JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Josh from Atlanta, GA

Reading between the lines, it feels that – gun to your head – you would say that Doug and Trent are going to be running it back. I could be completely wrong, just feels that way in what I read. Only Shad knows, of course – and probably Tony (Khan not Boselli). So, with that said, what reindeer is the best reindeer?

There's no reason to read between lines, and certainly no reason to resort to the threat – or use – of firearms. The latter seems drastic, even with the Jaguars 3-11 entering Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. But let me be clear here: I don't have a feel either way if Head Coach Doug Pederson or General Manager Trent Baalke will return next season. I'm not "leaning inside" one way or the other. I'm not keeping secrets, primarily because I'm not in middle school. I just do not know. I am not alone in this. No one covering the team knows. No one to my knowledge around the team knows. This is because Owner Shad Khan keeps these matters close, which is exactly where he and all those named Khan should keep these matters. People outside that tight circle who say they have a "feel" or a "vibe" are guessing or speculating – the latter of which essentially is the former. On a more pressing note: I don't have a "best reindeer," though I do take issue with those who say "Rudolph." He strikes me as a bit of diva. Not at first, obviously. I mean after he got famous. Word is the guy was a lot.

Kei from Kitakyushu, Japan

Reports are claiming that Shad might give Dougie P one last shot in 2025. What would be the justification(s) for keeping him around when they're 4-16 in their last 20 games, the would-be "savior" of the franchise had noticeably regressed even before his injuries, and Dougie himself doesn't even look and sound like he wants to be there anymore?

Insider tip: Emails beginning with "reports are claiming" things about Baalke and Pederson will get what I suspect is a frustrating answer – that we simply don't know and that there's not enough insight to answer intelligently. We're indeed so inundated with speculation on this topic these days that we have forgotten that the reasons for any possible decisions are simple. Will Khan keep Baalke? Maybe, maybe not. If he doesn't, it's because he believes the franchise needs a new building and philosophical approach. If he does, it means he likes the player-acquisition process and believes that the franchise's foundation is in place despite a disappointing season. Will he keep Pederson? Maybe, maybe not. If he doesn't, it's because he believes the franchise needs different day-to-day leadership, vision and organizational tone. If he does, it means he likes Pederson's overall approach and handling of players and games – and that believes that the foundation is in place despite a disappointing season.

Brian from Round Rock, TX

This season is perplexing. It seems like the coaching on this team is so bad you can't really gauge the quality of the roster.

Does it?

Rob from Orange Park, FL

I fully realize that rotating players on defense and always losing is not the definition of insanity but it is insane.

There's nothing unusual conceptually about rotating defensive linemen. All NFL teams rotate defensive linemen. The Jaguars this season have rotated defensive ends Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen a bit "unusually" at some unusual times. The Jaguars rotation at linebacker and in the secondary sometimes this season, from this view, has been a bit much.

Marcus from Jax

If Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones doesn't find a landing spot as a starter in free agency and winds up back in Jacksonville as a backup, would he need to change his style of play to be effective in that role? It seems like right now he's playing like someone who is trying to secure a starting gig, which makes perfect sense. That has led to some costly interceptions. I'm not saying backups don't throw interceptions, but the role of a backup versus an up-and-coming (or comeback) starter seems to be more about managing the game. Don't do anything to lose the game if you have to come in for a series or two, and don't sink the season if you have to start for a few games. You don't have the be the hero, you just need to keep things alive until the hero comes back.

It's tricky trying to get inside anyone's head to know their motivation or their thinking – though a striking number of people these days believe they possess this ability. My thought is Jones' interceptions have been more a combination of circumstance and arm strength than trying to be a hero. The Jaguars aren't very good right now – particularly offensively. When you're not very good offensively, you find yourself in circumstances that make passing very difficult – i.e., trailing late in games and long-yardage situations. Quarterbacks tend to have to take greater risks downfield in that situation. Those throws get dicey without elite arm strength.

Andrew from Mattoon, Illinois

Has your therapist complained about the team during your sessions?

He and everyone else.

Nelson from St Augustine, FL

How to tell your team sucks without someone saying your team sucks? Read questions about what uniform the team is going to wear.

If memory serves, there hasn't exactly been a shortage of people saying this team sucks this season.

Sean from Oakleaf, FL

It seems like an NFL coach who does not complete their contract at two different teams makes it hard to get a head coaching job at a third team. The exception could be Doug Pederson who has a Super Bowl win on his resume - although Bill Belichick has a few on his and it did not get him a 3rd HC gig in the pros?

A third go-round is rare for any NFL head coach. I doubt Pederson will seek another NFL head coaching job whenever he is done with the Jaguars. That's not to say he wouldn't be a good choice. I think he's a very capable head coach. I just wonder if he would want to do it a third time. I'm not sure I would.

Don from Marshall, NC

Most of the coaches have families and those guys are connected to the job of the head coach. Many want blood now but it's not the right thing to do and wouldn't benefit anyone. Especially since we have the Holidays. If someone gets fired, then it's best to keep it proper. Go Jaguars!

When it comes to being fer compassion at Krimmatime, Don remains "all in."

Bradford D. from Orange Park, FL

"Change in leadership isn't always what's needed to change direction …". Would you be willing to expound on that premise in possibly giving an example of how that might be done? Because, all due respect, if that's a real thing and/or possible … I'm just not sure why we're 3-11.

Of course it's a real thing. You can change direction with a change in leadership or you can change direction by moving forward with current leadership and having players with potential improve, develop and start winning. The Jaguars are 3-11 because they're not very good, and the reason they're not good is because they don't yet have elite players who make big plays in big situations.

Art from Glassboro NJ

I'm glad Strange had a solid game, but he was a second-round pick. Isn't that the expectation? Overall, he was not a good selection at that point in the draft. We had holes on the line and we went with a backup tight end.

We'll know in the coming seasons if tight end Brenton Strange was a good or bad selection. I understand that people will think they know and say they know well before that.

Scott from Gilbert, AZ

Zone, I understand that we are on the road, but the fact that we are underdogs to a two-win team who haven't won a game or been favored in any contest since September should tell you everything you need to know about the state of the Jags right now. On a cold day, can you see the steam coming off this raging pile of a franchise?

I suppose being underdogs to a two-victory team is some sort of grand summation on the state of the franchise. But the Jaguars are 3-11 and playing on the road. Did we expect them to be favored?

Armand from Jacksonville

KOAF. You are the gm and have the #1 pick hypothetically what would do and why

I'm not the general manager and it's December 20, which means it's not the end of the 2024 regular season, which means we're not yet talking draft here in the O-Zone. Circle back in three(ish) weeks. That's when the draft talk here will begin.