JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Bill from Jacksonville

Gimme sumpin, zone. What up in camp?

I'll use my Scooby sense here and assume you want to know what's happening in Jaguars 2024 Training Camp. While this also suggests you haven't read this free website over the last two weeks, or that we at Jaguars Media are inexplicably not sharing "what up in camp" or perhaps sinisterly posting the "real story" on some secret website, I'll offer a brief recap of the first two weeks(ish). Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the offense looked shaky during the first week – when offenses often look shaky – and Lawrence has looked very good since. The defense overall has looked good, fast, aggressive, strong and improved. Nose tackle DaVon Hamilton looks all the way back from a back issue that hampered him last season. Rookie kicker Cam Little has looked very good early. There are more storylines that will develop over time. Those are some big early ones.

Mike from Jacksonville Beach, FL

What's your biggest concern from camp so far? Things that scare you the most? Thing you like the best?

I don't know that I have grave concerns. Things usually don't get all that concerning in camp until the preseason games start – and even then, you don't know a lot about a lot in the NFL until the regular season begins. Injuries have become a storyline to watch in the last few days, but most of the injuries have the feel of being short-term enough that they shouldn't waylay the season. What do I like the most? The return to health of Hamilton feels like a major storyline. He was uberdisruptive at the end of the 2022 season, and his penetration and stoutness was hugely important. We never saw that last season, with Hamilton missing nine games and never looking like the '22 version of himself. He has looked very good in the first 10 days of camp. If he's the full version of himself, the Jaguars' defensive front is significantly more effective and more consistent than last season.

Alan from Ellington, CT

Have you ever told Gary he is very creative?

I speak to Gary when spoken to. That's all.

Jonathan from Formerly of Jax Beach

Another preseason camp, another reporting of how great DaVon Hamilton looks. Other than injuries, why is it that this has never translated into a difference maker on our D at a position we do desperately need it to be?

I'm not sure this accurately summarizes Hamilton's career, but perhaps this is the perception. First: Hamilton – a third-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft – was very good in 2021. He absolutely was a difference-maker in 2022, particularly late in the season – which was why the Jaguars moved quickly following that season to sign him to a long-term extension that ensured he was part of the defensive core. Last season was very much a lost season for Hamilton because of a serious back issue that now seems resolved. Why have fans not noticed when Hamilton has been a difference-maker? Nose tackle can be a thankless position in the modern NFL. It's not a big sack position, and the NFL increasingly is sack obsessed. The good news for the Jaguars is Hamilton indeed has looked really good in this training camp. Stay tuned.

Paul from Lake City

I read about other teams with great quarterbacks who put stout, deep offensive lines in front of them, and I sigh. I wonder if next offseason, General Manager Trent Baalke might really go for it and sign TWO potential starters?

I'm sorry you're sad. Sadness can be, well … sad. And while you're not alone in your distrust of the Jaguars' offensive line, it's not as if Baalke has left this unaddressed. Consider: The Jaguars in the last 16 months have selected right tackle Anton Harrison (Round 1, 2023), guard Cooper Hodges (Round 7, 2023) and tackle Javon Foster (Round 4, 2024) while trading for guard Ezra Cleveland (late 2023) and signing center Mitch Morse as a free agent (March 2024). That's three starters acquired in the last 15 or so months, two since late last season. This after signing guard Brandon Scherff as an unrestricted free agent in 2022 and selecting center Luke Fortner in Round 3 of that year's draft. Perhaps people don't like the results or the players acquired. But to suggest that Baalke has neglected the offensive line or that he hasn't "gone for it" is incorrect.

Larry from Wattsburg(h), PA

When do fans yell "Move the Chains"? Presumably after a play that results in a first down? #moodachay

Yes.

Gator from Gainesville, FL

I hate Rob from the Duuuuuu. First moodachay had its time. It's time for GOML! And the defense running off pushing lawn mowers. Jaxson needs to throw fertilizer when he bungee jumps in. Next even I know gold ain't on no jaguar. He just dum.

Make love. Not hate.

Greg from Jacksonville Beach, FL

I keep hearing the secondary is looking good? Yes or no?

The secondary indeed has looked good early in camp. Cornerback Tyson Campbell as expected has been strong, as has veteran free-agent Ronald Darby. Another positive here has been rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones, a third-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. They appear to be playing fast and adjusting to the scheme and techniques taught by secondary coach Kris Richard and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. Safeties Andre Cisco, Darnell Savage and Antonio Johnson also have appeared solid. This looks like a secondary that could be improved. We're early yet, but so far so good.

Steve from Nashville, TN

I see where three high profile offensive linemen are in their contract year (Cam Robinson, Walker Little and Brandon Scherff) and a few other backup linemen as well. Hopefully next year's draft is a strong one for offensive line players?

Every NFL team has a position or two each season/offseason that need managing. You can't have every spot secured for the long-term, and the Jaguars likely will need to do some managing on the offensive line next offseason. The Jaguars like Hodges very much and would like to see him stay healthy enough to develop this season. If that happens, it wouldn't be shocking for him to start if the team opts not to retain Scherff. I wouldn't be shocked if the Jaguars retain either Robinson or Little. They also selected Foster with the idea that he could be a swing tackle or a starter in the relatively foreseeable future. Could the Jaguars need to address one or even two offensive line positions via the draft or free agency next offseason? Sure. That's not all that unusual.

Sam from Orlando

Is it true that Eugene "The Stomach" Frenette will be inducted in the Pride of the Jaguars? Something about a Sbarro's eating contest and someone almost losing a finger

Longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist, Northeast Florida cultural icon and all-around good guy Eugene P. "Gene" Frenette won't be inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars. He has far too much journalistic integrity. Now, as for next year's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest …

Kevin from Orange Park, FL

Gotta admit, Zone: I don't like Dewey being hurt. I never thought I'd say this, but we need him. Weird?

This indeed might have seemed weird a few seasons ago. That was when safety Andrew Wingard was perceived as a nice special teams player and little more. He has absolutely proven to be far more than that. He's not only a respected team leader, he's also a very good safety. I expect him to play at least a key role in some packages next season and I'm never surprised anymore when coaches increase his playing time. He's that reliable and that productive on defense. He sustained a knee injury last week and is expected to be out for an extended time. But indications are he will return this season. That's good news for the Jaguars because they need him. And that's not even close to weird anymore.

Chris from Jacksonville

Game week is here, Zone? Will the starters play?

Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson has outlined his likely approach – and he has shown this approach in his first two seasons with the team. He typically plays healthy starters in preseason games in which the teams do not practice against one another in the week leading to the game. The Jaguars do not practice against the Kansas City Chiefs this week, so look for the starters to play Preseason Week 1 against the Chiefs at EverBank Stadium Saturday. The Jaguars practice against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, so starters are unlikely to play when teams play in Jacksonville on August 17. Starters again likely will play against the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason finale at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta August 23.

John from Jacksonville

Hi KOAGF - I wouldn't print Gary's posts anymore. You're better than that. You are the KOAGF and it can't be denied!

I don't know that I'm better than that. I'm probably about that level, actually.