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Jaguars News | Jacksonville Jaguars - jaguars.com

O-Zone: Darker days

JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Sean from Oakleaf, FL

Can you get into the details on how Head Coach Liam Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski's offensive scheme will be different from Head Coach Doug Pederson's?

Both schemes are based on "West Coast" offense principles, with Pederson's scheme generally more pass-oriented with an emphasis on calling plays based on the weaknesses and strengths of the defensive. The scheme expected to be run by Udinksi and Coen is more based on the principles of Sean McVay's offense with the Los Angeles Rams – which tends to emphasize the run and play-action more with an emphasis on dictating to defenses. All NFL schemes these days emphasize a lot of the same plays, approaches and concepts.

Jay from So Cal

It's nice for free agents to come to Jacksonville. Decent weather and the state doesn't tax their ridiculous earnings. Who cares about a Super Bowl when you can get the most out of your money? One fer Florida.

You're correct that Florida and any other state without state taxes is appealing to NFL players. You're incorrect if you're suggesting that signing with any NFL Florida team – the Jaguars very much included – means not caring about the Super Bowl and only caring about getting the most out your money. One fer Florida. And one fer Jacksonville.

Ryan from Orlando, FL

To add a few more nuggets on Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Let's start with it hasn't been officially called the "Citrus Bowl" in nearly a decade. It's hosted the Pro Bowl or some version of it six-to-seven times over the past decade or so. They are working on a $400m renovation to the stadium. You already spoke about the numerous high-end NFL level hotels in the city as well as an easy airport for fans. Parking at Camping World for fans is also much easier than at Gainesville. And don't forget that Camping World is used minimally through the NFL season while UF will have a full slate of home games making the field in pretty rough shape. Add in Orlando being the largest TV market to not have an NFL team and it also serves as an avenue for the Jags to add new fans. It's only about 30-45 minutes further to drive to as well so the addition time isn't crazy. So one for the Jags coming down to Orlando!!

One fer Orlando, I suppose.

Doug from Jacksonville

If I had to choose going down 95 or 301 to go to a game from Jacksonville, I choose 95.

… and another.

Deane from Hill AFB via Daytona Beach, FL

Yo, O-Zone!!! Since the Jag leadership is leaning heavily on "intangibly rich" and fitting into the ecosystem for the draft, are the Jags beyond the General Manager Trent Baalke years of making sure that our players have specific measurables for a position rather than looking at overall production? Instead of a lineman having at least 32-inch arms and has lower floor but "higher" ceiling, we actually take said lineman with shorter arms but has higher production against high level competition – i.e. Brandon Fiske. Just because a person has a certain measurables does not necessarily mean he can play the position at a pro level. What says you, O-Zone???

Most NFL teams have certain measurables a draftable player must possess. For instance, many teams won't select a cornerback who can't run a certain time in the 40-yard dash or aren't a certain height because the belief is they simply can't compete against NFL receivers. That said, it's fair to expect the Jaguars under General Manager James Gladstone to emphasize traits less than was the case under the previous regime.

Dan D from St John's, FL

Hey, John.

Hey.

Amy from Jacksonville

I would really love for the Jags to bring back the Mayor of Sacksonville at the right price. What say you, KOAF???

I would love for the Jaguars to sign veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell, too. So would most Jaguars fans. I think it's a possibility at the right price, but I think the price at this point would have to be really, really right.

Paul from Lake City, FL

I'm pretty sure that Urban Meyer would be included in a less official "ring of [something]" for the Jaguars. Rather than go into more explicit detail, I'll work on being "nice."

Good plan.

Socrates from DuvAll

Hey, Zone. This might be a weird one. We're about to merge into the paradoxical, but can I get a one fer the comments section (which exists nowhere on this plane)? I'm a daily reader but I always check the ethereal realm for the latest updates and rumors. It's an awesome resource and much faster than national/local media. Alas Zone, an honest man is always a child.

What's a "comments section?"

Dan from St John's, FL

In light of the long history of new leadership coming into Jax proclaiming that the dark, gloomy days of defeat are over and a bright new era is just around the corner, don't you think this new young regime should let their words be few and just quietly work hard and prove themselves? The more they talk of grand and glorious days ahead, the more skeptical I am. Everything is new to them but not to us. Don't you think less words and more sober diligence would be a more appropriate vibe in this context?

The Jaguars' new decision-makers have spoken during a few media availabilities and answered questions. They have spoken of changing culture and bringing a winner to Jacksonville. They have not to my knowledge spoken any more grandly or gloriously than any new NFL decision-makers I've been around. Remember, too: If these decision-makers had come in talked to no one they would be criticized for that. Bottom line: This group is working hard and is plenty diligent. Just because they're doing their best to keep fans informed of their thoughts and actions as they do so doesn't make them less diligent or hard-working.

Richard from Jacksonville

If we sign Johnson, does he start or is he the swing tackle?

Jaguars 2025 Training Camp begins in late July.

Woody from Dunlap

KOAF: Have recently read several "sports news" sources say the Jags are entertaining offers for Travon Walker. When no less than future Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin calls Travon a "wrecking ball," I figured we had something special. Travon's durability, ability to stifle the runs plus get after the quarterback certainly substantiates Coach Tomlin's assessment. Please assure me these stories are not to be taken seriously! I am already getting excited about a starting front four of Walker and Josh Hines-Allen at the edges and Maason Smith with Mason Graham at defensive tackle.

Sports news sources are not all created equal. I would be stunned if the Jaguars trade defensive end Travon Walker. They're trying to get better around here, not worse.

Rick from Jacksonville

Are the Jaguars better now than they were two weeks ago?

They believe they are. The thought here is they're closer to the team they want to be than they were two weeks ago. That should mean better. Stay tuned.

Brian from Gainesville, FL

Big O, thinking about your answer to the question about resurgent quarterbacks who were seen as busts. I know Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is not a bust. But the guy came into the league as God's gift to quarterbacking and had never lost a regular-season game until he was in the NFL. Does he have a shot at being a Josh Allen/Joe Burrow-level quarterback in this league?

I absolutely believe Lawrence can be a front-line quarterback in the NFL, meaning I believe he can get the Jaguars to the postseason consistently. Players such as Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow are at the next level, which means raising the play of others to the point they can routinely get you into the postseason with revolving personnel. I believe Lawrence can get there, but he must make significant improvement in consistency and decision-making to get there.

Jim from DBS

Not a Jaguars question but can you explain why ANY team would sign Aaron Rodgers? He is at the end of his career, was a problem with the New York Jets, and would only be around for a year or two which would delay anyone from developing. Plus, he seems to be a jerk.

Because quarterback matters – and because he's usually good. And when Rodgers is good, he's very good. Quarterback. Always quarterback.

Sal from Austin, TX

Can we call it the "Boss Zone?"

No.

Steve from St. Johns, FL

I was at the mall two days ago and your pizza place was closed ... gone ... kaput. What are we to do? More than just football in life.

Steve Martin once said, "A day without sunshine is like night." I don't what the hell to call a mall without Sbarro, but it sure ain't a mall.

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