Join Jaguars Inside Report Senior Editor Vic Ketchman as he tackles the fans' tough questions.
Bruce from St. Simons Island, GA:
Heard a discussion on the radio concerning the best NFL defensive lines of all time. I agreed with comments made that the success of an NFL team depends on the skills on both the defensive and offensive lines. Certainly, the Steeler teams you covered, as well as Cowboys, Vikings, Redskins and, now, the Patriots and Panthers all had that in common. Since I value your opinion, what do you think is the current status of the Jags defensive and offensive lines? I believe they are the future hope of the team. Also, do you think there are any linemen in the draft who are worthy of a ninth pick?
Vic: Tom Coughlin began a program of reconstruction on the offensive and defensive lines in his final two seasons as coach. It produced Marcus Stroud and Maurice Williams in the 2001 draft, and John Henderson and Mike Pearson the following year. Last spring, the Jaguars added Vince Manuwai. They need to address the defensive end positions, but I think it's fair to say the two lines are the strength of this team. Top line candidates in this year's draft include Robert Gallery, Shawn Andrews, Vince Wilfork, Kenechi Udeze and Will Smith.
Wes from Clermont, FL:
I enjoy your insight and humor. I thought the Patriots' offensive line was outstanding throughout the postseason, and they were the difference in the Super Bowl. Has the Super Bowl MVP ever been awarded to more than one person in the same game?
Vic: The MVP trophy for Super Bowl 12 was shared by Randy White and Harvey Martin.
Gerry from Toronto, Canada:
Found you yesterday, Vic, and have just finished reading all posts since Nov. 12; great work. Finally, someone who will keep us breathing through the offseason. Here's a rules question that we've tried to send to the league office a couple of times, with no response: On a kickoff, the receiving team muffs the ball, does not recover and someone from the kicking team touches the ball in an attempt to recover, prior to the ball going out of bounds. Who gets possession?
Vic: The ball belongs to the receiving team at the point where it went out of bounds. Rule 6, Section 3, Article 1, A.R. 6.18: "A free kick goes 12 yards and is first touched by a receiving team player. A kicking team player then touches the ball before it goes out of bounds on the 50. Ruling: Receiver's ball on the 50."
Jim from Ridgecrest, CA:
Vic, I was just re-reading the article about the Jags signing free-agent LB Jimmy McClain, and the article mentioned he will be one of six Jags players allocated to NFL Europe. I was wondering what are the rules governing assigning players to NFL Europe? Is there a limit on how many players can be sent, and do the players have any say in the matter? Thanks for providing us with an NFL "fix" during the offseason. I couldn't survive without it.
Vic: Each team must allocate at least three players a year to NFL Europe. Punters and kickers aren't included toward the minimum requirement, and teams may satisfy one year's minimum requirement in which they allocated no players, by allocating six players the next year. If a player doesn't want to go, you can't force him.
Skeeter from Jacksonville:
Vic, I really enjoy reading "Jaguars Inside Report." Now that the season is over, how often will JIR be published and will it still be available as an insert in the Florida Times-Union? Thanks and keep up the great work.
Vic: It is with regret that I inform you and Jaguars Inside Report's other loyal readers that it ceased publishing with its final issue of the 2003 season. Jaguars Inside Report had a nine-year run; from the first season in Jaguars history. I'll miss it.
