JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Chris from Tampa, FL
Sorry, but these press conferences bore me. The last one that interested me included the phrase "three yards and a cloud of dust." As much as I cheered that, I now wish we get could back to that. As it stands now with this team, I'll take that third and four.
There's no need to apologize for finding press conferences boring. They are often by their nature comparatively boring and overanalyzed, featuring careful CoachSpeak that only tells observers – and therefore fans – part of the story about what's really happening. They sometimes, in fact, tell none of the story of what's really happening. But NFL teams play 17 games every regular season and they only play once a week when they are playing. Press conferences therefore are the necessary bridge to feed fans' desire for the NFL in the long gaps between real stuff. I honestly didn't really understand the rest of the email. It sounded a bit like a press conference.
Tom from Keystone Heights, FL
Hey, John. I know this has probably been discussed, but I'd like to add my two cents regarding the "Tush Push." It reminds me of a Rugby play. I'd like to see it eliminated. What are your thoughts? By the way, the Jags stopped it twice last year!
We indeed have discussed the Philadelphia Eagles' so-called "Tush Push" play here in the O-Zone a lot lately. I agree with you that the concept of a quarterback being "pushed" en masse two or three yards seems more "rugby-ish" than "football-ish." I also would like to see it eliminated, but I don't expect that to happen this offseason. The Jaguars indeed stopped it twice last season. Yay, Jaguars.
Nick from Palm Coast, FL
That's the splash our new general manager should have made! Trading for Deebo Samuel … Could let wide receiver Christian Kirk go and maybe running back Travis Etienne Jr. Would have cleared cap space and got us an All-Pro for a year or two.
When in doubt, make a splash. #trademachine
Mason from Jacksonville
Hey there John, do you have any thoughts on the chances of Cooper Hodges taking over for Scherff next year at right guard? I know the last regime was a big fan of him. If not, do you expect us to draft a guard in Rounds 1-3 or sign one in free agency?
I do expect the Jaguars to either sign a guard in an early wave of free agency or to select a projected starter relatively early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Brian from Round Rock, TX
Should the new GM publish the draft board? The media would love that. I mean, his No. 1 job is to be open with the media. Should they have the media royalty like Gene Frenette approve of the draft picks or maybe bless the draft board. Of course, we need weekly updates on the draft board rankings so that the media has the best data for their all important draft boards. We can finally have our priorities in order. I'm so relieved. Now, who are they drafting. I must know NOW.
The season was angry that day, my friends. Like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli.
Charles from Riverside
Hello, John. In an article several weeks ago longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist and Northeast Florida cultural icon Eugene P. "Gene" Frenette wrote how Liam Coen at only four years old was sitting on the locker room floor after practice at South Kingston High in Newport, Rhode Island, when some coaches noticed him drawing on a chalk board. Coen, not yet in kindergarten, had correctly diagrammed the Rebels' wishbone offense with 11 players all properly lined up! So when it comes to football maybe Liam is not as young as we think, his biological age may not be an indicator of his football wisdom?
Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen indeed has been immersed in football from a young age. Drawing plays as a 4-year-old didn't guarantee he would be something of a football prodigy, but his career to date suggests that. Remember, too: Coen is 39. That's historically young for an NFL head coach. But that history is changing and it's not incredibly young these days.
Limo Bob from Neptune Beach, FL
Will the Jaguars' 2027 games be in Orlando or Gainesville? Will the Jags go by bus the same day as game or the night before? Is this Boselli's department?
The site of the Jaguars' 2027 home games – when EverBank Stadium will be unavailable because of renovations – has yet to be determined, though I expect a decision relatively soon. Though travel details also have yet to be determined because we're two years away from 2027, I expect the Jaguars will travel to the site the night before the game. Yes, transportation is Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli's department, but Coen will make decisions such as when to travel.
Levi from Huntsville, AL
They should ask Bruce Smith to fill Tony's radio spot. Heh.
I doubt Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith would have much interest in the gig.
Sean from Oakleaf, FL
Who are you looking at from last year's draft class or undrafted free agents to have a break out season in year two?
Questions about "breakout" seasons are a little tricky because different people define "breakout" differently. I expect second-round defensive tackle Maason Smith to continue the ascension and improvement he showed last season, and I expect fourth-round defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson to show more with more opportunities. I also expect cornerback Jarrian Jones to make a second-season jump after what I thought was a really good rookie season.
Bradley from Sparks, NV
I don't know who has final say unless it becomes physical, then I know who has final say?
Good eye. That's when longtime Florda Times-Union sports columnist and Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P. "Gene" Frenette enters the equation. Then it's decided.
Scott from Fernandina Beach, FL
To date, Luke Fortner has not been a startling level center, and with Mitch Morse's best days behind him. Do you think center should be a draft target?
I expect the Jaguars will examine this closely.
Greg from Section 122, Jacksonville, FL
So, a follow to the question about fanning. I get your position requires objectivity and distance. So personal question. Hypothetically speaking if tomorrow you had a new job in Duval not involving the Jags would you be a fan? Do you actually enjoy football outside your job or is this simply a gig for you? I know like Gordon Ramsey being a chef isn't a job, it's his passion he loves cooking. I was trying to understand if any level of that exists for you? I am certain when the Jags win that Super Bowl, Frangie will be yelling at the top of his lungs. You going to resist joining him in the moment? If not, I will fan for the both of us in that moment.
I don't know how I will feel about the Jaguars when/if I no longer work for the organization. If I leave on good terms, I expect I will hope they win. If – as expected – I am shown the door in a pool of shame and regret, I don't know how I will feel. Circumstances dictate everything.
Guy drinking from a brown bag in a park near John's house
You know where to find me.
Indeed I do.
Shawn from Pinehurst, NC
Does Bucky Brooks and Pete Prisco work for the Jags in some capacity or do they just always handle Jags news for their current jobs because they worked for the Jags in the past? I will miss the banter between Pete and Tony.
Bucky Brooks of the NFL Network and Pete Prisco of CBS Sports both appear regularly on shows on the Jaguars Network. Many people will miss the Monday Jaguars Happy Hour Show that featured Prisco and Boselli. The two had a great rapport with each possessing a wealth of NFL knowledge. It was a cool show, but Boselli is now doing what he is meant to do.
Hilarious from Funnytown
For those wanting an edge out of coach, think about Urban Meyer. I mean, he kicked the kicker. Allegedly.
Yes.
Don from Marshall NC
I would bet a dollar to a doughnut that Travis Hunter is not going to fall past the Jaguars. He is one of those guys! Go Jaguars!
When it comes to believing in Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, Don remains "all in."
Brian from Round Rock, TX
I think we know who has the final say. It's the guy that they all report to. Also, we know which leader has the most power. It's the son of the guy with final say. Khan's in charge. This is THE story of the off-season. The hacks can bury the lead all they want.
What is that? A Titleist?
