JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Cliff from Orange Park, FL

After reading all the preseason hype, if I were in a Jaguars leadership position, I would hang a banner over the locker-room entrance reading, "You are now entering the locker room of the least respected 13-4 division champion in NFL history. Time to earn it." Why can't we get some respect?

We have discussed and re-discussed respect, preseason expectations and multiple other issues in this world of NFL perception as it pertains to the Jaguars plenty in recent weeks – enough so that I don't have much to add to what I already have said and written. The Jaguars from this view were a good team in 2025 that correctly expects to be good again in 2026. They have a quality head coach, with a quality quarterback. That's the start. They also have a front-line run defense, with quality receivers and two front-line edge defenders. While some observers seem to have identified offensive line as a weakness entering 2026, this area was at worst functional and reliable for the most part last season – and nothing happened in the offseason to make you think it will be worse this season. A secondary that could be correctly described as struggling at times last season also should be markedly better in 2026. Will all the aforementioned areas be beyond reproach in 2025? Will this team be without weakness or adversity? Of course not. This is the NFL. There will be highs and lows for the Jaguars this season. But there are observers who are predicting a dramatic falloff for this franchise. That speaks of laziness. I don't know that Head Coach Liam Coen is having banners made about a lack of respect. There is no need to do that. The players feel it. Everyone in the organization feels it. I expect it to again be used as motivation. I'm not sure realistically if the Jaguars ever will get all the respect they or their fans want. But I expect them to win consistently for a while and that is better than respect. And far more important.

Not Schmoe Joe from Jax

When a player is called up from the practice squad, what happens to the player the squad must relegate to stay at 53 players? Can they simply make one of their current 53-man roster players inactive for the game and call up a practice-squad player with no consequences or is the main roster player subject to being claimed on waivers from another team the moment he is "replaced" by a promoted practice squad player? Asking because it's highly unlikely Quinn Ewers will be ready in ten days to operate an offense it took our star quarterback a year and half to master, so I don't think it's a stretch to think the Jags will elevate Nick Mullens Week one. It'd be hard cheese to lose whatever player he replaces on the active squad.

Teams can have 48 players active for regular-season games, 47 if they have fewer than eight offensive linemen active. Those numbers stay the same regardless if the team has practice-squad elevation(s) for the game. I don't think it's at all a guarantee that the Jaguars will elevate Nick Mullens from the practice squad to be the backup quarterback in Week 1. Remain tuned.

Chris from Mandarin

Ignoring the fact that one of these is dead, who do you think would win in a fight between Danny DeVito and Ronnie James Dio?

The dead one.

Charles from Riverside

Hello, John. Back during the draft, the pictures of Emmanuel Pregnon showed him as intense and ready to do some damage. But then again, those were photos. Curious during preseason if he has demonstrated any of that potential attitude on the field. Maybe a little of that Boselli-esque game time nastiness? Also, do you believe he would still be starting if not for some OL injuries?

I don't know how Jaguars rookie guard Emmanuel Pregnon looked in photos leading to the draft. He looked very good, very aggressive, very strong, very intense – and yes, a little "ready to do some damage" – pretty consistently during Jaguars 2026 Training Camp. He appears to have a level of "nastiness," though I am not going to compare his nastiness to that of a Pro Football Hall of Famer until he has at least taken a regular-season snap. I don't know that Pregnon would be starting right now if not for a few training camp injuries, but I don't think it would have taken him long to play his way into the lineup. He looks like the real thing.

Marlin from Newberry, FL

For my birthday, I received three swell Jaguars shirts. For Krimma, I have placed a request for the rivalry gear. My question to you, is what kind of perks do you get as a Jaguars employee? Free T-shirts or other gear? Free tickets? Or just the glorious realization that your badge still opens the door?

What's a "perk?"

Nicholas from Fort Hood, TX

KOAF: The reason why the Jaguars aren't paying wide receiver Parker Washington is that the Jaguars want to pay him more money, but they need to wait until other teams make major contract deals first to justify the amount the amount they will pay Washington. I see it as the Jaguars being nice and friendly. Am I wrong?

The Jaguars haven't yet signed wide receiver Parker Washington to a contract extension because Washington wants more than the Jaguars are currently willing to pay. That's the most common reason for deals not being reached – particularly in situations such as this, when both sides very much want to get a deal done. Also: Washington may want "elite receiver" money, which makes sense because he has shown signs of being that kind of player. The Jaguars may want to see a little more production toward that status, which also makes sense because it's good to see more of something when you're paying a lot for it. Remain tuned.

Ray from Jacksonville

John. Three thoughts: I do not care what the uniforms look like as long as one of the jerseys has "16" stitched onto it. As to support for paying Parker Washington, it is said that the easiest thing in the world to do is to spend someone else's money. Uh. Er. I will get back to you when I remember No. 3.

Ray. Three thoughts on your thoughts. No. 1: Sixteen being stitched on a jersey indeed is a key around the Jaguars these days; Lawrence is a franchise quarterback and when you have one of those, he's always key. No. 2: It's indeed very easy to shout, "Pay him!!" when discussing NFL contract extensions, which sometimes aren't as simple once you know what players want to be paid. No. 3: Please do.

Nicholas from Fort Hood, TX

KOAF: Who you got in the 2026 FIBA tournament? Team USA barely pulled out a win against Italy on Sunday. Caitlin Clarke scored just one point. Can she bounce back?

My interest in high-level women's basketball is the same as my interest in high-level men's basketball, which is to say minimal enough that I usually have to be alerted when something important is happening. You apparently have alerted me that this is the case and I appreciate it. Now, I know.

Paul from St. Augustine, FL

While this *ahem* "esteemed column" has its fair share of fine traditions: KOAF, "Confusion can be confusing," Don remaining "all in," and Northeast Florida Cultural Icon Gene Frenette among them, I for one, am looking forward to the mooing o' da chay.

OK.

Ben from Columbus, OH

I haven't heard anything about the Prowler uniforms this year? Are they planning on wearing them?

My understanding is the Jaguars will wear the Prowlers this season. That is my understanding and should not be interpreted as gospel. I know nothing beyond that.

Josh from Atlanta, GA

Sitting and watching Pete Prisco navigate Zoom for a few minutes made my Labor Day. He said you would back him up that Keenan would have been happier with 10 receptions for 150 yards and a loss than 3-30 and a win. Wide receivers are a different breed.

I won't go so far as to say former Jaguars wide receiver Keenan McCardell would have been happier losing any game than winning one. But I absolutely get Prisco's point on this one, because he really, really, really wanted the ball.

Rich from Saint Johns, FL

If we win Sunday, I will have linguini with white clam sauce and a Coke with no ice to celebrate... and the Lady will have the same.

If a girl can't smell your qualifications, then who needs her, right?

Chasman from Section 203 from JAX

Dear Daddy-O: Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

The Jaguars will open the 2026 regular season against the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville Sunday September 13.