Join Jaguars Inside Report Senior Editor Vic Ketchman as he tackles the fans' tough questions.
Ben from Jacksonville:
Please respond to this question; I've been e-mailing you for three weeks now. Who's wining the battle between McCree and Mathis? Do you believe McCree and Mathis are going to be good, young safeties in the NFL? Finally, what's the possibility of McCree signing a long-term contract after the season?
Vic: It appears Rashean Mathis is winning the free safety job. Marlon McCree already is a good, young safety, and Mathis may be on his way to becoming a great, young safety. As far as McCree's future with the Jaguars, I think that will depend on whether or not Jack Del Rio and "Shack" Harris believe McCree can make the move to strong safety. We'll have to wait and see how the season plays out.
Nate from Tampa, FL:
My question refers to signing bonuses. Reading an article on Warren Sapp and his contract situation, he made the statement, "I can't decide what Malcom Glazer does with his money." I have also heard that Dan Snyder can make all these big, free-agent signings because of his extreme wealth. With the salary cap, does the owner's wealth have anything to do with contracts or signing bonuses? This is bugging me, thanks.
Vic: The salary cap is the perfect antidote to combat owners such as Dan Snyder, who's incredible wealth and disregard for payroll structure would otherwise present a terrible risk to the future of the game. His reckless spending will catch up to him. It's only a matter of time.
Lane from Orlando, FL:
I was wondering how the Redskins are able to sign several players to large signing bonuses without getting in a salary cap hole similar to what the Jags did a couple of years ago. Are they heading down the same path or have they not had to re-structure deals the way the Jags had to?
Vic: They are heading down the same path.
Jake from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:
I read in one of your answers recently that Miami played in Pittsburgh in the 1972 AFC title game. I was surprised to read that, since I figured Miami had homefield advantage because of its perfect record. Can you tell me the date of that game and the temperature in Pittsburgh on that day?
Vic: The game was played at Three Rivers Stadium on Dec. 31, 1972, when the temperature at kickoff was near 70 degrees.
Michael from Daytona Beach, FL:
I wonder if it isn't time to go for a younger, more team-friendly editor? We could get one for less pay and have someone who values proven talent over unproven potential. When Garrard and Leftwich turn into Akili Smith or Heath Shuler, while Brunell leads another team to victories, we will hear from you to save the money and get another young hero.
Vic: I'm speechless.
Andrea from Magenta, Italy:
I'm a Jags fan who discovered the American football last year, but I have such a great passion for this game that now I'm an expert, considering the average knowledge of this sport here in Italy. So, my question is: I think that building a great defense begins with building a defense that can stop the run. But I don't see it in the Jacksonville defense and I'm worried about the season coming if that situation continues. Where do you think is the problem?
Vic: How you say? Fantastico! From so far away you have learned so much. Yes, Andrea, it's all about stopping the run. By the way, I am a huge "Godfather" fan. I have the trilogy. Is Magenta near where Michael's first wife got blown up?
