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O-Zone: Setting a precedent

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Brian from Section 238:

No one wants to read these “Poor ” stories. He can’t look anyone in the eye because it’s his fault he fumbles. It’s his fault he didn’t prepare enough in the offseason. isn’t throwing interceptions. Blake is. Way too many. Shoulder was hurt. Blah, blah, blah. Stop the excuses and win. It’s time to grow up. Sorry for being cold, but my goodness …

John: I’m the first to say Blake Bortles had a sub-par year. I said throughout the season his struggles were the Jaguars’ No. 1 storyline of 2016 and the No. 1 reason for the team finishing so far below .500. But I can’t get on board with people criticizing him for discussing his season this week. Bortles is candid and answers questions when asked. He never made excuses during the season – and when asked after the season, he outlined some issues that he believes were factors in his season. That was the appropriate time to discuss those topics. Bortles needs to play better. He knows this. He said any number of times throughout the season that what was going on with the Jaguars, the offense and certainly himself was on him. He’s the quarterback. It’s his responsibility. There were reasons he didn’t play well. There’s nothing wrong with him talking about the issues. And as far as people not wanting to read the Poor Blake Bortles stories … I don’t know … I bet people read them.

Daniel from Urbandale, IA:

Of the coaching candidates mentioned, the only one I really dislike is Josh McDaniels. Not because of Tim Tebow – everyone makes mistakes – but because he’s only considered because of Tom Brady. Every coordinator Brady has ever had looks good. That success doesn’t translate anywhere else that Tom Brady isn’t playing.

John: That indeed is the reason to be cautious when considering McDaniels. He knows this. Everyone in the NFL knows this. But just as McDaniels shouldn’t get a job simply because of Brady and his association with the New England Patriots, neither should he be ignored simply because of Brady and his association with the Patriots, either. He is considered a very capable, bright young head coach and many, many people believe he will be successful at his next stop.

Ed from Ponte Vedra, FL:

I reflect on the last few years and the player I feel the worst about is Paul Poz. He came in as a free agent and gave the Jags a superstar performance. Too bad he was playing for a very mediocre team. Do you think he will be back?

John: I do. While much will depend on the scheme and the opinion of the next head coach, one of the errors made by the Jaguars in 2013 was not having enough experienced, core players on the roster. The rebuild cut too close to the bone. Releasing Posluszny would smell very similar.

Jaginator from Section 124:

“Players and coaches don’t think that way – not even during meaningless games.” Please stahp. Players don’t tank. But coaches have done this before. In the 2014 season finale, the Bucs led New Orleans 20-7. After halftime, Lovie Smith began yanking the starters. Final score: NO 23, TB 20. And the Bucs secured the No. 1 overall draft position. If they’d kept their starters in (and won that game), they wouldn’t have gotten Winston or Mariota.

John: Point taken. That’s not what happened Sunday.

Greg from Section 122 and Jacksonville:

It is amusing that people think we would blow a game just for draft position. I mean cause we blew a LOT of leads this year late in the season.

John: Indeed, if the Jaguars’ poor fourth quarters this past season were about draft position … well, they got a very early start and pretty much mastered their craft.

Tim from Jacksonville:

If the Jaguars still aren’t sure that 11-34 is a losing record, then next year will be more of the same. Caldwell’s support of Bortles is the most worrisome aspect of the offseason so far. Let me just say that as long as Bortles has no true competition, I won’t be renewing for my 11th consecutive season of watching losers fail at football. It’s not his throwing motion insomuch as it is the organization’s dogged refusal to cut ties with losers. We don’t need a “good guy” in the huddle. We need someone who can play quarterback and win, no matter what their personality, race, school or background. The only question that matters is, “Does Bortles win?”

John: OK.

Keith from Palatka, FL:

At the risk of Tony Boselli becoming even more egotistical, which some believe is an impossibility, I have to say he is the best left tackle that I ever saw play. John, you’ve watched a lot of football; have you ever seen any left tackle better than Boselli?

John: I never covered a left tackle on a weekly basis better than Tony Boselli. The only left tackles I believe may have been better were Anthony Munoz and Walter Jones.

Dylan from Stillwater, OK:

If it came down to re-signing or , who would be more important to the team?

John: Smith. He is a core player.

Terry from Jacksonville:

I do not know why you cannot tell what has been really going on in the locker room this year since most of the coaches will be gone. We all read your comments every day and you never tell it like it is; you are still defending Gus Bradley and coaches instead of listening to the players. Maybe they know better.

John: The players have done a pretty good job in recent days of sharing their thoughts, and that’s great: it indeed has provided a lot of insight into their feelings about what went wrong with the Jaguars this past season. Perhaps those feelings are right, and perhaps they’re not. Most likely there is some truth in what the players say and it’s also likely that the disappointment and frustration of a 3-13 season shapes their comments as well. That’s human nature. As far my every-day comments … I learned long ago that telling it like it is and telling it like readers want me to tell it are often not the same thing. I prefer to do my best to do the former. That doesn’t mean people like what I write or agree with it, but that’s going to happen no matter what I write.

Daniel from Jacksonville:

As burned out as I am on Bortles talk, I would be interested to hear your assessment on this. There are classic sayings about rookie struggles and sophomore slumps, but it would seem to me that difficulties in a third season are not so easily explained by cliches and are much more concerning about a player’s true ability. I guess what I’m getting at is this: can you name a quarterback in NFL history that has had the kind of glaring regression Bortles has had in his third season and still gone on to be a franchise quarterback? Is there any NFL precedent for that kind of transformation at this point in a quarterback’s career? If not, then I think we have our answer about needing to move on. Either that or the Jaguars are hoping that he will do something unprecedented in the history of the NFL, and that kind of hope doesn’t seem like a reasonable strategy for winning.

John: I don’t care all that much about precedent because what other quarterbacks have done doesn’t necessarily apply to Bortles. But there absolutely have been quarterbacks who have struggled early in their careers and gone on to success: Drew Brees, Eli Manning and Alex Smith come to mind. Were their struggles as pronounced as Bortles? It depends on how you judge struggles. Bortles lost more games than those three, but those players and others have had trouble with interceptions and efficiency early in their careers before being successful later. One topic I keep considering, though, is the idea of Bortles regressing. I suppose he did to some degree, but I guess I’m not as much a believer in the idea as might be the case. He had some accuracy issues during a stretch of this season – but beyond the 50-50 ball to not working as effectively this season as last, he was much the same quarterback both seasons. Bortles threw for about 500 yards less this past season than in 2015 and Robinson had about 500 yards less receiving; Robinson’s long reception was 90 yards in 2015 and it was 42 this past season. The difference in Bortles and the offense from 2015 was pretty much that defenses took the deep ball to Robinson away and the Jaguars didn’t have an answer. Bortles overall has struggled with mid-range accuracy, interceptions, pocket awareness and decision-making throughout his career – even in 2015. The question: Can Bortles improve? It’s possible. He has a base. He has been effective at times. But it’s time. It has to happen now.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: To the max

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Brian from Gainesville, FL:

Big O, is it wildly and completely out of the question to think that the coaching strategy in the second half of the Colts game was to ensure a loss for draft position? This must happen even if it’s never talked about, right? I mean the team played well in the first half. In the second half, especially the last drive, the play-calling was terrible. It seems like taking a dive is not all that hard to believe.

John: I understand why people would think this. I understand because people love conspiracy theories and people love to assume untoward things occur. Is it wildly and completely out of the question to “think” the Jaguars were playing for draft position in the second half Sunday? People can “think” whatever they please. Were the Jaguars in fact trying to lose Sunday to play for draft positioning? No, they were not. Players and coaches don’t think that way – not even during meaningless games. They just don’t.

Dave from Duval:

Wow. Apparently the players think it was coaching, too.

John: Some do. Many don’t. Maybe the ones who think it are right. Maybe the ones who don’t are right. That’s what’s awesome about opinions. Everyone can have one.

Austin from Madison, WI:

John, I just wanted to applaud your response to Paul’s comment about ‘s rant regarding the use of the term winning. I understand what Kelvin means and understand some players prefer different styles in their head coach, but to act like that was the reason the Jaguars didn’t win is pretty laughable. It has worked pretty well for Seattle and Pete Carroll, hasn’t it? Seems to me like some of the players on the Jaguars need to keep their mouth shut and worry about doing their job well before criticizing others. Not a very good look, Kelvin, in my opinion.

John: I like Kelvin Beachum and have no problem with him speaking his mind – or with other Jaguars players speaking their minds. Players are entitled to their opinions, and it makes following a team and following sports far more interesting when they do. I, too, understand what he was saying – just as I understand players such as , and may have preferred to be used differently this past season. All’s well and good. But to think the Jaguars lost this season because the word “winning” wasn’t used enough stretches logic a bit. Was the defensive scheme to blame? Could players have been used differently? I wouldn’t mind the secondary playing a bit more aggressive. I see the point in that, but this defense wasn’t awful and it improved a lot this season – and the defense played at a winning level a pretty good percentage of the time. But I wouldn’t paint this as a defense that was woefully mismanaged or that completely misused its talent. I think that’s going far too far the other way, and I think the play on the field showed that.

