Join *Jaguars Inside Report *Senior Editor Vic Ketchman as he tackles the fans' tough questions.
Jon-Michael Harris from Starke, FL:
What would you say was the biggest innovation in football? Some would say the forward pass, some allowing linemen to "hold," and even some would say the colleges putting together teams. What is your opinion?
Vic:
I'm partial to the forward run.
Sally Heykens from Jacksonville:
My husband and I are looking forward to the 2002 season. It will be really exciting to watch new players work together to try to win. If they do, great, if they don't, it's ok if they tried. In addition, with Spurrier at Washington, Gruden at Tampa Bay, Zook at Florida and the new coach at Notre Dame, this is going to be a fun season. Our feeling is we don't have to win every game; just play as hard as we can. We have always been favorable to the underdog. No doubt it comes from being a Gator fan for 60 years. What do you think about enjoying the Jaguars for just playing hard football?
Vic:
I applaud your attitude.
Aaron Fleck from Minneapolis, MN:
Hey, Vic, what is your opinion on Paul Spicer? Last year, he looked pretty good. Do you think there will be much of a drop-off between him and Wynn. Also, is T.J. Slaughter moving back to middle linebacker and, if he does, who will play weakside, Westmoreland or Thomas? Finally, any rumors about who Coughlin likes in the draft at the ninth pick or who has caught your eye?
Vic:
Paul Spicer is a try-hard guy who continues to improve his skills. Renaldo Wynn had the best year of his career last season, so, it might be a little unfair to expect an undrafted player such as Spicer to be the equal of a former first-round pick, but I think Spicer is a legitimate NFL-caliber player. With Hardy Nickerson expected to be released in June, it's logical to expect T.J. Slaughter to move back to middle linebacker, which would open the door for Eric Westmoreland at weakside linebacker. Westmoreland is a third-round pick who has intriguing speed and instincts. I have to believe he'd get first shot at the job. As for the draft, the current odds are the Jaguars will go for an offensive or defensive lineman with the ninth pick. Tom Coughlin indicated to me in an interview yesterday that his two lines are his primary concerns, and it's almost certain a quality defensive lineman worthy of the ninth pick will be available to the Jaguars. That causes me to consider names such as John Henderson, Wendell Bryant, Ryan Sims and Albert Haynesworth. There may be a slight gap in the offensive tackle pool at the ninth spot.
Gene Downing from Ponce de Leon, FL:
Is there any reasonable way the Jags could retain McCardell?
Vic:
In my opinion, it would have to include Keenan McCardell agreeing to a significant pay-cut, and that's not likely to happen. It would seem to be time for both parties to move forward in their lives.
