JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Bruce from St. Simons Island, GA
O, Here is a "glass half full" scenario: If the Jags can somehow win their next two "home" games against the Bears and Patriots, they could be back in contention for the AFC South (especially in light of the Houston Texans' recent injuries). What do you think is the possibility of this scenario?
The Jaguars play the Chicago Bears in a road game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London Sunday. They play the New England Patriots in a home game at Wembley Stadium in London the following Sunday. The Jaguars absolutely can win their next two games, and I expect they will be in position to win both. They have been in position to win four of their five games. If they play with poise and make the sort of plays they made at the end of a victory over the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday, there's a very good possibility they can return to Jacksonville 3-4. The Jaguars' season to date mostly has been about how well they play and how they handle big, clutch situations. I expect that to continue to be the case.
William from Jax
Two games in which we have the lead with about four minutes to go. You might think we would try to run some time off the clock, but instead we go three and out with six ineffective passes and run about 40 seconds off the clock. Any comment on this "strategy?"
Short answer: It's a good one. Extended answer: While I have received many emails along these lines after Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson took this approach late in the last two games, I didn't sense in "real time" that the strategy was off base. I didn't sense it upon reflection, either. The Jaguars in the scenarios you cite were ahead in the final minutes – by three points on the Houston Texans with 3:51 remaining and by seven points on the Colts with 4:27 remaining. The Jaguars did not throw six times on the two drives in question. They ran for one yard on first down in Houston and completed a short pass for no gain against the Colts. They therefore faced second and long with ample time remaining in both scenarios, so Pederson opted to try to throw for the first down and essentially end the game rather than run. This made sense because while the Jaguars are running well so far this season, they're not a great running team right now in obvious run situations. Remember, too: This isn't 1975. Many teams have to throw in "four-minute" situations to end the game, particularly teams that run the Jaguars' "West-Coast" based style of offense.
Tommy from Fernandina Beach, FL
Hey O, Ronald Darby seems to be struggling at cornerback and constantly being picked on. When Tyson Campbell comes off of injured reserve, do you see any chance that the Jags go with Campbell and Montaric Brown as the starters at cornerback?
I expect Darby and Campbell to continue to start when Campbell returns in a few weeks. But I wouldn't rule out Brown having a chance to move into the starting lineup at corner sometime thereafter.
Matt from Jacksonville
If the Jags come back from London 3-4, Do you see them making any last-minute trades before the deadline on November 5.
Perhaps. It will depend on the team's injury situation and the strengths/weaknesses that develop in the four games that remain until then.
Tom from Creekside/Fruit Cove, FL
John, I'm older than dirt and therefore not as observant as in the past. Please set my mind at ease on this one item. I spent some 75-plus years of my life broadcasting, writing about or actively watching sports. I honestly don't think ever covered a team which was as ineffective in the secondary/pass defense as my Jags have shown so often this season. Are injuries the reason? Is improvement in the immediate future? Will I be able to watch the opposition drop back to throw without closing my eyes in prayer? Is there a chance Coach P might recruit you as a defensive back? Thanks a lot for your indulgence.
The Jaguars' secondary indeed is struggling, though I can't say I've never seen a secondary struggle to this degree. I've covered the Jaguars the last 14 seasons, which meant I've seen a lot of "stuff" – and my guess is I've blocked out some rough stretches of pass coverage. What are the reasons? Injuries to safety Darnell Savage, cornerback Tyson Campbell and safety Andrew Wingard haven't helped. It also doesn't help that safeties Andre Cisco and Antonio Johnson have had some coverage/communication breakdowns at critical times. Can the Jaguars improve? Sure. Campbell and Wingard will return, and Cisco and Johnson are capable of playing without massive breakdowns. Pederson isn't recruiting me anytime soon. If nominated, I shall not run. If elected, I shall not serve.
Jason from North Pole, AK
Do you think the defense is starting to play poorly because we had four weeks of getting killed on time of possession? This leads to running more plays on defense, more injuries and dead legs. Just curious if that has contributed to the drop off. Feels like the combination of bad offense and these 12-plus play drives are wearing them down.
I think the Jaguars' defense has played well enough to win three times this season – at Houston, at Miami and home against Cleveland. I think it played awfully in a loss to the Buffalo Bills and played OK in a loss to the Colts before a fourth-quarter breakdown. It feels more like injuries/communication overall than being worn down. That's this sad man's thought.
James from Springfield, CA
So, I just looked at the AFC playoff picture. Are the Jags really only 1.5 games behind the 2-2 Chargers for the seventh and final wildcard spot? Win these next two in London and they are right back in it.
We're entering Week 6 of the 2024 regular season, which means 12 games remain. Yes, the Jaguars are a game and a half out of the wild card spot. Yes, that means they will get back in it with a couple of victories. But other teams aren't the Jaguars' issue right now. If they play better and win, they'll be fine. If they don't, they won't be fine.
JK from NY & Fernandina Beach. FL
John - It is hard to believe that Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrene is only 25 years old. Despite fairly frequent overthrows, some recurrent misreads and the occasional turnover, the Jags have a legit QB 1. Trevor has the talent and determination to excel. The wrinkles will be ironed out over time. Do you think Trevor will benefit or was developmentally hurt by becoming an NFL starting quarterback at the age of 21?
My thought is most NFL quarterbacks who are hurt by struggling early in their careers probably weren't going to be great quarterbacks anyway. Lawrence from this view has few if any mental scars from starting so young. I haven't seen him weeping in the hallway or sitting under Pederson's desk asking if there are monsters at the door – though I've seen some. He had a tough end to last season when he played through injuries. He had a tough start to the 2024 season. He's still seeing the field well. He's still playing with poise. He's still leading. He's developing. And there's no reason to think that won't continue.
Leo from St Johns
Hi John! Do you think Trent sensed potential issues at safety and therefore signed Tashaun? When is he able to join the team?
I think Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke knew this was a comparatively young safety group and that signing veteran Tashaun Gipson could benefit them in the final half of the season. Gipson can return in Week 7 against the Patriots.
Chevin from Jacksonville
Why is Arik Armstead not playing defensive tackle?
Because he signed as an unrestricted free agent from the San Francisco 49ers this past offseason as a defensive end.
Dwight from Naples, FL
King O……Did I miss something on this new love for Doug Pederson? Didn't he go for it on fourth-and-2 in the first quarter knowing his team has problems getting a first down. That field goal put tremendous pressure on his team in the fourth quarter with two minutes to go. Put your team in position to win. Not pray for a miracle!
I can't speak to the level of love for Pederson. I do know I hear more about the Jaguars not converting fourth downs in the first quarter and costing themselves field goals than I do about them converting them in the second and earning them.
Sam from Orlando, FL
Colts are one of the most injured teams in the league and we got into a shootout with Joe Flacco. Nice to win, but a ton of problems.
Art: The little lights are not twinkling.