George from Jacksonville:

So Zone, professional athletes who have almost all come from very successful high school and college careers need to be told that winning is better than losing, daily? It appears that is what many readers think? If Gus ended every day saying, “Oh by the way boys, the 12 hours you spent here today and the two-and-a-half-hour practice in 100 degree heat, and all the lifting and meetings is so we can win” I guess it would have changed everything!

John: I suppose.

Brian from Gainesville, FL:

Big O, as someone who has had the opportunity to watch the Gators up close, I’d say Dante Fowler is right that he would be much more effective playing standing up instead of with his hand in the dirt. What say you?

John: I’d say this will be among the Jaguars’ more intriguing postseason topics. Will the next defensive coordinator – be it Todd Wash or a new guy – employ a scheme with Fowler standing up more? Perhaps. It’s worth a look. Will he blossom into the player worthy of the No. 3 overall selection? Perhaps. As important is whether he continues to develop pass-rushing moves and gain experience. That will matter – wherever he places his hand before he plays again.

Jeff from Jacksonville:

I think it’s about time for Canton to get a little bit of teal added to it. Tony in 2017!!!

John: Yep.

Daniel from Bold City:

Which of our free agents do you think we will re-sign? I like the improvement showed this year, and was playing great. I hope David Caldwell brings them back next season.

John: These decisions will all depend greatly on input from the new coaching staff. Cyprien’s return could depend on what he believes he can get on the open market, whereas left tackle may return on a one-year prove-it-type deal because of the nature of his knee injury. I think pursuing Jones will be a priority. He earned some form of second contract, and worked his way into a key role.

Jason from North Pole, AK:

A.J. McCarron, Tony Romo, Jimmy Garoppolo, Colin Kaepernick and Mike Glennon are all guys that will be either free agents or trade bait. Do you think of any of them make sense to be brought in as competition? Or are we more likely to have a new quarterback brought in through the draft? Or is the competition we speak of? What does all this mean for ?

John: I don’t see Henne returning next season. He is expensive for a backup, and the idea of drafting Allen was that he would be ready for the backup role – at minimum – in his second season. I also don’t see Romo in Jacksonville, because I think whether he is traded or released, he will have some input into his destination – and a 3-13 team will be a hard sell for a quarterback of his age. As far as the others, I don’t mind the idea of McCarron, Glennon or Garoppolo in some capacity. The question becomes: at what cost? It’s very possible all will command fairly significant compensation in terms of draft selections or free-agent salary/signing bonus. Do you pay what amounts to premium equity for a quarterback for competition, or is that sort of purchase reserved for a player who is coming in as The Guy? We won’t know those answers until we have a better idea of the direction of the franchise, and we won’t have an idea about the direction of the franchise until there’s a new head coach.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:

Love Bortles’ excuse for why he was awful this year?

John: Now, now … I understand many people don’t want as the Jaguars’ quarterback next season. I also wonder if he can be a franchise quarterback. But let’s not paint this week as Bortles making excuses. He has been asked about some issues that went on during the season and last offseason, and he has answered honestly. He said offensive coordinator Greg Olson encouraged him to work with his receivers here in Jacksonville as opposed to working with quarterback gurus Tom House and Adam Dedeaux last offseason and he said he played through a shoulder separation late in the season. He didn’t cry or complain about either of those things, and he didn’t discuss them as if they were the sole reasons he struggled last season. Bortles may not be developed as a quarterback yet, and it remains to be seen if that will ever happen. But I’ve never gotten the idea he was a complainer or an excuse-maker.

Aaron from Chantilly:

Bortles’ career win/loss record is 11-34. … I just don’t see why we need to bring him back, other than he has one year remaining on his contract. Everyone points to Gus’ win/loss record, which is roughly the same – yet we see improvement on the defensive side and not in the quarterback play. Head scratcher …

John: Don’t scratch too hard. You could break skin and leave a scar. But the reasons you bring Bortles back are simple – that he has a year remaining on his contract, that he has shown enough in three years to give you hope that he could be good and that good quarterbacks are hard to find. You have one you think might be good on the roster. You don’t make him go away until you’re sure he’s not – and perception to the contrary, the Jaguars are not yet sure he’s not.

Chris from Jacksonville:

So, with the front-office interest in Josh McDaniel as our new head coach, it turns into us getting Tebow – the guy his mentor, not to mention every other team, has not seen fit to bring in with the quarterback injuries this year? Isn’t he playing baseball or something? Please, John: make these crazy people stop. I know the offseason is a time for speculation with all that has happened over the past three weeks, but all I know is I picked the wrong day to quit sniffing glue.

John: #tebowtime!!!!

Troy from Dover, PA:

Has Tony Boselli’s head got any bigger in the last couple days?

John: No. He’s already maxed out.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Just win, baby

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Bill from Hawthorn Woods, IL:

I know all the focus is on the head coach. Clearly that is a critical decision. I am curious about your thoughts on the offensive coordinator, though. has had three in three years as the starting quarterback. That can’t help his development. What do you think helps the offense improve faster? A) Provide some stability by keeping Nathaniel Hackett and the current system while focusing on roster improvement and discipline, or B) hire someone like Mike McCoy, who has a great offensive mind with hopes of providing a jolt to Blake’s development? Bonus question … how much does a head coach candidates’ view on this issue weigh on Shad and Dave in selection process?

John: The Offensive Coordinator/Young Quarterback indeed is one of the great NFL conundrums, and yes – I like writing and saying “conundrum.” It’s fun, especially if you extend the final “m:” condundrummmmmmmmm. As far as this particular conundrum goes, it’s one that often tends to feed on itself, gaining momentum and clouding the ability to assess the quarterback. It goes like this: a young quarterback struggles because he is a young quarterback, and because he struggles his team loses. Because his team loses, the offensive coordinator is fired. Because the offensive coordinator is fired, one of the key elements needed for a quarterback’s success – continuity – is impossible. Is it the chicken or the egg? My guess is if Hackett were to remain as the Jaguars’ coordinator, he would not run the exact system as Greg Olson ran this season, so the reality is whatever offense Bortles runs next season, it will be relatively new. For that reason, the best thing that can happen is for the next Jaguars head coach to hire the best offensive coordinator he can find and let Bortles dive head first into his next coordinator. It ain’t ideal, but when you lose as much as the Jaguars have lost in recent seasons, you don’t get ideal.

Billy from Orange Park, FL:

According to the “talking heads,” the interview with Tom Coughlin failed to reach a “common ground.” Any insight to what was discussed and why he’s not a good fit?

John: I haven’t heard for certain that Shad Khan believes Coughlin isn’t a good fit. I’ve heard people speculating and reporting that it’s not a good fit, and that there’s no common ground – and that’s not the same thing.

Brandon from Duval:

John, the report about Bortles being hurt most of the year kind of put things in perspective for me and explains the regression for the most part. Not having confidence in your arm can cause one to overthink more. Do you think that was his main issue and he can come back better and healthier next year?

John: I’m not on board with the idea that the injury was a real big factor for Bortles this season, and I don’t get the idea he considered it a huge issue, either. He did a good job playing through it, and I actually thought for the most part he played better at times after the injury than before. While Bortles’ accuracy issues were a problem for a good part of the season, as big an area of focus moving forward must be decision-making and pocket awareness. Those areas at times have been as or more concerning.

DUVAL DOOM from Section 217:

What a stupidly disappointing year. What a terrible way to have something you look forward to so badly, end. I am so frustrated. Maybe I’ll be back to talking smack and never-ending optimism on Twitter before I know it, but I don’t know. This feels like more of a soul crusher. One damn win at home – one – in a season everything was supposed to come together. Awesome.

John: The 2016 season sucked. That’s not the cleanest way to say it, but that’s the truth. It was supposed to be a season in which the Jaguars pushed for .500 – and at the very least, it wasn’t supposed to be one in which the team challenged for its worst record in franchise history. Considering that season followed a whole bunch of other seasons that have … well … sucked, it’s unsurprising that your fan self would feel crushed. It’s unsurprising your fan self would feel frustrated. It’s logical you would feel that way for a while. I got a sense a lot of players felt that way, too, which helped explain a lot of the comments read and heard this week as last year’s coaching staff made its way out of the building. Losing isn’t fun. People don’t like it. When you lose as often as the Jaguars did this season, it takes a while for the effects to ease and for enthusiasm to return. It just does.

Daniel from Duval:

Before the draft, lots of people were saying that would only have five good years before his knee wears out. Is there any news on Myles Jack’s knee wearing out? Or does it seem he can have a long NFL career?

