JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Jason from North Pole, AK
If I told you in August that Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence would have no fumbles and only three interceptions, that defensive end Travon Walker would be third in the league in sacks, that we would be 12th in rushing yards, and that rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. would be sixth overall in receiving yards and an absolute hit of a draft pick, what would you say the Jaguars' record would be? It is fascinating to me that they seemingly corrected some major issues from last year and still aren't winning games. What gives?
This is a good question – hence, I shall answer. Had you told me in August all those things would happen, I would have expected the Jaguars to be around 4-3 or 5-2 after seven regular-season games. As it is, the Jaguars are 2-5 entering their game against the Green Bay Packers (5-2) at EverBank Stadium Sunday. They lost three games – Week 1 at Miami, Week 2 at Cleveland and Week 4 at Houston – in the final :18, which means they are frustratingly close to being much better I in terms of their record. Those games were a matter of not making a big play or two at the end of end of games. Had they won two of those three games, the narrative around the season would be different. Had they won two or three of those things, their chances entering the second half of the season would be much better. That doesn't mean the Jaguars are good. It does explain at least in part, "What gives?"
Marcus from Jacksonville
In Doug Pederson's time as an NFL head coach, this being his eighth season, his teams have a tendency to go through difficult stretches – both in terms of the season and in individual games. In seven of his eight seasons, his teams have had six-game stretches with two or fewer wins. And we know that his teams here have had a tendency to disappear for a quarter or a half on a regular basis. Is this something to worry about as a fan? With Doug as our head coach, can we assume – based on history – that at some point our team is going to hit a slide that makes the playoffs a stretch?
Pederson has coached seven previous NFL seasons. His teams have won one Super Bowl, won three division titles and finished five of those seasons with winning records. Both of his Jaguars teams have had winning records. Perhaps Can we assume, based on history, that his teams will usually have winning records and contend for the postseason?
Riley from West Valley City
With linebacker Devin Lloyd struggling with covering in the pass game, how difficult is it to have him rotate with the defensive ends with the run and pass rush?
It's a completely different role and position, so it's difficult. Not impossible, but difficult.
Bo from Winter Springs, FL
I like what I see from Trevor on the quarterback sneaks this season. Looks like he has improved in this very important play. Tom Brady was the GOAT of many things, but his ability to quarterback sneak was probably one of his least noted skills. It's been pretty much a guarantee this year for Trevor. Hope he continues to find that sweet spot between the big guys up front.
Lawrence indeed has been better at this so far this season. That increasingly has been a big positive for a team that otherwise has struggled to be consistent in short-yardage situations.
Fred from Naples, FL
Is Jaguars center Mitch Morse a great interview or what? Very impressive.
Yes. Morse is a very good interview.
Rob from Jax
I know, I know, it has been a topic far too often here but at what point do you have to mix in some good football sense with aggressive calls? Can't you do both? Can't you find a balance? Let's say Doug doesn't carry a punter on the roster, could that be explained away by, "well he's aggressive, fourth-and-25 from your own 10, go for it because you know, he's aggressive." Is there a world where Khan pulls him aside and says enough is enough with bad football decisions being covered by the aggressive excuse? Thanks O.
I doubt Jaguars Owner Shad Khan is going to do this. He historically doesn't not involve himself quite so granularly in football decisions. I expect Pederson to continue to be aggressive on fourth downs in manner that annoys people with a more traditional approach to these situations. He once wrote a book titled "Fearless." This is how he coaches.
Bill from Gulf Shores, FL
Just an opinion here from a Jags fan since Day 1: I believe the Jaguars are so close to being great. They have cornerstone pieces in Lawrence, running back Tank Bigsby and Thomas much like the Cowboys had with quarterback Troy Aikman, wide receiver Michael Irvin and running back Emmitt Smith in the 90s. If Lawrence continues to improve, what pieces do you think the Jags need to add around them to break through to the next level?
Great offensive and defensive lines.
Daniel from Johnston, IA
I remember the importance of being nice, I just wanted to point out that former Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley is not exactly lighting it up in Tennessee. To all the fans that were bewildered why the Jags let him walk … probably time to admit management knows a thing or two.
The Jaguars tried to sign wide receiver Calvin Ridley this past offseason. It's fair to remember that management indeed knows a thing or two – and sometimes even more than that – but it's also fair to remember they wanted to re-sign Ridley. Credit management for this, though: There was a price they would not exceed for Ridley, and they wanted him back on terms that made sense. They stuck to their approach even when public perception was kind of noisy on the issue. That's not always easy to do.
Ryan from Reality
I understand it's difficult if not impossible to play two players at the same time when they both have basically the same role on the offense. But when one of them is an expensive veteran, and the other is a young kid on his rookie deal, and your team is extremely unlikely to make the playoffs - why in the world wouldn't we trade the veteran for whatever we can get and let the kids get more game reps?
Your question lacks specifics, but it sounds as if you're generally suggesting the Jaguars trade wide receiver Christian Kirk to allow wide receiver Parker Washington to play. Why wouldn't you do this? Because Kirk is really good and doesn't to my knowledge plan to retire in the offseason. Why wouldn't you want him on the team? Why does everyone want to get rid of good players?
Sal from Austin, TX
What's with the insistence on having to label our exciting, even exceptional, young players as "special?" It's an issue because it starts putting unnecessary expectations on young players, who might feel they have to start to press, when what they should get is the time they need to fully develop, but not all this premature "special" crap. Randy Moss and Jerry Rice were "special".
Thomas has a chance to be special. When this is true, it's OK to say it. Or write it. My impression of him is he can handle someone saying that or writing it about him. If not, he probably can't be special.
Bill from Hammock, FL
Zone, it has been a struggle for us to gain a yard on numerous occasions. It has always seemed like a quarterback sneak is a solid play that pays off often. However, there is always the concern about injury to your quarterback. In all of your vast wisdom, why couldn't a running back be used under center? Doesn't it make sense to give this a try?
A little, I guess, but do quarterbacks really get injured on sneaks?
Steve from Hilton Head, SC
John, What is the difference between a "wide out" and a "slot receiver"? They used to be called a "flanker." Does being a yard or two off the line of scrimmage make that big of a difference? It seems like there are just tight ends and split ends, like before.
A wideout – or an outside receiver – plays outside and is typically covered by an outside cornerback. An outside receiver often works outside the hashmarks and down the field. A slot receiver usually lines up between an outside receiver and the offensive line. He usually runs intermediate and short routes, working the middle of the field. These are generalities, but they explain the difference conceptually. There usually is a significant difference in skill set and the routes they are asked to run.
Marcus from Jacksonville
You are a fiduciary duty. That's all.
I've seen my direct deposit. I'd call me a #*!%& bargain.
