Join *Jaguars Inside Report *Senior Editor Vic Ketchman as he tackles the fans' tough questions.
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Jim Zambelli from Jacksonville:
Mike Cummings from Jacksonville: Do you think the corners, Beasley and Bryant, have lost confidence in their coverage ability? It appears they don't challenge anything short and have trouble in man-to-man over the middle. Is this a result of confidence or is it the new defensive strategy to play soft and try to come up with big hits?
Vic: The Jaguars' defensive scheme has changed dramatically, and there has been grumbling by the players who prefer a more aggressive style of coverage. Fernando Bryant, who prides himself in being a press-coverage cornerback, has questioned his role in the new scheme. Dissent can be expected any time there is change, however, this is the way it's going to be and the players must buy into new defensive coordinator Gary Moeller's philosophy. Moeller deserves our patience and the players' commitment.
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Brian W. Fullford from Jacksonville:
I have a scenario for you. If the Jaguars have a season, successful or not, in which Mike Hollis plays a primary role in point production, will a strong attempt be made to keep him? Add to this scenario that the team struggles all year with field position from poor punting. Would Coughlin and the front office re-evaluate the logic behind the release of Barker and, based on this, take a different approach to Hollis? I know that from a cap standpoint it may be difficult to re-sign Hollis, but I think we all know that a team can find ways to make things work.
Vic: You may have answered your own question. It's all about the salary cap. Who wouldn't want Mike Hollis as their kicker? The Jaguars would love to retain him, but their cap situation is dire and that will probably leave them unable to make a "strong attempt" to re-sign him. Brian, it has been common knowledge for a long time that the Jaguars have cap problems, but I'm finding that very few fans want to understand and accept what that means. That's why I use every opportunity to supply cap information, so that the fans will understand the situation this team is in and how it applies to players such as Hollis. What am I doing wrong? What do I need to say to convince people that this team doesn't have the room to sign anybody above minimum wage?
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John Klacsmann from Fruit Cove, FL:**
I have two quick questions: Is Bryce Paup still counting toward the Jags' salary cap, or has that expired? Is Tony Brackens a free agent next year? Can he or the team void the remaining years of his current contract, say, if the Jags want to free up cap room for next year? I thought there was some type of voidable clause after two years, when he signed last year.
Vic: Bryce Paup is a $3.6 million hit on the Jaguars' salary cap this year. Next year, he will be off the cap. Tony Brackens is under contract to the Jaguars through 2006. His remaining bonus amortization is $6.9 million, which guarantees Brackens will be playing for the Jaguars for a lot of years to come. John, any team can void any contract at any time by cutting the player, but the amortization accelerates into that year's salary cap. Salary to be paid goes away when a player is cut; bonus money, or money already paid, does not. Voidables allow players out of their contracts, but they don't extinguish their remaining amortization. I'll say it again: You pay it, you claim it. That's the basis to the whole system. You can delay the hit, but at some point you must take it.
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Darryl D. Stephens from Garden City, NY:**
The Jaguars need an established fullback. Why are they not signing a FB like Charles Evans? He can catch the ball out of the backfield and provide the necessary blocking for Fred Taylor. They are making a mistake attempting to go into the season without a natural FB. What do you think?
Vic: The minimum wage for Charles Evans would be $477,000. If the Jaguars can find the cap room, he'd be a good addition, but finding the room would only serve to worsen the Jags' cap situation.
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Jacques Wright from London, England:**
I'd really appreciate hearing your take on the impact of Boselli's absence. Mind my barrage of questions, but so many thoughts come to mind when I reflect on this issue. How capable is Gannon Shepherd to sub for Boselli? Would he fit in the offensive line and at least maintain its form? Or would Boselli's absence really expose our offensive scheme, rendering the likes of Brunell and Taylor more vulnerable? What if Boselli can't return by the season opener? Do you think Tom Coughlin would rely on Shepherd? Or would he consider signing a veteran offensive lineman by the end of August for insurance purposes? Or do you think Coughlin has bigger fish to fry in the current instability of his wide receiving corps, and he would just count on Shepherd?
Vic: Tony Boselli will be in the lineup on opening day. In my opinion, that's the only option worth pursuing.
Andy Loosemore from Clyst St. Mary, Devon, England:
As a Brit who has followed the sport for over 21 years, I am just glad to see that I am not the only one confused about the salary cap rules. I am very pleased to see the good news on the Boselli knee injury. What impact does injury have on the salary cap? Does a season-ending injury create any short-term flexibility? What happens in the event of injury retirement?
Vic: A player placed on injured reserve is paid his full salary for that season. A player who is waived/injured may agree to a cash injury settlement. Both must be claimed on the salary cap because, if you pay it, you claim it. If a player retires, his remaining salary to be paid that season is deducted from the team's salary cap because, since they didn't pay it, they don't have to claim it. However, his remaining bonus amortization accelerates into that year's cap because, since they already paid it, they have to claim it.
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Esteban Tavarez from Rio Piedras, PR:**
You once said you wouldn't make any predictions until you saw the draft class and maybe a few games or so. The draft has gone by and there are two preseason games under the Jaguars belt. After seeing what we have seen, can you make any predictions on what the Jaguars season will bring to the NFL and us fans?
Vic: I put no stock in preseason results. This team will score touchdowns. My main concerns remain with the defense, a depleted roster and salary cap constraints that afford the Jaguars very little opportunity to address their immediate needs. I don't see the Jaguars as a division title contender, but I won't eliminate them from playoff contention. The September schedule is favorable. They must start fast.
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Vic Ketchman is the Senior Editor of Jaguars Inside Report, the official team newspaper of the Jacksonville Jaguars. One-year subscriptions may be purchased by calling 1-888-846-5247.