John: People commenting on Jack’s knee leading to the draft were speculating, and the bottom line on Jack’s knee is it’s an issue that could eventually require serious surgery – and it’s also an issue that eventually could be career-altering or career-ending. It also is an issue that might not be career-altering or career-ending. I don’t anticipate “news” on this issue because there won’t be regular updates on the matter. Jack essentially will be in a position where he will be able to play until his body no longer allows him to do so – which makes him a lot like a lot of other NFL players.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:

The Jags will be foolish to handcuff themselves to Blake Bortles next year. Trade, draft, sign, another viable quarterback or we will be having this same conversation next year. The guy isn’t any good: look at the record, stats, the fact that he has gotten three offensive coordinators fired and one head coach. Any coach taking this job would be crazy to hitch their wagon to Bortles and they shouldn’t have to. That’s why in my opinion I wanted Dave gone as well because I feel he is going to strongly encourage the coach to give Blake a shot when he doesn’t deserve it.

John: I don’t see the Jaguars as being tied to Blake Bortles. I think that topic is going to be Issue No. 1 when Shad Khan, David Caldwell and others meet with head-coaching candidates, and although Caldwell believes in Bortles I don’t get the idea his opinion on the matter will be anything close to the final word. But there’s little question that Bortles will be in the competition. He probably will be competing for the opportunity. The questions are, “Can he win that competition?” and “How difficult will that competition be?”

Paula from Brunswick, GA:

I’m rooting for the Josh McDaniels hire – him bringing in his guy, the quarterback he drafted in the first round and reading your back-peddling on your assessment of Tim. There’s really nothing else to root for around this franchise anyway.

John: Why would I back pedal on my assessment? I don’t think Tim Tebow is a good NFL quarterback; he hasn’t made an NFL roster in a very long time, so apparently most around the NFL agree. If McDaniels is hired and brings in Tebow and Tebow proves to be an NFL-quality quarterback, then I would be … wait for it … wrong about Tebow! Worse things have happened in my life. Shoot, worse things will probably happen this afternoon. Good for Tebow if it happens. It would make a heck of a story. I’m sure crazier things have happened. It’s a short list.

Paul from Temecula, CA:

I guess ‘s comments answer my question about why Gus Bradley as a coach didn’t translate to a winning team on the field (although the losing can’t ever be attributed to one person/thing).

John: Gus Bradley didn’t win enough games. No one would dispute that. And if Beachum and other players believe talking about winning would have produced more winning, then perhaps the word “winning” will be said more next year – and perhaps the victories will come in bunches because of it. Let’s hope so. Jaguars fans deserve that. Interim head coach Doug Marrone talked about winning and the Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans. He talked about winning the following week and the Jaguars blew a 17-point first-half lead and looked a lot like the team that couldn’t close games for seven consecutive weeks under Bradley. I think Marrone is a good coach who will do a good job wherever he is a head coach, but I don’t know that the number of times he says winning is going to be the reason that he does a good job. I imagine I’ll remain in the minority on this, and that’s OK because I imagine it will become a fading issue pretty soon: But while Bradley not talking about winning has become a hot topic among players and fans – and while that has become the reason de jour for the Jaguars’ struggles in recent years – I’m just not on board with the idea that players don’t grasp the notion that winning is the key in the National Football League. It’s a cool thing to talk about, and it’s an easy thing to criticize. It just doesn’t feel all that substantive. But again, I’ve been wrong before. Paula can tell you that.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: The kit and kaboodle

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

JACKSONVILLE — As days go, Monday was a weird one.

That’s not surprising, because Monday around the Jaguars was getaway day – the day after the last game day of the regular season.

Getaway day is always odd. You never get used to its finality. One day/moment, you’re around a team preparing for and playing a game; the next moment, the locker room is empty and you’re looking at two or three months of eerie quiet until the offseason program begins.

That’s after an ordinary season; getaway day in a time of transition is even odder.

This is very definitely that sort of time for the Jaguars.

The search is on for a permanent head coach to replace Gus Bradley, who was dismissed a little more than two weeks ago. Interim Head Coach Doug Marrone will be a legitimate candidate, and former Jaguars Head Coach Tom Coughlin reportedly interviewed last week. Still, there’s no sign either Coughlin or Marrone necessarily is a front-runner.

The locker room Monday reflected that uncertainty, with players talking about not following the rumors in the coming weeks. Many will have one eye on Twitter, of course, and already there are reports of other potential candidates.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia …

All will fill Jaguars Twitter and will be the subject of reports in the coming days.

Monday’s locker room also was filled with players discussing what went wrong in 2016. As would be expected after a 3-13 season that began with high expectations, the theories were many. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey and safety Tashaun Gipson talked after Sunday’s game of not being used ideally this season, and defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. told the media Monday he considers himself more a standup defensive end than the hand-on-the-ground version he played this season.

What does it all mean? Probably this:

That this is a team that failed by a wide margin to meet expectations; when that happens, complaints get aired. When expectations aren’t met, fingers get pointed and directions get lost; head coaches get fired, and seasons end with a chaotic feel.

Is it messy? Yes.

Does it create interesting storylines? Without question.

Is it a tragedy? A sign that all hope for the future is lost? No. There will be a new head coach soon – and that could mean a new staff. It certainly will mean a new direction, a new voice. Players will leave for the offseason, hit refresh and return refocused and perhaps a bit more seasoned and professional – older, wise and having gained from the experience.

What will we do? Well, we’ll do what we do every day in the O-Zone. We’ll move on, talk it out and be glad to be talking football. So, on to the offseason. #DTWD

Let’s get to it …

Logan from Wichita, KS:

It is clear to me the locker room is broken. The defense hates the offense and now the defense is mad at the coaches and each other, so we are in a massive mess. Half the team doesn’t want to be here and 100 percent of them have no confidence we can win games. This offseason brings no hope.

John: The defense doesn’t hate the offense and these players absolutely have confidence they will win. Players need to get away. Whoever’s coaching the team needs to get into the building and set a course. It’s time for a reset. That’s what the offseason will be about. There’s nothing broken around the Jaguars that won’t solve.

Daniel Since Day One:

I agree with picking the best available player, but I’m not sure another great weak-side linebacker or wide receiver stuck on the bench most of the time would help. Walters deserves far more playing time and his routes and hands are what settled down. Best possession receiver we have had since Keenan McCardell – and maybe better! But he rarely gets to play. If nothing else, I hope these last two games put an end to that.

John: I wouldn’t want to see the Jaguars draft a weak-side linebacker, but that won’t happen at No. 4 overall. I can’t think of a No. 4-worthy position where the Jaguars couldn’t use a great player: quarterback, defensive end, wide receiver, left tackle, defensive tackle, cornerback … Check, check, check, check, check, check. That’s not to say the Jaguars can’t win with the players they have there. But if there’s a Jalen Ramsey-level talent at those spots, could such player help the Jaguars? Yes. The strongest argument against would be cornerback, because two lock-down corners might be overkill. At the same time, there are worse problems … wait? Did you say Brian Walters is better than Keenan McCardell?

DUVAL DOOM from Section 217:

I get frustrated by this team. I let that frustration out and am often told I am wrong about whatever I’m frustrated about. This past week I was frustrated with the kicker. Two years in a row we’ve had an opportunity to beat the Colts in their house, and two years in a row has missed multiple field goals to help do so. I typically approach the Jaguars from an emotional place, so I don’t care about stats enough to bother looking at them. I was told Myers makes 85 percent of his kicks, and that is good. So why do I get SO nervous every time he kicks? Why does the entire stadium cross their fingers? I don’t remember feeling that way with Scobee. (I’m not advocating the return of Scobee, to be clear) Just extremely frustrating to me.

John: I thought Myers did quite a bit to inspire confidence this season – and up until the last two games, he was very good. He actually missed just two field goals under 50 yards this season. But in the last two weeks he missed two extra points and a 30-yard field goal. That’s not confidence-inspiring.

Bruce from Owensboro, KY:

I know it’s awful early for this question, but what do you think about going after Romo? He would need a better offensive line but other than that – and maybe a running back – I think if you bring him in you are .500 or better right away. You could sit Bortles and get the fan base excited. What say you, Big O?

John: I doubt the Jaguars go that route. A major reason I doubt it is I expect Romo to be released or traded by the Cowboys. If he is released, I doubt a 3-13 team would appeal to him considering his age and considering there likely would be teams perceived as being in better position to win quickly. If he is traded, I expect the Cowboys to allow him some sort of input into his destination. If that’s the case, the whole “3-13-team” thing would come into play again.

Hika from Jacksonville:

This team will never know how to win. We will be stuck as a six-win team max per year forever!

John: Nah.

