and that’s OK: there’s no law that says you must read closely. But I at no point during the last four seasons or offseasons wrote or said that I expected the Jaguars to make the playoffs. That’s because I didn’t expect the Jaguars to make the playoffs in any of those seasons. And few observers who were being realistic thought the Jaguars had a chance to make the playoffs in 2013, 2014 or 2015. Now, many did predict it last season – and I believed the Jaguars would push closer to a .500 record. As for next season, I did not write that I expect the Jaguars to make the postseason in 2017. I wrote that I expect they will make a push for .500 – and I do believe that’s possible. Just as I believe the playoffs are possible in 2018.

Sam from Orlando, FL:

If you took 2015 Bortles and put him on the 2016 team, what do you personally think the Jags’ record would have been? Purely hypothetical, I know, but you gotta think maybe nine or 10 wins. We were close this past year – closer than the record suggests.

John: Although I realize I may be in the minority on this subject, I don’t believe putting 2015 Blake Bortles on the 2016 Jaguars team would have made a huge difference in the team’s record. That’s because 2015 Bortles wasn’t in fact all that much better than 2016 Bortles. Bortles in 2015 indeed was better statistically, but many of the same issues that were problems in 2016 were present in 2015 … decision-making at critical times, interceptions, inaccuracy and inconsistency on short and intermediate passes among them. Slow starts on offense and long droughts of ineffectiveness also were a season-long issue in 2015. The biggest difference between 2015 and 2016 for the Jaguars’ offense and for Bortles personally was in fact the inability to complete deep 50-50 balls to ; aside from that, Bortles was much the same quarterback both seasons. The Jaguars, remember, started slowly more often than not in 2015 and usually were playing from behind. They were involved in a lot more close games this past season, so Bortles didn’t get a lot of yards and production in situations when the Jaguars were throwing against defenses protecting large leads. Yes, the Jaguars were close to being better in 2016 – closer than the record suggests – and that’s a good thing. The primary issue remains the same as it was last offseason, though: can Bortles make strides in key areas such as pocket awareness, accuracy and decision-making to allow the Jaguars and himself to make a step as a franchise? That will be the key question facing the organization until it’s not.

Bill from Hawthorn Woods, IL:

Did the offensive-coordinator selection process surprise you? It just seems a touch odd to keep Nathaniel Hackett on staff while interviewing others. I suppose it isn’t much different than keeping Marrone while interviewing others for the head job – it just feels different somehow.

John: It’s actually not that unusual – though the reality is there’s nothing really unusual when it comes to how NFL teams hire head coaches and their staffs. The three weeks following the regular season are the NFL’s annual version of the Wild West – and conventional wisdom/norms often don’t apply. Assistants are often maintained under contract when there is a head-coaching change with the idea that they can be retained if the team eventually decides to go that direction. Considering the Jaguars had hired a new executive of football operations (Tom Coughlin) who understandably wanted to make sure the search for assistants was as thorough as possible, interviewing other assistants before deciding to hire Hackett made sense.

Charles from Midlothian, VA:

As you noted to Jim, the renovations keep EverBank Field “new.” As a season-ticket holder in the new club level, I can say without question it’s a NEW stadium experience. It’s not tradition in Lambeau Field and Soldier Field that keep those teams “happy” in their “older” stadiums, it’s the constant upgrades. What is left of the original Soldier Field isn’t much more than what’s left of the original Gator Bowl due to renovations. San Diego and Oakland have OLD stadiums that fell into disrepair. Owners didn’t invest and the city merely maintained. I would be willing to bet if San Diego invested half what Khan did in Jacksonville over a similar period before it became an issue, the Chargers wouldn’t be in Los Angeles. Personally, I hope to see “The Cover” added to the stadium, but other than that I can tell you the US Assure Club Level is as good as any stadium I have been in. It’s why I am a season-ticket holder.

John: Well said.

