JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Bob from Bobsville

John, It seems the Jags are more interested in saving face than winning. Trevor is not getting it done and they have a former first-round draft pick with a similar college resume available and aren't giving him a shot. I could see not giving a career backup a start, but Mac Jones coming out of college was considered a potential career starter (if not franchise level player) who has shown he can win. As a fan, it is hard not to think the Jag brass and/or coaches are more interested in not admitting they may have made a $55 million mistake than trying to win.

The Jaguars are 0-4 – and at 0-4, observers and fans understandably seek theories about Just What the Hell Is Going On And Why. While much informed and rational thought undoubtedly is invested in said theories, they're often inaccurate – and this is an example. You don't bench your franchise quarterback to give another player "a shot," particularly four games into a season. You play your franchise quarterback through difficult times. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence isn't playing great right now. He's missing some plays. He's missing some passes. He perhaps is pressing, or in a slump. But he's reading defenses well. His teammates believe in him. Coaches do, too. He knows what do. The Jaguars are not going to bench him unless it gets dramatically worse. Dramatically worse. For an extended period. This isn't about saving face. This is about committing to Lawrence for the long-term – and understanding that he's still clearly the best short-term and long-term option at the position.

Fred from Highland Park, NJ

With the success of some former first-round quarterbacks that were considered busts popping up this year, I feel like the biggest disservice to rookie quarterback is the current system of expecting them to be a Day 1 starter and get to a Super Bowl before their first contract is up. I have a feeling Trevor is one of those guys that would have greatly benefitted from a year or two on the bench to adjust to the pro game. What do you think?

I think this is an impossible question to answer with authority and it has been that way for decades. I think most young quarterbacks would benefit from some time to acclimate to the NFL. How much time depends on the player, his surroundings, team infrastructure – and the ideal formula varies from circumstance to circumstance. Still, the only way a quarterback can develop is to play, learn from mistakes and grow. That means playing – and the process must start at some time. There's just no hard, fast way to know when that time should come.

JT from Palm Coast, FL

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco is about to come into Jax and light us up. This absolutely should be a game the Jags win, but I can only see Flacco beating our asses like he always has.

So, one fer Flacco?

Don from Marshall, NC

Not being able to convert short yardage cost the Jaguars a division title last season. This year it is going to cost everyone their jobs. How long is it going to take before someone in that building can figure that out? I don't have a lot of confidence in a coaching staff that cannot accomplish this task. It was a problem last year and it's an even bigger problem now. I just don't understand the incompetence and why this is so difficult to resolve. Can we at least get an explanation from the coach as to why short-yardage situations are being designed by hogan's goat! Go Jaguars!

When it comes to short-yardage offense, Don is most decidedly – and rather passionately – not "all in."

John from Merritt Island, FL

Simple question … do people really think we would better off the dump Lawrence and take our chances in a future draft pick? To me that is crazy.

Some people certainly think this. I can't always explain how some people think.

Jaypee from The Vortex

I'm usually not much for questions about apparel. But when we win our first game this season – which will be in our throwbacks this week – can we wear them every week moving forward for good luck?

The Jaguars will be wearing their Prowler Throwbacks Sunday against the Colts. They are an alternate uniform and can't be worn every week this season.

Dmiz from Hagsonville

Yo, KOAF. You stated in a recent post that "What we don't know is whether this group can be the core of a great team. To do that, some of the players who are good for this team must develop and be great. They must make big plays in crucial times. That's possible. Young players can develop and do that." Isn't that where coaches come in and make up that difference??? By keeping the locker room, teaching resiliency, promoting confidence and CALLING THE RIGHT PLAYS is a huge part of that entire team culture. To me, this is where "It's always coaching in the NFL" holds firm.

Coaching's a part of it. Because it's always coaching in the NFL. Always.

Dan from Sofia

Hi, John. You recently responded to a question about the difference between NFL and college players. My question in that regard is how much time should we allow for such a players to develop? And the second part should the team be signing developmental players to a premium contracts? Also, I have noticed that most of the early Baalke selections are developmental players as the rest the league is picking players to contribute immediately. Thank you.

You allow players to develop as they develop, and you pay contracts based on how you see players fitting your franchise for the ensuing three(ish) seasons. Most of Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke's first-round selections have started in their first NFL season. Most of the second-and third-round selections have played contributing roles as rookies, which – despite perception to the contrary – isn't much different than most teams around the NFL.

Charles from Savannah, GA

Do you think Bill Belichick will coach again? If so, do you think he would come to Jacksonville?

I expect Belichick will coach in the NFL again, though I doubt very seriously he is looking for an assistant position.

Taylor from Columbia, MD

Are there any radio shows where you and Pete Prisco discuss the Jaguars together? I am interested to hear your opinion(s) on some of his takes. He seems to have a good, critical eye and to really care and want the Jaguars to succeed.

I usually have Prisco on an O-Zone Podcast and perhaps another Jaguars media channel once or twice a year. This is usually in the offseason. He appears regularly on Jaguars Happy Hour with the esteemed J.P. Shadrick and a former player of great humility – whose name I don't recall – on Mondays during the regular season. Prisco absolutely has a good, critical eye when it comes to NFL matters. He also does have an affinity for the Jaguars, as do I. We both covered the franchise during its expansion season and early seasons. When you've covered a franchise as we did during such an era, you always feel an attachment to it.

Zac from Austin, Tejas

I'm going to talk about stuff I don't know about. I think the revolving door of players on defense attributes in some part to the lack of takeaways. I think when a guy comes in and out, he doesn't "feel" the rhythms of the game. I think that's an important part. That's where sacks and interceptions come from - the one-on-one chess/boxing battle between players. While they are rested, it's like starting and stopping a book every four minutes.

OK.

Sean from Oakleaf, FL

Detroit Lions quarterbacks coach and member of the Jaguars Ring of Honor Mark Brunell seems to have things under control in the Motor City with quarterback Jared Goff setting an NFL record for completions recently. Do you think Mr. Brunell would be ready for the next step in coaching to a coordinator role next year in the NFL?

I expect Brunell has a good chance to be an NFL offensive coordinator at some point. Perhaps soon. When, exactly, that might happen likely will be about the particulars of job openings – as usually is the case with job openings.

Johnny from the '56 and Jville

My mother has developed a theory that the Jaguars' main problem is that it's very difficult to play football with their heads lodged firmly in their rear ends and that the act of removal will make a popping sound that shall resound throughout the city. Winds will follow. Will we be hearing a popping sound this Sunday?

Sure.

Bruce from St. Simons Island

O, Can we get a throwback team?

Sure.

Crash from Glen Saint Mary, FL

OZ! The losing streak ends Sunday. Coughlin's bringing the Luck of the Irish.

You go, girl.