Christopher from St. Augustine, FL:

Mr. Oehser, Gus Bradley had to be let go due to his performance this year. I do think it’s unfair to simply judge him on his overall record as a head coach because for the first few years he was given a gutted roster and asked to make them competitive. That’s a big ask. But I think he’s the head coach the Jaguars needed for those first few years because his constant positivity probably helped players stay energized throughout a rough rebuild. Now I think the Jaguars need to bring in a coach with a history of winning that can establish that mentality for a team that has been through some really lean years. Your thoughts?

John: My thoughts are I’m about ready to cease rehashing the Gus Bradley Issue, but I think there’s a lot to this theory. People can discuss his record all they want, and I can write about how it’s always coaching in the NFL all I want, but Bradley’s culture did establish a “constant positivity.” That constant positivity eventually gave way this season to a nine-game losing streak, and somewhere in there it became obvious something needed to change. Once that happened, and once the season ended Sunday, you were left with a 3-13 team – and with players who were ready to voice some things. I imagine the next coach will have a sterner feel. I imagine he will say the word “winning” more than Bradley said it. I imagine his approach will be different. I imagine players will buy in and say positive things about this new head coach because that is what players do when there is a new head coach and a new direction. I imagine the mentality of the team will take on the mentality of the new head coach. And I imagine if the Jaguars get quality quarterbacking and pressure from the defensive front in key situations then they will win more – and if that happens, then the head coach’s mentality will have a chance to take hold and the whole kit and kaboodle will be successful. Let’s hope that happens. Winning’s cool. People like it. And there hasn’t been nearly enough of it around here lately.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: On to next year

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

JACKSONVILLE – Long, long, lo-o-o-o-o-o-o-ong season.

Oh, well. It’s over now. On to a busy, busy, bu-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-sy offseason.

Let’s get to it …

Scott from Aurora, IL:

Honestly, though – probably the most appropriate way to end this season. Bad play, bad decisions and stupid penalties paving the way to disappointment.

John: There’s a lot to digest and discuss as we look back at Sunday’s 24-20 loss to the Colts and ahead to the upcoming head-coaching search, but yeah … Sunday’s game summed up the season pretty fittingly. Interim head coach Doug Marrone was asked afterward if it was a microcosm of the season, and while a lot of coaches often hedge when asked about “microcosms” and summations, Marrone didn’t hedge a bit. He said it absolutely was a microcosm because the Jaguars yet again found a way to lose a game they could have won. They lost because they made key mistakes at key times, and because they didn’t make key plays at critical moments. That’s what this team was this season: a team that committed too many turnovers and too many penalties – and couldn’t make big plays offensively or defensively at key times. The Jaguars also were a team that struggled to score in the fourth quarter and struggled to pressure the passer at critical moments. Those are tough things to be if you want to win in the National Football League.

Jacob from North Carolina:

This defense has looked really good, so I am surprised with ‘s and ‘s comments. Did it seem like a lot of players on defense did not like the scheme? I thought the new head coach might retain the defensive coordinator, but now I am not sure. What do you think?

John: I’m never surprised at what players say when a coaching change is imminent. Coaching changes usually come at the end of losing, frustrating seasons – and frustrations often get voiced at the end of such seasons. Gipson and Ramsey both were very pointed about the need for change, and both said or inferred strongly that they didn’t feel they were used properly this season. Was that a universal feeling among players? I didn’t get a feeling that was an overwhelming sentiment, but it clearly existed on some level. Was it a case of losing wearing on players? Was it a case of a whole lot of things going wrong and people coming up with many theories about why? It very possibly was all of those things and more. Losing sucks, and when teams lose, things get frayed at the edges. As far as how Sunday’s post-game comments affect the coordinators’ future … I doubt it has much effect – and it shouldn’t. A head coach needs to decide on his coordinator based on what he believes best – not postgame comments in the aftermath of a brutally disappointing, frustrating season.

Fred from Naples, FL:

I hear that Gus Bradley may follow Anthony Lynn as his defensive coordinator if Lynn should get any head-coaching job. In that scenario, what happens to the money that the Jags owe him for next year? Is it prorated now based on his salary with his new team? In other words, are the Jags on the hook for the difference between his new salary and what the Jags owe him for next year?

John: Yes.

Jae from TD Garden:

Go with an offensive player or defensive player with the Top 5 pick??

John: Go with the best player and hope you get a great player. There is no position at which the Jaguars could not use a great player.

Keith from Palatka, FL:

Trent Dilfer is a moron to be summarily ignored.

John: OK.

Ray from Monroe, CT:

Why when the Colts got into field-goal range did Jacksonville not use one of the three timeouts that they had – not only to save some clock but also because they got picked apart? Is there a logical reason for why they didn’t use them?

John: The Colts were out of timeouts and the Jaguars were in the mode of trying to let the clock run rather than stop it. I suppose an argument could have been made for stopping it, but once the Colts got past midfield they were in field-goal range and it became a matter of trying to get the clock close to zero before the Colts had a chance to score a touchdown. Like much of what the Jaguars tried this season, it didn’t work.

Jason from Salem, OR:

Don’t the really good players turn it on when the game is tight and make some crucial plays to win the game? Beyond second-half collapses this season, especially in the fourth quarter, no one has showed up in the closing moments. They have let way too many games be taken from them this season in the waning moments. It’s time to turn this tide. #FindingWayTooManyWaysToLose

John: Many things defined this Jaguars season. A failure to make winning plays in the fourth quarter may not trump all else, but it’s on the list.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

So, they lost. Was it the coaching? Maybe they should change head coaches after every loss …

John: Yes, because it’s always coaching in the NFL.

Chris from Houston, TX:

I’m concerned about some of the postgame comments. Both Ramsey and Gipson said that they were “caged” by the coaches and appeared to call for a complete overhaul of the coaching staff, and Gipson was even seemingly critical of Caldwell. I would understand if these comments came from , who saw the field only on a sporadic basis. But these guys were integral parts of a highly-effective secondary. In my opinion, these comments are illustrative of the selfishness and immaturity that has plagued this team and contributed to the demise of Gus Bradley. What are your thoughts on their postgame comments?

John: My first thought was that Gipson and Ramsey could have handled the situation better. My second thought was that these are young people who have a lot of pride and who are speaking in an emotional situation at the end of a frustrating season. My third thought was that the Jaguars went 3-13 in a season when so much more was expected … it would have been improbable if not impossible for there not to be a lot of differing opinions over just what went wrong. This team feels like a team in need of a fresh start. That’s going to happen. As for what form it will take … that’s what the next few days/weeks will decide.

Cade from Orlando, FL:

Well, now we ride into this offseason. The dark time. On a positive note – despite what anyone says – strung together two good games to finish the season. At least I thought so. These two games were miles ahead of where he was at most points during the season and I’m glad to see it. I don’t want to start over at quarterback. I want him to do well and I hope he has a great offseason. I think he’s going to be just fine. Take it easy, O.

John: Bortles indeed altered his storyline in the final two games of the regular season. I say “altered” because he didn’t dramatically change it, and he didn’t by any means firmly establish himself as a bona-fide, elite franchise quarterback. Not even close. But he did play better and he looked like a much different quarterback than he had looked in the first 14 games of the regular season. He looked calmer, more confident, more poised, more accurate – and all of those things are good things. At the same time, Bortles still obviously needs to improve his pocket awareness, decision-making, accuracy – all of the things that were issues entering the season. He also once again on Sunday could not lead a touchdown drive in the fourth quarter with the game on the line. The Jaguars’ offense failed in that situation far too often this season and eventually a quarterback must make winning plays in the fourth quarter. Here’s the bottom line on Bortles as the offseason begins: He has to improve, but he at least showed in the past two weeks that he can look the part for a two-week stretch. He hadn’t done that often enough in the first 14 games of the season.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:

I disagree with you and Sexton on your takes that Bortles will be the starting quarterback next season. I think that would be a huge mistake and the Jags will be 2-14 or 5-11 at the end of ‘17. Bortles is garbage and needs to be dumped – and I think who ever the next coach is will do just that.

John: It’s not out of the realm of possibility that you are right and I am wrong. I have been wrong before, and we won’t know the organization’s approach with Bortles until the head coach is determined. It’s safe to assume The Bortles Question will be one of the first issues discussed when General Manager David Caldwell, Owner Shad Khan and the head coach determine the organization’s new course. Remember: it’s one thing to dump Bortles and it’s another to have a better option.

Jeff from Rutland, MA:

Not much else to say except to wish you and Jaguars Nation a Happier New Year. We are due.

John: True that.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: A fine, noble bunch

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Happy New Year. One more Game Day.

Let’s get to it …

Jeremy from Dodge City, KS:

John, with your infinite wisdom, will we make playoffs next year?