Frankie from the Mean Streets of Ponte Vedra, FL:

Will have to take a pay cut when he’s named quarterbacks coach?

John: I sense your tongue firmly in cheek here, but I’ll answer anyway. I don’t see Henne being quarterbacks coach of the Jaguars next season because I see Henne having a lot of seasons remaining as a backup quarterback in the NFL. With the money he can command as a backup, why in the world would he want to coach?

Scott from Wichita, KS:

I see a lot of talk about the exceptional quarterback play during these playoffs. Where’s the talk of the exceptional coaching on display? You mean to tell me it’s players making plays?

John: It’s always coaching in the NFL. Take that throw Aaron Rodgers made against Dallas in the final seconds, for instance. My wife and I were watching that game, and after the throw she turned to me said, “Hey, Hot Guy … that Green Bay guy coached the $#%# out of that play, didn’t he?” I turned to her and calmly said, “Why … yes, dear. Indeed he did.”

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O-Zone: Thorough

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Lovell from Jacksonville:

How long do you think it will take Tom Coughlin to get this team to playoffs? And do you guys really believe Chip Kelly can be a good offensive coordinator for the Jaguars?

John: Coughlin said shortly after he was introduced as executive vice president of football operations last week that he believes the Jaguars can win quickly. It’s not in Coughlin’s nature to think that a team he’s running won’t be successful, so I’m sure he’s thinking playoffs soon – like now. It’s realistically a long trip from 3-13 to the NFL postseason so I’ll be more conservative and say 2018 – but I definitely believe this team can push for a .500 record next season. I believe that because it was close in far more games than not this past season and some marginal improvement could make a huge difference. As far as Kelly is concerned, let’s not forget he hasn’t been hired as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator yet, so it’s probably OK not to assume that will happen. And if it does happen … yes, I do think he can be a good offensive coordinator for the Jaguars – and for a number of other NFL teams. He has had success offensively far more often than not in his career, so evidence suggests he is capable of putting players in a position to succeed.

Bob from Jacksonville:

I know the Jags are drafting fourth this year. Do they rotate the fourth spot with the Bears since they both finished with the same record, or is strength of schedule the determining factor?

John: The Bears and Jaguars will rotate the positions after the first round.

John from Jacksonville:

I’m noticing a lot of hires for position coaches before coordinator positions are filled. Not just with the Jaguars, but Denver and other places around the league. Has this always been the norm? It just seems to me that a coordinator would want to be in that conversation – but then again, I’m a science teacher and my football knowledge lies somewhere between “I can’t believe they ran that play” and “Man, that was an awesome play.”

John: This varies. There are times a coordinator has a position coach or two that he wants to bring on board, but there are other times the head coach knows who he wants coaching a position regardless of the identity of the coordinator. This often is decided based on the need for expediency. If an assistant is available and a head coach knows the assistant is a quality coach, he better hire him quickly – lest that assistant gets hired elsewhere.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

I would rank the quarterbacks of this era – which is to say after the Elway/Marino/Favre era – as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Ben Roethlisberger/Aaron Rodgers in that order. What Manning was able to do in planning and making changes at the line was groundbreaking and may never be duplicated. I watch Brady throw the football and think it would be very difficult to throw a better pass. I think Brady’s ability to get the football accurately and on time to anyone at any point on the field is unparalleled. If you have Brady at No. 3, who do you have at No. 2 and why put them ahead of Brady?

John: I don’t have Brady at No. 3. I considered Marino and Elway the best quarterbacks of the 1980s to mid-1990s, and I have Brady, Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers as the best three quarterbacks since then – with Drew Brees hovering right on the edge of that group. I waver from day to day about the order of those three because all three do things I haven’t seen or imagined other quarterbacks doing.

Genuinejag13 from Jacksonville:

Mr. O, so the hope of being the quarterback of the future for the Jags depends on him going to his quarterbacks coach a couple of weeks each offseason?

