JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Alan from Ellington, CT
Do you think coaches from different teams have talked to each other about the kickoff rule changes and discussed strategies with each other?
Absolutely and without question. Coaches are like pretty much anyone in pretty much any field. If there's a new idea, or a situation they don't understand, they talk to peers at other companies – or teams – to better grasp how to approach that idea. This doesn't mean these coaches are doing anything untoward, nor are they giving away "state secrets." An issue such as the new kickoff rules – or how to approach a certain blitz, or a certain offensive formation – can be discussed without jeopardizing supersecret information.
Brian from Carlisle, PA
O, Do you think Lloyd getting bigger and stronger is going to translate to him and Josh being two of the more dominant pass rushers in the league?
Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd indeed recently said he has added about 12-to-15 pounds entering 2024 Training Camp and he is playing around 252 pounds. The hope is that this will help him be stouter in the interior of the defense and help him remain healthier – and better tolerate the wear and tear of the season. I don't know that it will significantly help him as a pass rusher, but that's not likely to be Lloyd's role. I expect Lloyd will rush the passer a bit more in defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's scheme, but he won't get nearly as many pass-rushing opportunities as defensive end Josh Hines-Allen. They're playing different positions with different roles.
Tony from Johns Creek, GA
What's that smell? It's Trevor Lawrence's training camp. Fans being fans, we don't care if it's early, we want signs Kahn's money has been well spent.
For someone so concerned about Jaguars Owner Shad Khan's money you could at least spell his name right.
Rob from Jax
True two-way players aren't coming back but just based on athleticism or skill set, who would you pick on this team that would have the best chance to go both ways? Might be more of a dead zone question but maybe you will humor me. Thanks O.
I suspect Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker would be athletic enough to be a blocking tight end, and many tight ends and linebackers athletically probably could play the other position.
Brian from Round Rock, TX
I saw a local sports TV broadcaster begging the Jags to deceive fans and observers by planning a fake wrestling style long TD from Trevor to the new first-round pick. It was quite a pathetic sight. I did notice that such a pass was completed. I now doubt it was real. How about you?
I don't doubt that you doubt it was real.
Jesse from Texas
I don't think it's completely fair to give Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson a bunch of credit for taking this team from 3-14 in 2021 to 9-8 his first year. When Urban Meyer was hired, the Jags had a lot of cap room, and it was Trevor's rookie season. They didn't use that cap room in '21. I believe the thought all along was to allow Trevor a season to learn the NFL, and then spend big in free agency the following year. While I think Doug is a good coach, the Jags' record probably would have improved in 2022 regardless.
If the Jaguars had finished 2-15 in 2022, Pederson would have been blamed for it. He deserves the
"credit" for when they won.
David from Oviedo, FL
O-Zone. We are playing a high-powered Miami Dolphins offense in Week 1 that has a lot of speed and tricks up its sleeve. It would be a nightmare if the Dolphins marched up and down the field on us. The Jaguars have a new defensive coordinator and scheme. Do you anticipate the starting defense getting more playing time in pre-season games?
Perhaps a series or two here or there. Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson typically plays starters in preseason games in which the teams have not practiced against one another the previous week. The starters usually play into the second quarter when they play. I doubt Pederson varies much from that approach.
Brian from Round Rock, TX
It seems that "observers and fans" do way too much observing and fanning over practice. I get why most practices are closed to the media. I guess at this time of year, when tickets need to be sold, the hype machine must be cracked up. I feel bad for the team, though. Idiots are out there adjusting their expectations and getting all worked up based on practice reps. Do you know what the difference is between a game interception and a practice interception? EVERYTHING.
Yep.
Robert from Elkton
In the base 4-2-5, I've read Lloyd will play the middle linebacker, so I'm assuming Oluokun will be more outside(ish). Can you describe what their respective responsibilities would be in the base? And I always thought of Oluokun as more of a middle linebacker, so what traits, strengths and/or weaknesses did Nielsen see in both to establish these assignments?
We're still getting a full feel for this. My impression is that Lloyd and Foye Oluokun generally will both line up somewhere inside "the box," meaning somewhere between the ends in a four-linemen base set. They each could line up in various places within that description. I expect Oluokun to continue as the primary defensive play-caller and I don't expect he will look like a traditional outside(ish) linebacker. Remember, too: Nielsen remains very much in training camp mode, which means not yet establishing a depth chart and not yet discussing defined roles within that undefined depth chart.
Larry from Wattsburg(h), PA
Do you travel to all road games as senior writer? Jags are coming to my neck of the jungle and perhaps you'll hear a loudmouth after the Bills leave the field...#getoffthelawn
Yes, I have to go to all the games.
Bradley from Sparks, NV
Sure, back-to-back 9-8 seasons look good historically, but isn't Pederson being evaluated more on the results versus talent level equation? Doesn't the "brass " consider the talent level quite high?
Back-to-back seasons look like winning seasons, and Pederson is being evaluated on his ability to get the Jaguars to perform given the circumstance facing the franchise. The "brass" is a pretty general term, but the team's decision-makers – of which Pederson is one – considers the Jaguars to be a team capable of contending for and making the postseason. The Jaguars have contended for the postseason in both of Pederson's seasons, making it in 2022 and missing it on the final day of the 2023 season.
Sean from Oakleaf, FL
I saw where during kickoffs in "windy" conditions a 12th player will be allowed on the field to hold the ball, but must exit the field immediately after the kick. Why not allow this all the time and make the kicker exit the field immediately so they don't get hurt. The "windy" holder can then tackle a returner if necessary. Float this up to Commissioner Goodell for me, please?
The NFL doesn't do this all the time because the spirit of NFL rules is that 11 players are on the field at a given time.
Julio from El Paso
2024-2025 predicated depth chart?
Predicated on what?
Marc from Oceanway
Zone! Don agrees with me that interceptions in practice can be a good thing! I was kind of excited. Does this mean that I too am "all in," or is this wishful thinking?
When it comes to interceptions in practice being a good thing, Marc believing he is "all in" with Don is "wishful thinking." Or something like that.
Stephen from 113 from Jacksonville via Pennsauken, NJ
John, I'm glad we traded the Dead Zone for the Panic Zone. September 8 can't get here fast enough. Thanks.
My friend the late David Lamm used to remind me when I said such things to not wish my life away. That said…
SCOTT from Daytona Beach, FL
Heard the Detroit Lions might be in need of a kicker. How awesome would it be if General Manager Trent Baalke could trade kicker Riley Patterson back to the Lions for a fifth-round pick? That would be like double dipping.
OK.
Paul from Lake City
Taking a moment away from making sarcastic comments to ask a question: How involved is the "learning phase" in a new NFL season? Today's NFL comes with annual rule changes/areas of emphasis, along with periodic changes in staff/coaching/players. Is it really like starting over every year?
This varies year to year, team to team and player to player, but yes … to varying degrees, there is a learning phase in every NFL season.
Armand from Jacksonville
Have not heard a lot about offensive tackle Walker Little or linebacker Chad Muma before the pads come on. How do they look?
Like players who play positions that are really hard to evaluate until the pads come on.