John: Judging by comments and emails I receive throughout the season, your definition of “infinite wisdom” differs from many others … but that’s OK: It’s a new year, so maybe I’ll be better in 2017. As for my expectations for the Jaguars in 2017, we’re so far from next season with so much change ahead that it’s hard to predict. I will say I will be surprised if the Jaguars aren’t .500 or right around it next season. I thought this team was about a .500 team this season except for quarterback play, some pass-rush and discipline issues and some pretty glaring special-teams issues – with a heavy, heavy emphasis on quarterback play. Overall, though, this season to me was defined by the seven consecutive one-possession/fourth-quarter losses to contending teams in October, November and December. My feeling was those losses were the sign of a team getting closer to contending. The 38-17 victory over a playoff-contending Tennessee team on Christmas Eve heightened that feeling. I think there’s a good chance many of this season’s fourth-quarter losses can becomes next season’s fourth-quarter victories. As far as the playoffs? Let’s let the Jaguars reach .500 first. One step at a time.

Chad from EverBank:

I heard a comment made on the radio this week stating basically that there are people who think Shad Khan is being cheap in his efforts with the Jaguars. I’ve never heard this before, and was amazed that someone – anyone – would think that. Have you heard such nonsense being floated around? We can cite all the efforts and money he has invested to no end: His passion for owning an NFL team, his passion for Jacksonville, his willingness to invest money without a surefire guarantee for success. Are people really blaming Khan’s spending for our woes? Ridiculous.

John: “Ridiculous” indeed is a good word here. That’s not surprising. There was a lot of “ridiculous” going on this week.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

Do you think the new head coach will implement his own defensive scheme, or keep the current one? I feel like the personnel here is built to play Cover 3. We have corners, particularly Ramsey, who don’t need safety help, so it would seem like an inefficient use of his talents in a Cover 2. I think the front seven would be fine in either scheme, but I think the secondary is built to play single high safety. What are your thoughts on a possible defensive scheme change?

John: I think I don’t know much about the Jaguars’ next defensive scheme because I don’t know the identity of the new head coach. That’s not a snide or evasive answer, but it’s difficult if not impossible to accurately predict the Jaguars’ next offensive or defensive scheme until we have at least a sniff of an idea about the next head coach and coordinators.

Joshua from Pittsburgh, PA:

Are we going to TALK about those comments on Sirius Radio? New, Earth-shattering coaching philosophy … WINNING. This makes Gus look bad.

John: When your record is 14-48 as a head coach, most everything said in the wake of your firing is going to make you look bad. When the team you were coaching wins convincingly in the game after your departure, people are going to write and say things that you did wrong and the new guy did right. Look, Bradley lost too many games as the Jaguars’ head coach and people are going to believe what they want about him. His will not be a winning legacy. And Marrone did a nice job last week. But Bradley believed in winning just as much as Marrone and just as much as any coach. His approach of emphasizing improvement and process as a means to winning was not novel and does not make him unique. It also did not mean he didn’t want to win, and it doesn’t mean that winning wasn’t the goal. He didn’t win enough. That’s clear. But not saying the word often enough isn’t why he lost. I mean, does anyone really think NFL players don’t understand that the idea is to win?

Ronnie from Jacksonville:

I have to disagree about quarterback play having a greater effect on the Cowboys’ success. Looking at the rushing stats, 2015: 408 attempts, 94 rushing 1st downs, 8 TDs vs 2016: 478 (and counting) attempts, 24 (and counting) rushing TDs and 138 (and counting) rushing 1st downs. I’d say it’s safe to believe the much better rushing game helped make the passing game better. What say you?

John: I say the Cowboys were a good rushing team last season and went 4-12. They are a very good rushing team this season and are 13-2, so there’s no question the running game has been a positive factor. But I also say the Cowboys have gone from a negative touchdown-interception ratio last season to a 24-4 touchdown-interception ratio this season – and quarterbacking in the NFL trumps all else. Drafting running back in the Top 10 is a luxury that a team with an elite offensive line can sometimes afford. Otherwise …

Kris from Copenhagen, Denmark:

Happy New Year’s O, rumor is Tom Coughlin is already out of the picture. Which coach do you see will accept the job, considering (as you said, Bortles will be next year’s quarterback) the chance of choosing their own quarterback option isn’t likely?

John: Your question assumes a few things that I don’t know can be assumed yet. First, I don’t know that we know the head-coaching picture yet. There’s a long process ahead, and it really doesn’t begin until the regular-season ends. Also, the new head coach will have significant input into the starting quarterback. The reason I believe Bortles will be next year’s starting quarterback is it’s not all that likely that there will be a significantly better option. That’s true no matter who is making the decision. As for who will be the coach, I’m guessing Mike Smith, Coughin or Doug Marrone. That’s my guess now, but until the regular season ends, it’s very much a guess. Stay tuned.

David from The Island:

Harbaugh said he’s staying at Michigan. Maybe so, but I don’t think for the long-term. He knows how to win and he’s not a cuddler. Any chance he gets the job?

John: I don’t get any sense Harbaugh is leaving Michigan this offseason.

Geoff from Orlando, FL:

Could you please explain why Tom Coughlin is getting such attention for the Jags’ head-coaching position? He was slightly above .500 (68-60) when he was here and slightly above .500 (102-90) when he was on the New York Giants. I know he won two Super Bowls up there, but I feel like we need more consistency than that at head coaching. I would love to have him in the front office, but why is everyone making him out to be the Jaguars savior?

John: I don’t know what everyone else is saying about Coughlin; I do know I’ve said I think he would be a good choice for the Jaguars’ head coach. He’s getting a lot of attention for the position because he made multiple playoff appearances and championship-game appearances with two different franchises, and because he won two Super Bowls with the Giants. He also has a reputation for getting a lot out of teams in various situations. Is he the only good choice? No. Is he a good choice and is he someone who is capable of providing a winning structure and direction? Yes.

Shawn from the Mean Streets of Arlington:

Bold prediction: The Jaguars start the new season undefeated.

John: Good call.

Arthur from Drexel Hill:

Can be considered a bust?

John: Any player can be considered anything anyone wants. Yeldon hasn’t been a dominant runner, but I don’t know that any runner would be dominant in the Jaguars’ offense the past two seasons. The unit has improved as a pass-blocking unit, but still isn’t a great run-blocking line. Most backs can’t outperform their offensive line when it comes to run blocking. Yeldon in that sense is like most backs.

Keith from Jacksonville:

Happy New Year O-Man. It seems most of the Jag blogs agree with you about the first- and fourth-round trade for Garappolo ONLY if Josh McDaniels comes to us as well. It makes sense in that case as Dave Caldwell until this year has, at best, a spotty first-round draft record, which cannot be denied unless and until BB5 and Fowler pick up their games. With McDaniel, you would have a quarterback who did well in a system with one of the best teams in the league coming into his prime. However, any other offensive coordinator would be reason to stay away from that trade. What say you?

John: I say whatever the Jags’ blogs say I agree with – 110 percent! Those guys are awesome and I respect them a great deal. A fine and noble bunch, they are. In fact, I respect and admire them so much that I would list them by name if I only I could remember them.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Serious question

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

JACKSONVILLE – Indy-bound. Last day of 2016.

Let’s get to it …

Joe from Hall of Fame City, OH:

John, I am telling you and the world the Jags will not lose on Sunday. No tricks here. So, when we beat the crap out of Indy, just post it, John #SHOCKDANATION

John: This O-Zone is one of our last chances to talk about a football game before we dive neck-deep into the offseason … and pending change … and all of the stuff that goes along with pending change. So, let’s talk about the game, shall we? As far as that goes, the Jaguars have won two consecutive games against the Colts and have held huge leads in both of those games. They were within two late missed field goals of sweeping the Colts last season. They played the AFC Championship Game-bound Colts tough in the teams’ final meeting in 2014. They are playing an Indianapolis team on Sunday that is 7-8 and out of the playoffs. The Colts are perfectly capable of winning Sunday, but considering how well the Jaguars have played the Colts recently, I don’t know that a Jaguars victory would SHOCKDANATION or anyone else. I think the Jaguars will win, though. I do agree there.

Rob from Brunswick, GA:

If you wrote a book about your time in the O-Zone to date what would it be called?

John: Why I Love People.

Sebastian from Mexico:

Next year: or ?

John: There’s no law that says it has to be either Julius Thomas or Ben Koyack at tight end for the Jaguars next season; it’s not as if the two can’t co-exist. If I had to guess, though, I would say Thomas won’t be back next season and that Koyack will return. That’s the thought now. Check back when a new head coach is hired. His thoughts will change many things.

Not HJT from Jacksonville:

Hey, would the Jags trade for a second and draft Trubisky if Browns and 49ers pass on him?

John: I’m not yet familiar enough with draft talk to have a real feel for the top of the first round. I start diving heavily into the draft around the Senior Bowl. But I don’t know that any team is going to be beating down the doors to trade a second-round selection for Bortles. Would you?