John: The hope of Bortles being the quarterback of the future for the Jaguars depends upon him becoming more efficient, becoming more accurate, making better decisions and developing in a bunch of other areas. He believes part of his issue last season was a drop in mechanics and he believes that can be addressed working with his quarterbacks gurus/coaches in California. If he believes it … well, I won’t argue.

Jim from Meridian, ID:

With the exception of Soldier Field and Lambeau Field, I believe San Diego and Oakland had/have the two oldest stadiums in the league. In your expert opinion, how far down the road do you see the need for EverBank Field to be completely redone, or a new stadium built, in order for the Jags to keep up with the latest, greatest NFL stadiums?

John: Video boards. Locker rooms. Training facilities. US Assure Clubs. Fanduelville Deck. Pools. Daily’s Place. I list these not to show how many one or two-word sentences I can write in succession, but to point out that the Jaguars, Shad Khan and the city of Jacksonville essentially have been in the process for much of the last half decade of modernizing/renovating EverBank Field on the fly. Part of the motivation behind that is to keep EverBank Field among the latest/greatest NFL stadiums and not have to tear down and start over.

Fred from Naples, FL:

Zone – so does Tom Coughlin have the power to fire David Caldwell?

John: Coughlin oversees football operations, so he theoretically has the power to hire and fire anyone on that side of the organization. That’s obviously not something that’s a topic right now, and I don’t expect it to be any time soon.

Scott from Daytona Beach, FL:

It really comes down to the quarterback. Look at the four left standing right now. At least three of them are Hall of Famers and the other one can state his case with the season he had this year. It’s always about the quarterback.

John: Well, yes.

Billy from Murphy, NC:

I like the moves John, but let’s face it: Tom has to be the boss and control everything. It’s just who he is. I mean, the recent hirings of Perry Fewell and Pat Flaherty are all Tom Coughlin’s guys. I am worried he won’t allow Doug Marrone to have his own guys. I think Marrone is a little too enamored with Tom Coughlin. Only time will tell, but I am very skeptical.

John: Fewell and Flaherty are experienced, qualified assistants. They indeed appear to be Coughlin guys, but my guess is Marrone is pretty pleased to get coaches so qualified no matter whose “guys” they happen to be.

Ronnie from Section 118 and Kingsland:

, Tashaun Gibson, and said they felt caged/held back so to speak. With that, would you say it was from defensive coordinator Todd Wash’s scheme or could it have been from former head coach Gus Bradley keeping his hands in the defense? It seems Gus wanted Wash to run his defense instead of allowing Wash to create his own scheme. Am I seeing it wrong?

John: All indications are that there’s a good chance Todd Wash will make changes to the defensive scheme. As for what those changes are specifically, we don’t yet know. How much was last season’s scheme Bradley’s? How much would Wash have changed? That’s hard to say. Until now, Wash has been pretty closely associated with Bradley and Bradley’s defense. How he branches off from that and implements his own ideas will define the Jaguars’ defense next season – and will help define Wash’s future.

Bill from Rochester, NY:

Is the No. 4 overall pick too high to draft a safety? I’ve heard and read some great things about Jamal Adams. Cornerback is obviously is a premium position. Would you consider safety in a similar regard?

John: Cornerback is not generally regarded as being as premium as cornerback. It’s not unheard of to select a safety in the Top 5, but if you take one there you need to be really certain he’s going to be a once-in-a-generational, beyond-elite guy. Think Sean Taylor.

Dakota from Dupree, SD:

Zone, it has been a few days now. Have you figured out how things will come down from the top? Who is your boss now? Caldwell? Coughlin? Khan? I know things are stressful with change. How are you holding up?

John: I cry a lot and spend a lot of time alone at lunch … you know, just like college.

Shawn from Jacksonville:

Chip Kelly?!! What happened to Nathaniel Hackett? The offense was playing better at times once he took over. Now the pink slip?? That is NOT a Marrone call if it happens.

