JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Jarret from Crosby, ND

I've never been one to believe in curses before, Zone, but I'm at the point where I have no other way to make sense of this. How do you explain this level of incompetence year in and year out, over and over, again and again by a team that is supposed to be composed of professionals? I feel like if Trevor were on any other team he'd be competing for Super Bowls every year, but something about this team, this culture, this staff, this building ... it's just not working!

This sentiment is more than understandable. The Jaguars won nine games each of the last two regular seasons – and after an 18-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns Sunday in a Week 2 game, they're 0-2 to start a 2024 season in which muuuuch more was expected. When teams start seasons losing their first two games amid high expectations, outsiders are going to question everything – even the building – and those questions are more than fair. Despite you giving in to your lesser self, the Jaguars are not cursed. Through two regular-season games they are a frustrating team that's again failing to make clutch plays and that seemed perplexingly out of sorts on Sunday. That's disturbing stuff and must get fixed. One thing I liked along these lines on Sunday was quarterback Trevor Lawrence's approach during his postgame media availability. He spoke with an authority and urgency that I'm not certain we've heard from him before. This is his team more than it is anyone else's and he clearly has reached his limit when it comes to avoidable errors and inexplicable discombobulation. He said he and everyone else involved – players and coaches – must do better moving forward. They were things many coaches and quarterbacks say after losses, but Lawrence's tone was that enough was enough. He must play better, but he also must lead with authority – and Sunday felt like an "authoritative" moment. I'm very curious how the Jaguars respond this week. It's critical.

Kelton from Three Forks, MT

I like that Trevor was pissed off in the postgame interview. I can't remember a time he came across that pissed off and was calling everyone out. I feel we need more of that from him. Someone needs to wake this time up and fast.

It was very encouraging. It was maybe the most obviously and indisputably encouraging happening from an otherwise gloomy Sunday. It's his team. He clearly didn't like how his team played Sunday. He wants it stopped. We'll see where it goes.

Daniel from Johnston, IA

The point differential was about the same but was this loss to the Browns better or worse than last year?

A loss is a loss is a loss is a loss.

Patrick Section 119

What's the purpose for postgame press conferences if it's just going to be a few minutes of coach speak?

This usually is a fair question because many press conferences – postgame and otherwise – indeed are more Coach Speak than Real Speak. But I do wonder about the timing of the question in this case because the Jaguars' post-game press conference after the loss to the Browns were unusually revealing. Head Coach Doug Pederson was clearly frustrated at his team's inability to close games and – as already mentioned in this O-Zone – Lawrence was clearly frustrated and transparent. There was notable honesty from each party. If you watched Sunday, you saw a lot more Real Speak than Coach Speak or Quarterback Speak.

P Funk from Murray Hill

What do the smart football people you speak with think of Trevor's pocket awareness?

That it's improving and still must improve more.

Tom from Charlottesville, VA

What happened to Tank on Sunday?

Jaguars second-year running back Tank Bigsby sustained a shoulder injury returning a first-half kickoff Sunday. He was X-Rayed and returned to the game.

Jeremy from Riverview

I'm too old for this. I can barely remember a time before the Jaguars. Getting my hopes up each offseason just to see the team let me down is killing me. I honestly don't know if I can fan anymore. Smh

Being a fan of a professional football team about which you feel passionately is difficult sometimes. This is one of those times.

Bo from Winter Springs, FL

Admit it, you're wrong. It is the same old Jaguars. Different faces same results. Doomed to be bottom dwellers forever.

I have no issue admitting I'm wrong. I have enough hard-won experience in this area that it's actually among my many strengths. But I'm not sure where I have erred here. I didn't know how good the Jaguars would be this season and therefore made no rash predictions. I certainly never said nor wrote that they would be great because I wasn't sure that would be the case. I thought perhaps they could win nine or ten games, but I wasn't certain. I am surprised the Jaguars' offense has struggled to this degree. So maybe I was wrong there. See? There I go again.

Ric from Jax Beach

Ok, glass-is-half-full time. The loss was brutal but some bright spots for sure. Tight end Brenton Strange looked solid in his first real "leading man" opportunity. Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. continues to impress. Cornerback Montaric Brown looks like he's going to be able to hold down the fort for us. Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen had four quarterback hits and a sack. Outcome was bad but some bright spots out there, for sure!

Sounds like you saw 'em.

Mark from Des Moines, IA

What are Jag fans to do, O? Every year it seems like the Jags lose games due to mental lapses. They definitely haven't played a complete game yet but have played well enough to still get a win. Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. scores in week 1 and we don't illegal shift on wide receiver Christian Kirk's touchdown Sunday and we'd be looking at a different story. Instead, Jag fans are already ready to wave the white flag. How does the team fix this so I can wear my jersey around town with pride again?

I don't know what tell Jaguars fans "to do." What can a fan do aside from watch or not watch – and, of course, have their hearts ripped from their collective chests when they lose? And yes … the Jaguars have lost often in recent seasons because of mental lapses. They darned sure lost on Sunday because of mental lapses. This is not uncommon. The Jaguars have a good roster. I don't know that it's a great roster, but it's a roster capable of winning. This is true of most NFL rosters. Most NFL teams win and lose because of a few big plays throughout games and many losses are because of mental lapses. When the Jaguars reduce those lapses, they will be a much better team. I don't know when that will happen. Perhaps someone else does. I would read that person's mailbag.

Brad from Yankton, SD

"I see you, Gene!"

I smiled at that, too.

Aaron from Jacksonville

I just don't know what the problem is. I think Doug is a good coach, I think we have good players, but yet we just can't play well consistently. There are flashes and drives where we look like a dominant team, but we've just given away these last two games? If the problem isn't the coach or the players, what can we even change to find improvements?

There were problems everywhere Sunday. Serious problems. The major problem was communication. This is fixable. It's time to fix it.

Brendan from the Moral High Ground

Can you help me make sense of it all? Sincerely, a frustrated Jags fan.

Text me.

Jensen from Lake Jackson

John, I'm disappointed. Heads need to roll soon if this continues.

In Week 3? C'mon.

Jack from Sleezburg

KOAF. What are your thoughts on the offensive line? And why is it truly offensive to watch?

I think the offensive line had some really bad moments Sunday. I also think more players could have been made when they had good moments. I think Lawrence could have done a better job on plays getting rid of the ball and making the offensive line's bad moments not seem as bad. I think there usually is more than one reason an offensive line looks bad, and I think while the line could have played better there were many reasons it looked bad Sunday.

Chuck from Lancaster SC

I really thought this year would be different. I guess I drank too much of the teal Kool-Aid. As you've said many times, it's not just one thing. The offensive line, drops, play calling, miscommunication, clock management and game planning. BTJ has been a bright spot. Hope they start executing soon so they don't waste the new toy.

Unlike me with my dark thoughts as early evening approaches a cold morn, you are not alone.