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Jaguars News | Jacksonville Jaguars - jaguars.com

O-Zone: Ain't Tough Enough

JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Bradley from Death Valley, CA

The Jags lead the NFL in point differential; they are top five in both scoring offense and defense. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is first in the NFL in passing touchdowns, total touchdowns, passer rating and yards per attempt over his last 17 games. History tells us these are the type of teams that go deep into the playoffs. We also know that Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens have had similar teams over the last seven or eight years and neither have even been to a Super Bowl. Do you see this Jaguars team being different than those teams come playoff time?

The Jaguars are really good. The Bills and Ravens teams you referenced were also really good – with really good quarterbacks and potent offenses and impressive regular-season resumes – and indeed have thus far failed to make the Super Bowl. The Kansas City Chiefs and before them the New England Patriots – and a lot of other teams with really good quarterbacks and potent offenses and impressive regular-season resumes – in recent seasons also have been really good and they won a lot of Super Bowls. I think the Jaguars have a chance to be a really good postseason team this season because their defense is really good against the run and forces turnovers. They also are really balanced, with an improving and physical run game. They are explosive offensively with a quarterback playing at a high level. They also play hard and are improving. Are they different than recent Ravens and Bills teams? I guess. Can they play in and win the Super Bowl? Absolutely.

JK from Ocala, FL

O. Lots of talk about BJT being traded and lots of reports the Jaguars are keeping him. My view: Keep him because he is an amazing talent. Do you have any insights on this? Thanks.

It would be surprising if the Jaguars were not receiving calls from teams interested in wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. because of his skillset. It would be surprising if the Jaguars weren't listening seriously because he has caught just one pass for 12 yards in the last four games. This is a business, and the Jaguars absolutely should listen any time another team calls with legitimate trade offers. How seriously the Jaguars listen, and what they will do, remains to be seen.

Johnny from Howey in The Hills

Dr. O: So proud to see a wonderful young man, citizen soldier and exceptional player Rayuan Lane III with the recent recognition of being the named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week and the Jags selection to the Salute to Service Award program. As the son of a Normandy survivor and decorated WW2 Airborne combat vet, I truly appreciate his service on and off the field. As both a model citizen and terrific player, the Jags selected a great representative for both the team, the community and the NFL that certainly fits the Jag's "DNA" of exceptional players and solid citizens. Kudos to Ray Lane III. Gooooo Jags. Well done, young man.

One fer Lane.

Gerald from Chowchilla, CA

Almighty O. While I get that media going to downplay this victory that we beat up on a third-string quarterback, I can't help but notice that no one is talking about the fact that we beat up on their defense that is not missing any key players. We put up 33 points on what is a defensive-minded head coach. Just boggles my mind how the media likes to try to bring the Jaguars down and minimize their accomplishments, go Jaguars!!!

A lot of media and national types seem to be talking about the Jaguars in the wake of last Thursday's victory over the Baltimore Ravens, and with reason. There was a lot of praise in recent days for the Jaguars online and from people playing dress up while talking about the NFL. There also remain a lot of nonbelievers online and from people playing dress up while talking about the NFL. Remember: Respect is a mirage in the NFL. Someone is always going to talk about a team other than yours when you want them to be talking about yours. And someone is always going to not say enough nice things about your team. Worry about the results, not recognition or respect.

Limo Bob from Neptune Beach, FL

Calais Campbell might be the affordable plug in for our offensive line?

Not unless he makes a really unexpected and really interesting late-career position change.

Stephen from 113 Jacksonville via Pennsauken NJ

John, BTJ has fallen down the depth chart. So what? Big deal. He seemingly is a good guy in the locker room and not a disruption. He's on a rookie contract and defensive lineman DaVon Hamilton has shown the importance of depth. Trading him for "anything" is about as dumb as it gets. If my name was James Gladstone, I would make sure any offer for BTJ was extremely good for the Jags before pulling the trigger on a BTJ trade. Thanks for the forum to vent!

If the Jaguars trade Thomas Jr., I expect it will be for the best possible deal General Manager James Gladstone can get.

Sean from Oakleaf, FL

Clearly, it was J.P. Shadrick holding this team back all along.

Good eye.

Armand from Atlantic Beach, FL

Koaf. Out of the Chicago Bears, New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers games which will be the hardest for the Jags?

All games are hard in the NFL, and all games can turn on a few plays. This is true because this is professional football, not the Southeastern Conference. While the Jaguars have been remarkably good at turning "winnable" games into one-sided victories in the last calendar year, such results are not guaranteed. All three of these teams are really good. I suppose I would lean toward the Bears being the best team remaining on the Jaguars' schedule, but I wouldn't lean too, too far. And don't discount teams such as the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys. Records can be deceiving.

Raymond from Windermere

Another Sunday Trevor doesn't win. It's time to declare this experiment over. If you don't agree, you aren't a real fan.

Raymond's got Thursday game jokes.

Dan from Jax

Trevor has really turned a corner over the last two seasons. I guess it really is about coaching in the NFL.

No doubt. While fans tend to attach far too much blame to coaching any time something goes remotely wrong – particularly when it comes to specific plays and in-game decisions – coaching certainly matters a great deal in the big picture. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has gained confidence and effectiveness in a season-and-a-half working with Head Coach Liam Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. Good eye.

Sensei Rudy from Sacramento and sometimes Amelia Island

For the third time in the past two seasons, I have made the trip from California to watch the Jags play (this time with my girlfriend). I attended the Jaguars' recent victory at EverBank Stadium over the Indianapolis Colts. Last year I attended the same home game, also in the rain, and witnessed a similarly spectacular butt-kicking. I just want to say again how great the game experience was and how incredible the entire community of Duval has been. This place always has a way of making it all worth it. So, thank you Duval for all the hospitality and stay blessed. We'll be back sooner than you think. DUUUVAL

Duuuval.

Steve from Upper tract, WVA

Will they trade Thomas for a defensive lineman or second-round pick?

TRADE MACHINE!!!!!

Chris from Jacksonville Beach

I keep hearing how we don't want to trade Brian Thomas Jr. because he is such a critical deep threat because he opens up the underneath passing game for guys like wide receiver Parker Washington. But if that's really the case, how do you explain the offense performing so well, and our other receivers producing at such a high level, when BTJ is barely on the field? If his ability to stretch the defense is that important, wouldn't you expect a noticeable drop-off in production without him?

I can't speak to what you've heard in other places and other forums. The Jaguars' offense has functioned at a high level since the beginning of the 2025 season – particularly since last season's midseason arrival of wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Thomas has had big games, big moments and big receptions during that span, but the offense is not dependent on his ability to stretch defenses. There have been times that ability has benefited the Jaguars, though hardly to the point that the offense is dramatically limited when he doesn't play.

Brad from The Avenues

Your answer for Joe from Living in St Johns Down by The river was spot on. That touchdown catch by wide receiver Parker Washington against the Baltimore Ravens was special. It reminded me of another all-time great Jaguars wide receiver who had a true gift for manipulating the ball into his grasp, Keenan McCardell. Another similarity is the way he pops right back up after some serious hits. Tough kid.

Fair.

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