John: Breathe, Shawn … breathe. OK, you good? Look, the Jaguars hired a new head coach and a new executive overseeing football operations. They did this after finishing 3-13 and losing nine consecutive games in one stretch last season. It’s hardly unusual in such a situation for a team to interview various candidates and consider various options for the new direction of the franchise. Hackett remains on staff. He remains a consideration for offensive coordinator. We’ll find out soon enough. But to think that considering Kelly is a ridiculous move … well, when you’re 3-13 and trying to figure out the new direction, you’re probably better off not writing anything off as ridiculous until you at least give it a serious once over.

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O-Zone: Officially speaking

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Michael from Tupelo, MS:

Chip Kelly … not sure how that would end up, but would be fun to watch. A lot of egos in that building.

John: This question is about Chip Kelly, the former Philadelphia Eagles/San Francisco 49ers/Oregon head coach who reportedly interviewed for the Jaguars’ offensive-coordinator position on Monday. This was a high-profile interview because Kelly has had a lot of success at times in the NFL – and some high-profile struggles at other times. I would certainly be intrigued by the possibility of watching a Kelly offense with the Jaguars – and I think there would be a lot of positives to the hire. Remember, while Kelly’s offense struggled in San Francisco, it was highly effective all three seasons in Philadelphia. His offenses also always have been effective running the ball – and the Jaguars need to improve their running game. As far egos … sure, Kelly has one – and he believes strongly in his offensive approach. But if he is hired, he would be the offensive coordinator and not the head coach. I don’t pretend to know Kelly, but I can’t believe he doesn’t understand the difference in the two positions.

E Nuff from Banner Elk, NC:

DUDE!!

John: Dude.

Michael from Middleburg, FL:

NFL Network says Chip Kelly may come to Jags. If so, I have zero confidence in anything Tom Coughlin does from here on out. Kelly has already ruined and been run off from two teams.

John: Doug Marrone is the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Whatever does or doesn’t happen with Chip Kelly and the Jaguars in the coming days, I don’t expect that to change.

Andrew from Honeytown:

NFL policy allows teams who replace their head coach to start organized team activities 14 days earlier than those who don’t. With Doug Marrone being assistant head coach for the past two seasons, does that still allow the Jags to get an early start to OTAs?

John: Yes. The Jaguars can start their offseason program April 3 whereas teams with returning head coaches can start on April 17.

Scott from Jacksonville:

Mike Mularkey assembled something of a dream team of experienced veteran coaches when he was here. They must have all stunk after all.

John: Contrary to the belief that it’s always coaching in the NFL – and also contrary to the belief that it’s never coaching in the NFL – coaching in fact is part of a multi-part equation in the NFL. You need good, organized, sound coaching and you need players believing in the direction of the franchise. That’s a base – and it’s hard to win if you don’t have those things. But having those things doesn’t guarantee success because nothing “guarantees” anything in the NFL – not even great coaching. (But don’t tell anyone, because it’s always coaching in the NFL).

Tim from St. Pete, FL:

Your comment about a big, game-breaking running back got me thinking. Ezekiel Elliot did pretty well for a No. 4 pick. Do you think we go running in Round One?

John: I’m usually not a running-back-in-the-first-round guy. One reason is that the position is so dependent on a player’s surroundings for success, and another reason is you usually can get production from running backs in later rounds. But there are exceptions to all “draft rules” and there are exceptions to the aforementioned Running Back Theory. The exception usually centers on a player having other-worldly, once-in-a-generational talent. If that’s the case, then running back at No. 4 … OK. Maybe.

Chance from Windsor, Ontario, Canada:

I would say 50 percent of the mock drafts that I’ve looked at have the Jags taking Jonathan Allen. Explain if you’d be happy if we got him considering the play of , , , – and even Sen’Derrick Marks if he is back? Do you think he’ll be available at No. 4? What’s our biggest need? I love Allen as a player, but can’t the team become better with a position we need more?

