JACKSONVILLE – Look-Ahead Wednesday …
Let's get to it …
Daniel from Jersey City, NJ
O-man, how could we not pick up a receiver for rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence?
The NFL's trade deadline passed Tuesday at 4 p.m., and the Jaguars indeed did not make a move before that deadline. The team did explore the possibility of a trade – as it constantly explores all possibilities to improve the roster. And the team is very aware of its shortcomings at receiver. But the job of General Manager Trent Baalke and Head Coach Urban Meyer is not only to improve the roster – but to do so in a way that makes sense for both the short- and long-term. Yes, the Jaguars want to get better at receiver. But they weren't going to give up significant draft capital for a player who wasn't going to be here long-term. Or who didn't make a significant difference in the speed at the position. And the idea of giving up draft capital for a veteran on a 1-6 team didn't have much appeal, either.
Ben from Cuba, MO
Alright. Obviously, we are going to be picking Top 5 again. Fine. No biggie. The top cornerback and wide receiver are still on the board. Both grade out somewhere on "consistent Pro Bowl" level with the ability to be All-Pro maybe once. Neither are expected to be Hall of Famers without help. Who are you picking?
I'm basically flipping a coin here, which shows how much the Jaguars need both an elite corner and an elite receiver. And if you had included pass rusher as an option, I would have taken that option because improving the pass rush helps cornerbacks more than vice-versa. But in the interest of answering your question, I'll go with wide receiver – providing that the wide receiver has the speed to stretch the field. It just seems the lack of that ability – and specifically, lack of speed – in the receiving corps this season is limiting the entire offense. As soon as I write that, I think of the team's struggles on pass defense and am tempted to change my answer, but I'll stick with wide receiver. (For now).
Don from Marshall NC
Trevor Lawrence looks like a young Peyton Manning with a stronger arm who can run. When he is standing deep in the pocket he looks like Peyton. Go Jaguars!
OK.
Zach from Washougal, WA
Tyrod Taylor, Teddy Bridgewater, Tuanigamanuolepola Tagovailoa, and now Geno freakin Smith have all looked like locks for Canton against this defense. I understand you can only do so much with what you've got talent-wise, but defensive coordinator Joe Cullen and staff need to make adjustments to their "scheme" or something. It's feeling like former defensive coordinator Todd Wash is still in town. Do we need to wait until they're able to get eight Pro Bowlers on defense again to see some good football?
The Jaguars have shifted in recent weeks from a predominantly man-to-man coverage defense to predominantly zone. That's a significant adjustment to make midseason. As far as how long the Jaguars must wait to play good football … well, they don't need eight Pro Bowlers, but they need better than what's here.
Tom from Nocatee
See I've already waited too long, and all my hope is gone.
What difference does it make?
Unhipcat from Carlsbad, CA
Hi, John. Jags better their act together quickly, or we'll be watching James Robinson carry the ball wearing a different uniform next season.
I don't expect running back James Robinson to be in a different uniform next season – and I expect him to play for the Jaguars. His contract runs through the 2022 season, but he is eligible to renegotiate his contract following the 2021 season; this is because he was a collegiate free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft. I don't expect this to be a simple negotiation; negotiations with young running backs can be tricky because of the perceived value around the NFL regarding running backs. But I believe the side will get something done. I understand if fans eye roll at this considering the recent situations with cornerback Jalen Ramsey and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Both of those players were unable or unwilling to reach long-term deals with the Jaguars and are now playing elsewhere. I do not believe the Jaguars' current decision-makers want that "trend" to continue.
Paul from Washington, D.C.
The Jaguars badly need a CB1 and WR1. Shaquill Griffin could be a serviceable CB2 and DJ Chark Jr. a serviceable WR2. With 10 games left do you see bigger position needs?
No.
Mike G from Mandarin
John, this is getting ridiculous. We don't deserve this as a fan base. We have been the punching bag of the league since Owner Shad Khan took over. This is beyond pathetic. And the product on the field is the reason why there is going to be about 20,000 Buffalo fans in the 'Bank this Sunday. Khan is turning this franchise into the Baltimore Orioles of the NFL. Look at the dwindling attendance numbers of the Orioles; the Jaguars better be scared if this product on the field continues to play the way it has the last decade.
You're right that Jaguars fans don't deserve this. Not even close. Everyone associated with the organization understands this, and no one in the organization understands it more than Khan. They will continue to work. Winning will continue to be the priority.
Bill from PVB
The Los Angeles Rams have figured out that drafting is a crap shoot and prefer known talent for picks. Should we go that route too given our mostly pathetic choices in the past?
No.
Gary from Suffolk, VA
O, my wife (Seahawks fan) and I traveled across the country for the experience of seeing our teams live and in a place we have never been. We both enjoyed the experience. It is, however, very noticeable in the talent difference all over the field at all positions. We have so much to strengthen as a team. I think it will take at least 3-4 years to build a competitive team. What are your thoughts as to why there seems to be such a talent drop-off from other teams to ours?
A lot of weak drafting – and a lot of players leaving and signing elsewhere.
Al from Orange Park, FL
"CBS Sports says Urban Meyer is on the hottest seat in the NFL." I think Urban Meyer is doing a great job with what he was given to work with. Everyone knew that it was going to take time. Am I clueless and out of touch? Or is CBS Sports?
There are many national media types who I listen to when they weigh in on national issues such as this. There are many, many, many, many more types who I don't listen to.
Jim from Jax
They will not win another game. Bank it.
We'll see.
James from Clarksville, TN (by the way of DUUUVAL)
Do you see the Jaguars making any moves to become more competitive this season or is what we have, what we have?
The Jaguars never will keep trying to improve the roster, but with the trade deadline passing Tuesday, teams basically "have what they have." (With rare exceptions, that's sort of the deal once training camp begins).
Cory Greco from North Bay
Just seems like everything the Jags do on offense looks really tough. Every other offense makes everything look very easy on us. How many guys wide open every game on our defense and I never see our guys wide open.
Fair.
James from Socorro, NM
Are the Jaguars doing as poorly as you anticipated? I had very low expectations but even those are being surpassed by the extreme disorganization on top of the lack of talent.
I thought entering the season that the Jaguars had a chance to win six or seven games if a lot of things went right. I don't think they're going to win that many.
Logan from Saskatoon, Canada
We are all used to losing. Been a fan for over 20 years and will be for another 20+. The benefit of poor seasons is high draft selections and plentiful cap space. Is the No. 1 reason we can't get out of the cellar our very poor drafting over the past 10+ years?
It's up there.
Craig from Ponte Vedra Beach
It's a shame the NFL is not like the real world where poorly ran entities go out of business. This team is a direct reflection of an owner that has no incentive to be nothing more than a cellar dweller. As long as he makes $$$ the team can perpetually be an embarrassment for this community – no matter how much he spends to pad his own pocket.
This question implies that Khan doesn't care about winning and/or that he is unwilling to spend what's necessary to do so. I understand the question because this is belief held by some observers. It is not a correct belief.