Ric from Jacksonville:

Have you sensed any urgency in the organization to find a replacement coach quickly? With other teams now looking for a replacement for Jeff Fisher and Rex Ryan and what not, there has to be a bit of a thought in the back of David Caldwell’s head that another team might grab up the coach – or one of the coaches that they would seriously consider. Also, I would think the other teams would have the same thoughts. What are your thoughts on that? Is it something they want to wrap up as quickly as possible?

John: The Jaguars want to move quickly to hire a head coach. That was one of the reasons for dismissing Gus Bradley two weeks before the end of the season, and one of the reasons for interviewing Tom Coughlin this week – before the end of the regular season. Having that interview done will give them a chance to move quickly when the regular season ends Sunday, but the idea is to get the best grade possible on the final exam – not to be the first one finished.

Gabe from Washington, DC:

Hype is scary, O. What are the odds that once teams start to analyze ‘s play this season, they find ways to attack him with relative success? As cautious as you can be, I am going to hold off on declaring Ramsey a multi-year All-Pro until I at least see him to it consistently through next season. Clearly, teams learned how to scheme against Bortles. Does the same thing happen to defensive backs?

John: Teams scheme against cornerbacks mainly by throwing away from them. I have no doubt that will happen with Ramsey because it already has happened at times this season. The good news is that still helps the defense; when a team is unwilling to throw at a defender it by definition takes a wide receiver out of the game. That’s a victory for the defense.

Charles from Savannah, GA:

I was very disappointed in Trent Dilfer’s comments not only about Blake Bortles but about the city of Jacksonville. Unfortunately, there is still this campaign by national sports media that Jacksonville isn’t worthy of an NFL franchise and to move the Jaguars out of Jacksonville. When will this ever end?

John: Trent Dilfer’s comments about Jacksonville and Bortles were his opinions – and I guess I’ve become accustomed enough to hearing ill-informed, inane, baseless, stir-it-up comments from national media about the Jaguars and Jacksonville that I don’t pay much attention anymore. It’s not a campaign as much as it is laziness. Jacksonville’s considered an easy shot because it’s a small market and because the Jaguars haven’t won a lot lately – and because when a lot of people take shots at something, it’s easier to pile on than to think for yourself about a topic. Don’t misunderstand: I have a good grasp of laziness. I’ve been lazy at times, too. I’m actually a big fan of the genre. The good news for Jacksonville is that Shad Khan believes in Jacksonville and is committed to Jacksonville. His opinion matters. Dilfer’s? Not so much.

Jeff from Rutland, MA:

Does it seem like if the Jags play Indy the way they played the Titans last week, it will raise more questions than answers? Was it indeed the coaching? Or are they just a team that can only play well in garbage time (be it during a game or season)? Whatever. Getting another quality win is worth a few more questions.

John: The Jaguars playing well against Indianapolis might raise questions among the fan base about whether it was coaching versus garbage time, etc. I doubt it will confuse the actual interview process, though. It appears that the Jaguars have their hiring plan in place and are following it. The on-field results of the last two games will be a factor, but probably not a confusing one.

Rob from Brunswick, GA:

John, what are the chances that any of our assistant coaches stay until next year? When a new coach comes in, is it common to keep some or even most of the staff? I know Jerry Sullivan worked under the previous head coach before being retained by Gus Bradley. Do you think we could see some position coached or even coordinators stick around next season?

John: Yes, we could see that. As far as the chances of it happening, that’s impossible to know until we know the identity of the new head coach – or at least until we get a sniff about the direction the organization plans to take. Remember, when it comes to staff and regime change/organization in the NFL, what’s common and what has taken place before doesn’t mean much. An owner can organize and change as he sees fit based on what he believes is best for the organization. That’s what’s cool about owning. You decide – not history or the beliefs of others.

Greg from Jacksonville:

John, for a large portion of the fans you are the No. 1 source for Jags info – and you are doing them an enormous disservice by continuing to perpetuate this myth that has “phenomenal athleticism.” HIs 7.40 3 cone, 32″ vertical, 112″ broad jump, and 47 total SPARQ score are all below average to way-below average. He’s a very poor athlete. Also, his counter moves aren’t the problem. His counter moves aren’t working because he doesn’t have the athleticism to burst and bend around the corner. An OT that isn’t scared of you beating him around the edge isn’t going to be beaten by a bull rush/spin/swim/etc.

John: I don’t need scores and numbers to know that Fowler is not a “very poor athlete.”

Christopher from Valparaiso, IN:

I would much rather have Tom Coughlin in the front office than as a head coach. The man has an eye for talent and would be perfect in that role. Unless Coughlin hires an heir apparent as a coordinator (which will be difficult because his staff in NY is unavailable), then I do not see the point in hiring him.

John: I have no problem with Tom Coughlin in either capacity, but I do wonder about people not seeing “the point” of hiring him as a head coach. He is probably going to be a Hall-of-Fame selection because of his head-coaching ability and he won two Super Bowls as a head coach. If you’re a believer that a head coach makes an enormous difference in an organization why wouldn’t you hire him?

KC from Loganville, GA:

This is a serious question, so please don’t think I’m just trying to be a wise guy. Do you think a talented group of players with no coaching staff could beat a team of average players that has a coaching staff?

John: Which team has the better quarterback?

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Wonderful problem

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Jerell from Columbia, SC:

So, after one good game everyone believes the quarterback is on the roster for 2017? Please don’t fall for it. That’s exactly what happened in 2015 and got the Jags in this mess in 2016.

John: There unquestionably has been renewed enthusiasm around Jaguars quarterback this week. It’s not head-over-heels stuff, but it is hope. That’s to be expected – because he looked very good Saturday against Tennessee, and because a player’s most recent performance is the most fresh in our memory. The reality, though, is Bortles likely is the Jaguars’ starting quarterback to start next season. That has almost nothing to do with how he played against Tennessee and everything to do with it being difficult to find better options in the offseason. It’s easy to say, “Ditch Bortles and find someone else.” It’s more difficult to find a better option at a price that makes it reasonable to pursue him. It’s not written in stone that Bortles starts next season’s opener, but the odds? They’re pretty good.

Travis from High Springs, FL:

Hi, John. I would like to take a page from your book and guarantee that the Jaguars do not lose to the Colts in 2016. Do you agree?

John: Good call.

Kyle from Oshkosh, WI:

Is there any way you see us keeping Doug Marrone as the offensive line coach and bringing in a new head coach?

John: You learn quickly when covering the NFL to never say “never,” because weird things happen when teams hire coaches and put together staffs. But if the Jaguars’ next head coach is not Doug Marrone, it seems likely that the new head coach likely will install a new offensive staff. It would be unlikely that Marrone is retained in that scenario. Also, don’t rule out Marrone being a head coach somewhere next season. If it’s not in Jacksonville, it’s hardly unreasonable that it would be somewhere else.

Igor from Jacksonville:

I completely agree with you about us not regretting the pick at No. 5 – and even before the draft, I hoped that the Cowboys would select Ezekiel Elliott so that we would have the chance to get Ramsey. I screamed for joy when Ramsey was available for selection. But this draft has no Ramsey … Jalen Ramsey was talked about being the No. 1 overall pick last draft. Now, if it was a Myles Garrett versus a running back I get your point.

John: My thoughts about not selecting a running back in the Top 5 or 10 have nothing to do with Myles Garrett and they don’t really have all that much to do with Ezekiel Elliott – or Dalvin Cook, or Leonard Fournette, or any particular running back for that matter. They have everything to do with running back generally not being a position of value when selecting so early; it’s simply not usually enough of an impact position. Consider Dallas this season. The Cowboys ranked eighth in the NFL in rushing last season and second in the NFL this season, so while Elliott indeed has had an impact, it’s probably not the difference between 3-12 and 13-2. Cowboys quarterbacks threw 16 touchdowns and 22 interceptions last season compared to 24 touchdowns and four interceptions this season. It’s probably safe to conclude better quarterback play had more to do with Dallas’ success this season than better running back play. That’s not a knock on Elliott as a player, but it does speak in part to why many believe running back isn’t a position you take early in the draft.

Paul from Jacksonville:

I hear Blake and the other players refer to Coach Bradley as “Gus” or Coach Hackett as “Nathaniel” in interviews. … I can’t ever imagine Tom Brady referring to Coach Belichick as “Bill.” It feels like the relationship has been too buddy-buddy around here and there isn’t enough respect or accountability. When those days end, I think the losing has a good chance to end, too.

John: This doesn’t bother me either way. I don’t consider it a thing.

Brian from Greenwood, IN:

Despite the miserable year we all agree has occurred, the Jaguars have a chance to get to .500 in the division – as well as to not only sweep the Colts, but to also make it three in a row. Those are reasons enough to make this game fun! Do you agree?

John: Sure.