John: Defensive tackle is hardly the Jaguars’ biggest area of need. But at No. 4 overall you want a franchise-defining, elite-level talent if he’s there. If Allen is that, OK. That’s because the Jaguars don’t have enough franchise-defining, elite-level talents. Still, this would be surprising. Jackson is one of the elite talents on the roster and if there’s a player at another position that’s close to a defensive tackle at that spot I’d expect the Jaguars to go another way.

Tommy from Jacksonville:

New coaches are exciting and Tom knows something about football, but can we just fast forward to when is finally gone and we have a serviceable quarterback? I’m not sure what the worst record for a starting quarterback is, but I’m sure Bortles is pretty close to achieving it. Unfortunately, I have never missed a game of Bortles so I can tell you things will never change with him under center. Maybe an extra couple wins, but if you want to compete with Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Big Ben, Alex Smith, Dak Prescott, Matt Ryan and Russell Wilson we need a major upgrade.

John: This is an understandable reaction because we just finished watching a divisional playoff weekend that featured a bunch of quarterbacks playing at really high levels – and because we’re not far removed from a season in which Bortles did not play at a high level. The most fascinating, important question facing the Jaguars now that Coughlin is running football operations and now that we know Marrone is the head coach is what approach the Jaguars will take at quarterback. That’s a pressing question for the long-term and the short-term. We’re too early in the process to know the answer, but it’s a question that’s going to get asked a lot in the coming weeks. And when I say, “A lot,” I mean a lot.

Jesse from Layton:

In your answer to Marc from Oceanway, I believe you missed on Drew Brees. While it is hard to say the Chargers exactly “Gave up on him,” he did struggle early in his career and they brought in another quarterback and decided to go with the new guy instead of Brees and let Brees’ contract expire. In essence, it is the same thing. Young quarterback, the team brings in someone new, struggling quarterback goes elsewhere and gets a ring and a jacket.

John: I answered a question on quarterbacks who have been let go by teams before having success with other teams. In answering it, I included Jim Plunkett but did not include the likes of Drew Brees, Steve Young, Brett Favre, etc. I was answering the question with the idea that the quarterback in question would need to have failed to the point that most in the NFL doubted he could go on to great success. Young probably is a good example of this. Brees and Favre? Not so much. But even if you include a few of those aforementioned players, the list of quarterbacks who go on to be franchise quarterbacks after a team has given them up on them is comparatively short. Not that it’s impossible. But it’s rare.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:

Jags ceiling is very low because of the quarterback position. Watching the playoffs and these quarterbacks really put into perspective how far the Jags really are from winning a championship.

John: The Jaguars were 3-13 with a struggling quarterback last season. As such, it was pretty apparent to anyone watching that the Jaguars were quite a ways from winning a championship … but yeah, Blake Bortles needs to accelerate his development quickly. It’s really difficult to make the playoffs and win there if you’re not getting a really high level of play from the quarterback position.

Zeleznoc from Jacksonville:

It has been interesting watching the playoff games and specifically some of the great running backs. I did observe that most of the teams that ran the ball well had fullbacks who blocked and led the way. Do you think the lack of a fullback may have reduced effectiveness of Jags runners? Do you anticipate new regime possibly adding fullback?

John: The need for a fullback depends on scheme. Teams have run effectively in recent seasons with a fullback and without. Some teams have used a slam-bam fullback with “fullback” in the job title very effectively and other teams have utilized an H-back type player who has other roles and is technically called something else. We’ll have a lot better idea about the future of the fullback position in the Jaguars’ offense once we know the identity of the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator.

Scott from Aurora, IL:

I’m so confused. I thought Nathaniel Hackett was being retained. Why do I keep hearing the Jags’ offensive-coordinator position is open and being interviewed for?

John: Hackett remains on the Jaguars’ staff – but while other news outlets reported early last week that he was being retain as offensive coordinator, the team never announced that. That’s a reason this website’s policy is to not report news until it is official – because until something’s official it’s often not … you know … official.

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