JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Kenneth from Duval
Every time a trade comes up in this forum, you crap on the idea and yell "Trade Machine!!!" It's typical of you being a jerk. Trades do happen, you know? And is it so stupid for fans to want the Jaguars to trade Ngakoue for Jamal Adams? Seems like a win-win situation.
It's not stupid for fans to want the Jaguars to trade Ngakoue for New York Jets safety Jamal Adams. In fact, considering both players appear discontent enough with their franchises to want to be traded, the teams doing this would make some sense. But while it's my job to answer questions, it's also my job to answer questions with some perspective on how things usually work in the NFL. And the reality is there are a slew of teams that would be interested in trading for Adams – and a slew of reasons why trades are more difficult to execute than simply throwing out the idea for discussion. I doubt the Jaguars will trade for Adams because it seems it would be difficult given their salary-cap situation to commit long-term money and salary-cap space for a safety – even an elite safety such as Adams. But I believe what makes the trade most unlikely is the Jets would have to feel confident they could sign Ngakoue to a long-term deal – and that they would be willing to pay him what he wants. Teams not wanting to do that went a long way toward preventing the Jaguars from trading Ngakoue before the 2020 NFL Draft and I don't know that that has changed in two months.
Seamus from Vancouver, BC
I've been thinking about what the NFL might do if the season must be cancelled or curtailed due to COVID-19. I think it would be surprising if the NFL canceled the showing of games due to TV contracts and the $$$ involved. Seems to me if the live play were canceled, they would prefer to run older NFL games during those slots. I can't imagine the NFL being okay with a whole season without an NFL presence on the TV schedule, especially if more people are home watching TV during the pandemic. Do you agree? Also, how do you pronounce K'Lavon?
The NFL certainly won't be "OK" with games not being televised. Television money is the lifeblood of the modern NFL. And I suppose networks – particularly NFL Network and ESPN – could run classic games or other NFL-oriented games on dates and times when live games would have run. But those games wouldn't have nearly the ratings and wouldn't solve the issue of television money going to the league. The NFL needs live games; if they don't happen, the financial fallout will be significant. Jaguars rookie defensive end/linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson pronounces his first name, "Kay-luh-von."
Unhipcat from Carslbad, CA
Mr. O: Regarding when the streak is "over," nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell, no! It ain't over now, 'cause when the goin' gets tough, the tough get goin'. Who's with me? Let's go! Come on.
Countdown to the first email I get that reminds me that the Germans didn't bomb Pearl Harbor … Go! Three, two …
Hank from Orange Park, FL
Who's your all-time favorite Jaguar?
J.P. "Don't Call Me Justin Peter" Shadrick.
Don from Marshall, NC
The Jaguars finished sixth in the NFL last year in special teams. They will be better this year. Based on how important special teams are, do you think that would be a reason for not picking the Jaguars to finish last this year? To me, that is just one reason of many why the Jaguars will not. Go Jaguars!
The Jaguars indeed were good on special teams last season. This isn't surprising. Punter Logan Cooke is good, kicker Josh Lambo is really good and special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis is one of the NFL's best at his position. I assume the Jaguars will be good again in this area, though considering the possibility of a lot of youth on the coverage and return units I won't assume they will be better than they were last season. As far as special teams being a reason the Jaguars might be better than people expect … sure, being good there absolutely can be worth a "hidden" victory or two. If quarterback Gardner Minshew II and the run defense are good, special teams without question can make this team a little better.
Ricky from Jacksonville
We don't hear much about Dawuane Smoot? You never seem to mention him as a key player. What gives?
You're correct that I don't write all that much about Smoot. This is due in large part to me not being asked much about the Jaguars' fourth-year defensive end. That's understandable. He's not a huge sacks guy and he hasn't been spectacular in three seasons. But not every player is spectacular. Smoot improved dramatically last season and finished with a career-high six sacks. This came after a disappointing 2018 season in which he was inactive through much of the first half of the season. Credit Smoot for emerging from that period and doing what he needed to do to revitalize his career. He is entering a big year. It will be the final year of his rookie contract and he can set himself up for a role somewhere – either with the Jaguars or somewhere else – if he continues to develop as he did last season.
Cary from Dallas, TX
Everyone is going to kneel during the National Anthem and soon it will be so commonplace that it will lose its meaning. Future generations won't know how the tradition started and my great-grandkids will get upset because someone stands to protest something.
OK.
Cristiano from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hi, John! Hope everybody is well during these tough times. Your recent late post made me wonder: what about the streak? Any updated numbers available?
It's more than a few and less than infinity. Somewhere in there. Numbers really don't matter. It's enough to spread joy and have the undying love of all readers.
Sanford from Jacksonville
You are appreciated by many people who need a football fix. Thank You. I am a 33-year Department of Defense retiree, a Vietnam-era honorably discharged veteran and served my country well and honorably along with many others. There was an interview on 24-hour news about the arsonists saying the only way they can get attention is by burning and looting because no attention was paid to "peaceful" marches. The players must kneel for black rights during our National Anthem, all statues of anyone including abolitionists – and Lincoln – are torn down. I disagree with the serviceman who said he could not find a serviceman who has an issue with kneeling during the anthem. That's very wrong! Anyone who has been or is stationed in other countries and remote posts know the flag and anthem meant a little piece of what "home" and our service and sacrifice was for – whether my military brothers were black, white or whatever. There must be other ways to get points across more effectively. These actions get attention, but not the results desired. What is next??
I sincerely thank you for your email. I don't know that I have much more to say on the issue, but many O-Zone readers have passionate – and often well-thought-out – thoughts. When appropriate, I will try to post those thoughts. I won't post all thoughts, just as I don't answer every O-Zone question. As for what's next … I don't know. I'm not an expert on social trends. I just do the best to make this forum relatively pertinent, interesting and entertaining for those who follow the Jaguars.
Armand from Jacksonville
John: Retired vet. I have issues with the players kneeling for 16 Sundays then you hear nothing till next season. When players keep speaking out about the issues they are kneeling for then I can support them. Otherwise, I feel they are only bringing attention to themselves.
OK.
Arthur from Ormond Beach, FL
I am an advocate of the US Constitution and its 1st Amendment. I wonder how many NFL fans with strong opinions on the "Free Speech in Sports" debate have actually read the 1st Amendment. It does not say what some (many) folks think it says.
OK.
Nick from Palatka, FL
Zone: The highlight of my day was returning home Friday night, opening my laptop and finding a new O-Zone! (Pathetic or what?)
Your referencing Friday, when we at jaguars.com erred and posted the O-Zone late in the day rather than early in the morning. As often is the case when we have such a delay, we received a "flood" of – read: four-to-six – emails expressing to varying degrees concern for my health, anger at my incompetence and/or hope that I had contracted a finger-oriented affliction that would prevent me from ever again hacking out my daily drivel. On a serious note, I do appreciate those who express concern and appreciate those who make the O-Zone part of their day. (And yes, you're a little pathetic).
