JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Seamus from Sioux Falls, SD

John-Zone, I am not one to say "oh, he's drinking the Kool-Aid." That being said, I feel like your bland shoulder-shrug reaction to the now-two-game London sequence does feel a bit "Company man." I request you play devil's advocate and point out the downsides of having two games in London, from the fan point of view.

The reason I haven't made a big deal of the Jaguars playing two games in London this season is simple: Because it's not really a change at all. This seems particularly true from a fan perspective. The Jaguars have played a home game in London every year since 2013 with the exception of 2020 season, when there were no international games because of COVID-19. They will play one home game in London this season against the Atlanta Falcons – and then they will play a road game in London the following week against the Buffalo Bills. The downside here in theory could be that the team will remain in London to prepare for the second game, which – in theory – could hurt preparations. We won't know if that indeed is a downside until they do it. My guess is it won't be a problem. If it is, I doubt the Jaguars will be warm to playing back-to-back weeks in London in the future. I sense by your question perhaps you think I'm drinking the Kool-Aid regarding what two games mean for the Jaguars' future in Jacksonville. Construction on the Miller Electric Center is wrapping as I write this, and the Jaguars recently announced plans for the Stadium of the Future in downtown Jacksonville. Those aren't the actions of a team looking to move, and a road game in London doesn't change that dynamic. If that's a bland reaction, maybe it's because it warrants nothing spicier.

Tim from Fernandina Beach, FL

John, I know you could give a flip on the national media coverage of the Jags, but what about Pro Football Focus? They supposedly have someone watching and grading every play in an unbiased fashion. You have said you can't grade performance unless you know each player's responsibility on the play. Is there a role for PFF grades to anyone but fans?

Pro Football Focus, like most tools to analyze the NFL, is fine when used as such: a tool. And when the grades are kept in perspective. Teams subscribe to their service and use their grades to assist analyzing players, opponents, game strategy, etc. That is not the same thing as saying, "Well, PFF says Player A isn't a Top 10 player at his position so he must suck." A PFF grade is one way to help assess a player. Seen through that lens, it's great.

Steve from Hilton Head, SC

John, I don't have an MBA in finance, but I know a few folks who do. Your readers will be shocked to know that the goal of a shrewd investor is to minimize risk for maximum reward. The lead investor (owner) will put in enough money to attract other investors. However, as the lead investor, they will have more control over the entire process. Hopefully in the end their gains will be greater.

Pretty much.

Dallas from Sioux Falls, SD

At first, the concept of picking players who "fit the culture of our locker room" sounded very much like buzzwords. After multiple interviews, I'm starting to see just how big that is. I recently read Zay Jones' interview on Go Long (if only I could hyperlink that article) and was stunned by his backstory and how much he revealed. The stat of having more catches than any other receiver in NCAA history, then followed up by him living in Buffalo eating just PB&J, had me eating humble pie. It's almost like Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson knows what he is doing! That has to be something that you have noticed in your multiple years being around the Jags and the plethora of players that have come through. Would you say it's a notable difference compared to, say, the 2017 team?

You're referencing this recent story by Tyler Dunne on Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones. It's indeed a revealing story into the background of a player who has overcome much to be where he is today – and it's well worth the read. As for your point … yes, Pederson and General Manager Trent Baalke have done remarkable work building the culture of this team in a very short time. Part of what makes this team's recent turnaround so remarkable is just that – because when you're putting together pieces through free agency as the Jaguars did in 2022, it's easy to bring in players who don't quite mesh or don't "buy in." The '22 free agent class of players such as Jones, wide receiver Christian Kirk, linebacker Foye Oluokon, tight end Evan Engram and right guard Brandon Scherff immediately became part of the team's core and became leaders. As for comparisons to the '17 team … that team was what it was: A talented young team with powerful personalities. It had its day. Let's just say cracks formed in its foundation when things didn't go well. My sense is this team will hold together better in adversity. Time will tell.

Carlos from Mexico City, Mexico

I may be one of the older ones on here, but I remember a couple of years ago when the Jags had to play in "Jacksonville Municipal Stadium" for a season because they couldn't sell the naming rights, while Las Vegas and Los Angeles where both looking to lure teams away from their homes. Those were not fun times. It's quite incredible we're now talking about a Stadium of the Future right at home, so here's one fer Jaguars Owner Shad Khan and everyone that has worked so hard to keep the team where it belongs through these uncertain years. Disclosure: I don't live in Jacksonville, but I try go to a game once a year, and I'm happy to spend my money there and nowhere else. Go Jags!

One fer Khan.

Brad from Orange Park, FL

EverBank Field always sounded better than TIAA Bank Field. Has any NFL stadium reverted back to a previous name of the stadium? I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess "no."

I'm going to guess "yes," but that's just me being argumentative. It's also being changed to EverBank Stadium and not EverBank Field, so it's not technically reverting to the old name – though that's being argumentative, too.

Logic Guy from Da Beach

The City of Jacksonville does not have a great track record as a steward of taxpayer dollars. To be fair, this is par for most government agencies. However, COJ has some particular low spots. In the last 30 years, we have seen poor management of utilities, waste management, and a zoning department which permits dinosaurs to be built next to roadways and strip clubs next to elementary schools. In regards to contributing to a stadium remodel, at least COJ has the opportunity to fund something super awesome. Let's hope the decision makers see this, and I actually like the dinosaur.

One fer the Stadium of the Future – and one fer remembering to be nice.

Jimjim from Eugene

So, with The Miller Electric Center coming online as training camp starts and the moving of offices and locker room finish up, I was wondering if the team will still be using the old locker room before and during games? Is that the plan? Or will they strictly use the new locker room?

The Jaguars will still use the "old" locker room inside what is now known as EverBank Stadium on game days. They otherwise will operate out of the Miller Electric Center.

Bradley from Sparks, NV

I had a serious question about running backs but forgot it because am laughing so hard about your response to Cory from Alexandria. Poor Cory.

I am the king of all funk.

P Funk from Murray Hill

If/when stadium upgrades are finished and in full swing, what is a big-time concert Zone would like to see there?

I suppose I've aged past seeing most acts that play shows on the scale of the type that would play the Stadium of the Future. As much as I love everything about Taylor Swift's music and what she stands for, I sense I'm a little old for the crowd. And while I loved skinny Bruce, I'm probably not enough of a Springsteen fans to pay the Boss' current rates. I am, it seems, an old man whose stadium concert days have passed. Give me a good Steve Earle or Drive-By Truckers show at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall or Florida Theatre and this old geezer will be perfectly fine.

Armand from Jacksonville

During the offseason do the lineman get together and discuss how they can work together better?

Yes, every day during the offseason program.