Chris from Houston, TX:

With both Poz and Smith seemingly entrenched at middle and weak-side linebacker respectively, and Cyprien likely leaving through free agency, any chance that we see Jack transition to strong safety full time? As evidenced by him chasing down Lamar Miller from behind earlier in the season, Jack appears plenty fast and he was great in coverage in college. Seems to make a lot of sense to me.

John: I don’t know if it’s accurate to say is “likely” to leave in free agency. He hasn’t been spectacular this season, but he has played better in a more defined, in-the-box role – and it wouldn’t be a ridiculous move to re-sign him. He’s not great in coverage, but that doesn’t make him unique among NFL strong safeties. What will happen on that front? I have no idea, and no one else does until more is known about the head-coaching situation. That’s even more true of ’s future role. We can speculate all we want, and the idea of him or playing safety isn’t absurd. And there’s no question Myles Jack will be on the field in more of a full-time role next season somehow, some way. In what capacity? In what role? We’ll start getting a better feel for that once the new head coach is hired, though not before.

Tim from Atlantic Beach, FL:

throws a 20-yard touchdown pass and it’s a national footnote. Dez Bryant throws a 10-yard touchdown and it is lauded as the greatest thing since sliced bread. A winning record isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.

John: Are we surprised that a 13-2 team gets more notice than a 3-12 team? Is this news?

Galen from Colorado Springs, CO:

I’ve been seeing a lot about trying to get Jimmy Garoppolo for a first- and fourth-round selection, and I think that is downright stupid. There’s another team in our division that just splurged $72 million on a backup who played a couple of decent games in relief of a superstar. He is already an expensive benchwarmer. I don’t think we should be so eager to run away from Blake Bortles.

John: I would be very, very surprised if the Jaguars trade for Garropolo. I would be less surprised if the Jaguars hired Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as head coach, but that’s the only way I see it happening.

J.T. from Jacksonville:

“Terrible city for an NFL Franchise.” Pretty sure a throat punch would come Trent Dilfer’s way if I ever see him. Plus, he called Blake Bortles the worst quarterback in the NFL. Dilfer was absolutely terrible as a quarterback and only got a Super Bowl because he had the best defense maybe in league history.

John: I like Dilfer as an ESPN analyst, and though I liked him more before his shouting on Dilfer’s Dimes reached deafening levels, we live in an age in which Louder is Better in sports television and radio, so I understand and tolerate the yelling. And while Dilfer wasn’t a great quarterback, that has nothing to do with his ability as an analyst – and while it’s also true that he was harsh regarding Bortles, his analysis in this case hardly was without merit. As far as Dilfer saying Jacksonville is a terrible city for an NFL franchise … again, he’s entitled to his opinion. Just because it’s incorrect, ill-informed, irrelevant and not really all that interesting doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with him voicing it.

Scott from Jacksonville:

Jalen Ramsey just isn’t all that great at playing the ball while it’s in the air. He may be late getting his head turned around sometimes, but not so late that he doesn’t have time to break up the pass. Or, he might flail a bit at the ball instead of snatching it out of the air. Maybe he’s just playing the receiver more than the ball, which is probably what he is supposed to be doing. If the last two weeks are any indication, I don’t think it’s going to be a “problem” we have to worry about.

John: Jalen Ramsey has made more impact, memorable plays this season than I ever have seen a rookie cornerback make, and he has done so with remarkably few harmful “rookie moments.” He has made more impact plays in each of the last two games than many, many good cornerbacks make in an entire season. It’s fine if people want to pick apart the fact that he has dropped a few interceptions, but Ramsey is a high-level rookie who is on his way to being a player any team in the NFL would want on its roster. Oh, for the rest of the Jaguars’ roster to be so flawed.

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O-Zone: #DROY

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

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Bill from Hawthorn Woods, IL:

So, it has been reported Tom Coughlin interviewed Wednesday. That is hardly breaking news given Dave Caldwell’s recent comments, but it is good to see the ball rolling on meetings. I find myself wanting to see Tom get the job. Other than age, which is a legitimate issue at 70, he has everything else. He has credibility. He has proven he can win. He fights for his players and brings discipline. Oh yeah – and he loves Jacksonville … and the Jaguars. Some part of him is and will always be a Jaguar. Some hot coordinator might be the sexy pick, but I’d rather see Tom come take this team to the playoffs, go into The Pride and make some coordinator his successor like McAdoo was in New York. Maybe that’s even Todd Wash … if you get my drift. Thoughts?

John: I’ve said before and I’ll say again that I’d like to see Tom Coughlin get the Jaguars head coaching job – and I think he would be a very good choice. There’s no guarantee that he’s the best choice because there are no guarantees in coaching or in life. I personally also like the idea of Mike Smith as head coach, and there are other intriguing names. Kyle Shanahan, Josh McDaniels … all have appeal and make sense. This process should gain some serious momentum after Sunday’s regular-season finale. I don’t necessarily have a vibe that Coughlin is the favorite at this point because I don’t get the idea there is a favorite at this point – and there shouldn’t be a favorite at this point. Owner Shad Khan and General Manager David Caldwell need to conduct the interview process, and that needs to be a real process. But if it’s Coughlin who is the head coach after that process … yes, that would be cool for many reasons. The coolest is he is a capable head coach whose reputation precedes him. His direction, experience and ability to discipline and set a tone would be an immediate positive – and I think those elements would help create an atmosphere that would give the Jaguars a chance to succeed. That’s the first thing you want from whoever gets the job. It’s hard to imagine players not believing in him, and that’s important, too. He also would get the fan base excited and give some fans who might have lost some hope this season a reason to regain it. That’s not as important as the first couple of elements, but it would be a positive. This is about to get interesting. Hang on.

Dave from Duval:

Do you think the Jags have just used sparingly to save wear and tear on his knee and while he adjusts to the NFL on and off the field?

John: No.

Jordan from Little Valley:

Games are won Monday through Saturday. The game on Sunday just shows how prepared you were. NFL teams are not drastically different with talent as many people want to believe. The Jaguars were crushed by the Titans and the Titans were crushed by the Jaguars all in the same season.

John: NFL games more often than not are decided by a few key plays. Take for instance this past Saturday. Yes, the Jaguars led throughout and won by 21 points. But with a little more than eight minutes remaining, the Jaguars led 24-17 and faced second-and-7 from their 38. Wide receiver on the play made a remarkable one-handed catch that led to a touchdown pass from wide receiver to quarterback . Had Robinson not made that remarkable catch, the Jaguars would have faced third-and-7 – a difficult down and distance. That could have led to a punt and a very pressurized Titans possession. Sometimes, winning and losing can be as close as that – even in games that end looking like blowouts.

Bill from Springfield, VA:

Oh, mighty O, please explain to me why the team had their best effort after the head coach was fired, but they did it for him. Why not do it for him when he is the coach???

John: Good question. Maybe the pressure was off. Maybe the players played with more intensity after a shakeup. Maybe it was a combination of the two.

Nate from York, PA:

If the Jaguars play as well this Sunday as they did Saturday, I think it would play in Doug Marrone’s favor as far as taking a permanent head-coaching job. However, is two games really enough to look at to see if the success really is because of him? This makes me wonder if waiting so late in the season to let Gus Bradley go really was the best thing. If it was done sooner, it would have allowed a better evaluation of Marrone.

John: I’ve gotten this question a couple of times – and there’s no question a larger sample size would have given the Jaguars a better idea about Marrone as a head coach. But I don’t know that there’s that much reason to sweat the issue too much. The Jaguars know plenty about Marrone. He has been the assistant head coach-offense/offensive line for nearly two seasons. He has been in the building. He knows the staff and the players. At some point, the Jaguars must interview candidates and decide on a coach. Those coaches won’t have coached the Jaguars this season, either, so beyond the final two games of the season, the Jaguars will do with Marrone what they do with all candidates: judge him on his interview and his resume, make a decision and go from there.

Bill from Jacksonville:

John, there have been some weird playoff scenarios, but the Packers and Lions have maybe the weirdest yet. If they tie this week, both teams make the playoffs. I’m sure it would never happen, but what would be the reaction from the league office, around the NFL, and fans, if both teams just decided to take a knee the entire game ensuring they both make the playoffs? Thanks! Go Jags!

John: It wouldn’t “sit well.”

Daniel from Jax:

I don’t know if it’s just me, but even Blake’s wind looked better last week against the Titans. Could it have been that he was purposely playing bad until Gus Bus got fired?

John: Are you serious, Clark?

Igor from Jacksonville:

So, John! You would not use the … let’s say No. 5 overall pick … on a running back (Dalvin Cook). How did picking Zeke Elliott work out for the Cowboys? Playmakers are playmakers … I think Cook is too much of a baller to pass up, regardless of draft spot.

John: No, I would not use the No. 5 overall selection on a running back. That’s why I said on Wednesday that I would prefer a wide receiver, or an offensive lineman or many other positions with a Top 10 selection. The reason for that is a running back more often than not is dependent on the line to be effective. Ezekiel Elliott, for example, is impressive and could even be the NFL Most Valuable Player this season. Would he be that behind the Jaguars’ current offensive line as opposed to the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line? I doubt it. The Jaguars took No. 5 behind Ezekiel Elliott. They don’t regret the selection.

