JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Michael from Orange Park, FL

Classless. Completely classless.

You unquestionably are referencing Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair's hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the second quarter of the Texans' 23-20 victory over the Jaguars at EverBank Stadium Sunday. It was a hit that defined – and perhaps changed – the game, and it's hard to describe the hit any other way than classless. Except to describe it as dangerous, egregious and unnecessary. Lawrence was sliding on a 6-yard run on second-and-7 from the Jaguars 49, with Al-Shaair appearing to take aim and launch at Lawrence's helmet with his forearm. The hit connected and Lawrence left the game with a concussion. A melee ensued, with Lawrence lying motionless while being attended by Jaguars trainers and medical staff. Lawrence left the game sitting up on a cart, and Head Coach Doug Pederson said after Lawrence is expected to be fine – and obviously in concussion protocol. It was from this view about as egregious and intentional a hit as is possible. The play had no place in the sport.

Howard from Homestead, FL via Joal, Senegal

If the NFL is going to flag players for sneezing within five yards of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Al-Shaair gets a one-year suspension for that hit, minimum. Yes, that's a lot, but that is the standard the league set. If not now, when?

I would be surprised if the punishment is that severe. I wouldn't be surprised if it's really, really severe.

Izzy from Disgusted FL

The league should make an example of the Texan thug that essentially attacked Lawrence while sliding. There s/b a potential for legal consequences since the Texan player used a weapon (arm brace) to assault Lawrence as he was in a defenseless position. I believe this to be criminal.

I expect the punishment to be severe. I don't know what the extent of "severe" will be in this case. Yes, it was disgusting. And reprehensible.

Mike from Ponte Vedra, FL

Think the NFL will consider a new rule? If a player knocks the opposing quarterback out of the game with a cheap shot like we saw Sunday, then the offending team has to sit their starting quarterback.

I don't think the NFL will consider that rule. I'm not saying I don't see the logic and the validity to the idea. I'm saying I don't think the NFL will implement it. One reason is that I don't expect this to be common. The vast majority of NFL players wouldn't put another player's career in jeopardy in that fashion. It's an outlier.

Chuck from North Augusta

That might be the worst play-call I have ever seen in any game I've ever watched. Why would Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson even think about calling that play knowing Lawrence is hurt? I've defended him until now. His condescending attitude, throwing players under the bus, and now this reckless play call have worn his welcome as far as I am concerned. It wasn't a good decision to play to begin with, and this is exactly the reason why. VERY poorly handled situation by the Jags organization from top to bottom.

Fans can feel about Pederson however they like. The play-call on which Lawrence was a rollout. It wasn't called to put Lawrence in harm's way. It was a football play.

Tom from Duval

Can you explain the Little extension? He's not good. Our offensive line is a problem. He couldn't beat out Cam, who is not good. He's four years in, so a large leap in play shouldn't be expected. It's General Manager Trent Baalke. He is awful.

I don't have a great explanation on this one. The Jaguars signed left tackle Walker Little to a reported three-year contract extension worth $45 million with $26 guaranteed, a move announced Sunday morning. The deal makes sense financially considering the length and the player. The 2025 NFL Draft also reportedly is not considered great or offensive tackles and it also may not be a great free agency class. Those factors likely prompted the signing. The thought here is Little is at least OK, and former Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson was better here than you describe. Still, your point is fair. This hasn't been a great line and now the Jaguars are re-signing a player who didn't start on that line until they traded Robinson. It's a difficult one to figure on some levels. I'll reiterate what I wrote Sunday in O-Zone Late Night – that I don't know that the move indicates anything about the future in terms of front office and coaching. That's still not a great answer. Stay tuned.

Dan from Sofia

Hi, Zone. Did Baalke sign Walker extension or someone else in the organization?

Baalke is the general manager. He made the call.

Bryan from Petersburg, NJ

O-man, I'm a big fan of the Walker Little extension, but it scares me to think Baalke is safe if he's still allowed to hand out extensions. What do you think?

I wouldn't assume one has to do with the other. There are five games remaining in the 2024 regular season. I don't have a sense that Owner Shad Khan yet knows what will happen after that.

Tom from Duval

Jaguars safety Andre Cisco is just, plain awful. When is Baalke going to announce the extension for this homegrown talent who is part of our future?

Tom's got jokes.

JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL

After Trevor went down from one of the most blatantly cheap shots on a quarterback under the current NFL rules, the Jags scrapped and clawed their way back into the game. But despite showing some fight, they did not have enough talent to beat the Texans. It is clear that the Jags have substantially deteriorated since their 2022 division title and are no longer a serious contender in the AFC South. The rebuild needs begin now. What changes need to be made before the end of the season to begin the long climb back to relevancy?

Before the end of the season? What do you suggest? I'm not being facetious. I've just never thought midseason changes have much point. Your players are your players. Your coaches are your coaches. Your plan is your plan. That's how it is until the regular season ends and significant, long-standing moves can be made.

James from Socorro, NM

It can always get worse.

But of course.

Micah from Chicago

Everyone getting fired? Or is this level of incompetence still being tolerated?

I don't expect "everyone" to be "getting fired" during the regular season. I expect Khan to evaluate all facets of the football organization as the season continues and to make the decisions he feels necessary following the season.

Nelson from St. Augustine, FL

I don't believe professional athletes can be this bad. There has to be another issue with this team. I don't know if it's coaching or ownership, but something isn't right. The best part of this organization is the website and I feel sorry for you guys trying to prop this mess up. The decision to play Trevor speaks volumes now that he is hurt even worse. Peace out, Jags, you suck. I'm not sure I will see you next year.

One fer not much of nothing, I suppose.

Amy from Jacksonville

Win or lose I am a Jags fan. Yes, this season has been a bit less than, but that hit to Trevor could have been life changing. Here's one for the whole team putting it out there every week. Get better soon Trev!

One fer Amy.

Ed from Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl

My wife asked: Why did the Jaguars wait until the last minutes of the fourth quarter to play like they did. I have no answer. Perhaps you do.

Because they're not good enough to play well for the entire game. This is not a desire issue. It's a capability issue.

Randy from Way Up North

Why would the Jags even think about keeping Mac Jones? Is the plan to have an empty stadium?

Jones has struggled a lot in his relief appearances this season, but he showed why the Jaguars acquired him as a backup to Lawrence in the fourth quarter Sunday. He didn't play great, but he played well enough – and gutty enough – to give the Jaguars a chance late in the fourth quarter. The Jaguars' plan is not to have an empty stadium.

John from Jax

Hi KOAGF - We are definitely cursed. First, they take out our starting QB. Then, when we have a chance to make a stop and get the ball back to try to win the game, the refs miss an obvious delay of game on the Texans initial first down gain, keeping their drive alive. No breaks for the good guys this year...none!

The Jaguars are not cursed. Thinking there's a curse – i.e., that there's something about the building, city, the organization, the team … anything – that is causing the Jaguars to lose is pure and unadulterated silliness. C'mon, a curse? Really? A curse. Do better.