Marcus from Jacksonville:

I have heard over the years that head coaches keep a short list of other coaches that could be potential hires in the event that they lose an assistant. Do general managers do the same sort of thing with potential head-coaching candidates? Do you think Dave Caldwell has had a list of potential candidates in mind since before Gus was let go?

John: Of course.

Dave from Duval:

Not to rain on the Jalen Ramsey Parade, but many of his passes defensed could have been picked. That was the biggest negative on him coming out: his lack of interceptions. Why do you think he’s so good at getting a hand on balls but not catching them? He has adequate hands as he caught everything at the combine they threw at him including the Jugg machines.

John: Ramsey indeed has dropped some interceptions this season, but while it was a knock on him entering the NFL, it’s a vastly overrated knock. A cornerback’s job is to break up passes and defend passes. Ramsey’s athleticism allows him to do that more than most players at his position. Interceptions are a bonus. Ramsey has two interceptions this season and has nine pass breakups in the last two games. His negatives are pretty scarce right now. As far as why it happens, I have no idea. Maybe he’s so physical and attacking so strongly that it’s difficult to catch. Maybe he’s going at such a rate when he gets to the ball that the catch is more difficult. Maybe it’s just sort of fluky. Whatever it is, I’d far rather have a cornerback with the ability to get into position to knock the ball down than one with great hands who can’t get into position. With the former, you have a bunch of plays getting made for your team. With the latter, you have a bunch of plays getting made, too – but it’s the opponent making them.

Cody from Washington:

#RamseyDROY

John: Sure.

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O-Zone: Infinite wisdom

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

JACKSONVILLE – Look-ahead Wednesday.

Let’s get to it …

Rob from Middleburg, FL:

Why do people want to declare a bust after his rookie year? Look at Vic Beasley for Atlanta; he had 4.5 sacks last year and people were yelling bust. This year he’s in the Pro Bowl.

John: People want to declare Fowler a bust for the same reason people often declare high-profile, early-drafted pass rushers busts after rookie seasons that don’t feature a lot of sacks: because people expect big-time results even though history tells us many pass rushers take time to begin registering big numbers. Pass rushing is a combination of athleticism and technique; even the greatest often need time to learn the latter. Fowler was in his second season this season, but he indeed was essentially a rookie. He needs to hone his pass-rush skills. He needs to become more technically sound. He needs to use his hands better and develop better moves. He needs to learn counter moves. He must do these things, because he can’t be productive in the NFL solely on phenomenal athleticism and a high motor. If he doesn’t work at his game and learn these things, then it’s indeed entirely possible he will continue to struggle. But there’s also no reason he can’t develop these things; if he does, he can be elite. His potential and skill set is that good.

Pete from Ponte Vedra, FL:

The bookstores are full of self-help books noting that anxiety is the result of a lack of preparation and organization. So, all of this talk about playing freer and without pressing without Gus Bradley does in fact mean to me that it was a coach problem more than anything. So, stop snickering at everyone who says it was the coaching. Being likable does not make you a great coach.

John: OK. (Tee, hee).

Ray from North Augusta, SC:

A lot of fans are now pulling for Doug Marrone to be the permanent coach. That’s fine, but I have an issue with him because he has had two years to develop the offensive line and they are – in my opinion – the weakest link!

John: The Jaguars allowed 71 sacks in 2014. They allowed 51 last season. They have allowed 32 this season. The Jaguars’ offensive line is not a dominant run-blocking unit, but if you believe that the performance of the line is solely a coaching issue and nothing to do with the players, then the coaching of the pass-blocking at least appears to be improved.

Chris from London, England:

Hey O, please confirm the Jags were never going to lose Sunday as the game was on Saturday and not because you have magical mystical powers. Too many people seem to be missing this.

John: Me knowing that there was no way the Jaguars were going to lose Sunday had nothing to do with my mystical powers.

Travis from High Springs, FL:

Hi John, I’ve read recently that the Jaguars could be interviewing Tom Coughlin not just for the head-coaching position, but possibly a position in the front office – head of football operations. What exactly would he be doing in that position? Isn’t the general manager the head of football operations? Could you please clarify the difference?

John: The Jaguars indeed reportedly will interview Tom Coughlin, and reports are it could be for the head-coaching position or a different position. It’s impossible to know Coughlin’s exact role until he is hired – if indeed that happens. An NFL owner can structure a front office as he sees fit. There have been cases when a general manager has run the football operations and there have been times a club president has overseen operations allowing a general manager control of the draft. There have been other times when a club president has run the whole show with power over the draft and personnel decisions. Bottom line: we won’t know the structure of the Jaguars’ front office or the roles within it until Owner Shad Khan decides how it will look.

Ray from Palatka, FL:

Hey John, if the way we played Saturday was how we played all the time, what do you think our most glaring position of need would be for Caldwell to address other than head coach? My personal opinion would be running back, especially with No. 5 pick.

John: If the Jaguars played all the time as they did Saturday, they wouldn’t have nearly as many needs as they do now. But considering the team struggled to run Saturday … sure, running back would seem like the biggest need. I still wouldn’t take it No. 5 overall, though. I would rather have another pass rusher there, or another wide receiver, or another defensive tackle, or another cornerback, or another …

Adam from St. Johns, FL:

Are you ever wrong? Can you ever say, I missed it? The fans were right and you can’t admit it. It was a terribly coached team. It was obvious, but you can’t blame your buddy, Gus. It really is a slap in a face to those who read this every day.

John: I’m wrong a lot. I’ve missed things a lot. And there’s no doubt the Jaguars played far better Saturday under Doug Marrone than they had under Gus Bradley in the first 14 games. And it indeed is reasonable to say something was missing under Bradley. Had the message stopped getting through? Could Bradley have had a harder edge? Perhaps. Whatever the reason, my thoughts on coaching have nothing to do with me being buddies with anyone. I wasn’t buddies with Bradley. And while I do believe that Marrone did a nice job Saturday – and that he needs to be considered for the head-coaching position – that won’t make us buddies, either. No one I ever have covered has been my buddy – and the more I think about it, I have very few buddies. Except you, Alan. You are my buddy. My bestest buddy. Ever. You and me … buddies ‘til we die. #BTWD

Adam from Brisbane, Australia:

Is already the best corner in Jaguars history?

John: Ramsey probably has played at a higher level in the last three or four games than any corner in franchise history, so if you assume he always will play like that … yes.

Anthony from Columbia, SC:

I believe that some who are emphasizing that Bortles isn’t the only one that had their best game Saturday don’t quite understand the effect a hot quarterback has on a game. It’s not a coincidence that Dante Fowler Jr. looks much improved as a pass rusher when his team is leading the entire game. It’s also not a coincidence that Jalen Ramsey gets his first pick-six late in the game when he knows Tennessee has to throw the ball. Having a hot quarterback often puts you ahead on the scoreboard, which allows the defense to get more sacks and interceptions because players know the opposing team has to pass. O, it’s always quarterbacking.

John: But if it’s always quarterbacking then how is it always coaching?

Chris from Mandarin:

Hey, O-Zone … you know how I know Fred Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame? He used to convert third-and-20s regularly. What is your favorite memory of Fred, as a player?

John: Tampa Bay, 1998. Taylor ran for a 70-yard touchdown with 2:52 remaining to give the Jaguars a 29-24 victory in what is still the best game I’ve ever covered at EverBank Field. Taylor calls that his favorite NFL moment, and he loves telling the story of the game. I like hearing Taylor tell the story, so that ranks No. 1 with me.

Zeleznoc from Jacksonville:

Nice to hear ‘s name, even though one time was for a penalty. As I recall, following draft comments on him were extremely positive and many wondered how/why he dropped and regarded the pick as a big win for Jags. Has he been on the field much before Saturday’s game? Don’t recall seeing him or hearing his name.

John: Day has been on the field regularly in a reserve role and the Jaguars are high on him. He is having the sort of season that is common for rookies: a lot of flashes and some inconsistency. He looks like a good selection and he looks like he’s going to get a lot better quickly.

Steve from Section 215:

If I’m the coach and we win, it’s always coaching. If we lose, it’s never coaching – even if we win and lose on back-to-back Sundays (or Saturdays).

John: No, Steve. It’s always coaching in the NFL. (Tee hee)

Greg Section 122 and Jacksonville:

So, it has been a couple of days and it is tough to say this: You were right, O-Man – and I was wrong. You kept saying the Jags would win at least one more game after I kept disagreeing with you. I lost the faith and you proved to me that you can never lose the faith. My apologies for ever doubting your infinite wisdom. Happy Holidays!!!

John: No worries.

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