JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
The Original Bryan from Tampa, FL
J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets!
This was the No. 1 inbox theme Sunday night – and why not? The New York Jets beat the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, a dramatic 23-20 victory that gave the Jets their first victory of the season. As most Jaguars followers know, that essentially means that if neither the Jaguars nor Jets win again this season the Jaguars almost certainly will have the No. 1 selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. That could mean an opportunity to select Clemson University quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Suffice to say the inbox, Twitter and all other bastions of lunacy that house Jaguars Nation were happy Sunday evening. We'll talk far more about this in the coming days and weeks. I suspect many fans will speak and think of little else. That's fair, and pretty much as it should be. The Jaguars have been without a franchise quarterback far too long. Why shouldn't the thought of being able to select one entice Jaguars fans?
Robert from Yulee
With the New York Jets winning, and now having the same record as the Jags, how does that affect the draft?
The Jaguars and Jets now both have records of 1-13. If they finish tied for the NFL's worst record, the team with the poorer strength of schedule will select No. 1 overall. The Jaguars currently hold the poorer strength of schedule and it's unlikely that will change in the final two weeks.
Dan from Varna, Bulgaria
Honestly, Minshew gives us the best shot of winning … can't stop laughing. The little guy looks horrible as NFL quarterback.
While many Jaguars fans understandably focused on the Jets' victory late Sunday, the Jaguars indeed played Sunday – and lost to the Baltimore Ravens, 40-14, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. It was a tough outing on many fronts. This wasn't unexpected, considering the Jaguars' 12-game losing streak entering the game – and considering the Ravens needed the game for their postseason hopes. The Ravens also appeared to match up really well against the Jaguars because of their dominant running offense and the Jaguars' struggling run defense. But yes … quarterback Gardner Minshew II struggled again in his first start since late October. No doubt.
Paul from Jacksonville
History shows me that the Jaguars will find a way to fall back out of the No. 1 pick. Any chance we could talk the coach into putting Shadrick in at QB for two games?
This would be ill-advised. Shadrick's savvy and far more athletic than it appears at first glance. And don't underestimate the arm strength. He can "spin it."
Andrew from San Diego, CA
O-M-G, Christmas came early! What a double-double "win." Both our first-round selections are better slotted now! Just an amazing day! Are you getting congratulations from other team's writers?
You're right that not only the Jaguars move into the No. 1 overall slot in the 2021 NFL Draft, but the first-round selection they hold from the Los Angeles Rams also improved. As for getting congratulations from other teams' writers … no. This did not happen. We were working. Contrary to popular perception, it's what we do on Sundays when our teams play.
Biff from Jacksonville
The Chicago Bears are playing good football. The Indianapolis Colts are playing good football. The Jaguars are not playing good football. The New York Jets defeat the Los Angeles Rams, gifting us the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and also help push that Rams pick the Jaguars obtained in the Jalen Ramsey trade a little higher up the board. Is the future bright enough for me to buy some new shades?
Could be.
Aaron from White Hall, AR
Dear, Mr. Khan: Pay whoever you must to tank. These next two games mean nothing and the next 10 years can change everything by just losing.
This won't happen. The Jaguars could well lose their final two games. If they play as they have the last two weeks, that absolutely will happen. But they won't try to do so.
Daniel from Jersey City, NJ
O-man, after the Jet's win tonight, do you believe in Krimma?
Krimma!
Mike from Atlanta, GA
So, Trevor time? Also does this dispel the notion that teams tank in the NFL? If the Jets would have gotten blown out nobody would have thought anything with them being so bad, on the road against a playoff team. The Jets defense were playing their hearts out on every play. They willed themselves that victory. Thanks Jets!
The Jets' victory won't dispel the notion that teams tank in the NFL. That's because media and observers talk about these things as if they happen – even if they don't – and because fans take to Twitter and talk about these things so much that they feel real. Teams don't tank. Players and coaches have no incentive to do so. It makes for cute talk, but it just doesn't happen. The Jets' victory is proof of that. Even if few will act as if they remember it the next time it's time to talk about tanking.
Andrew from Mattoon, Illinois
Jets win? I am as giddy as a little girl!
You go, girl.
Jaginator from (formerly of) Section 124
Looks like we should start Jake Luton over the final two games - just to complete his evaluation. James Robinson, DJ Chark Jr and Laviska Shenault Jr all look a bit gimpy to me. We'd better put them on IR. I'm pretty sure I heard someone in the locker room cough during postgame interviews, so it's best not to take any chances and quarantine Joe Schobert, Jarrod Wilson, Myles Jack and Tre Herndon for the rest of the season. With these wise roster moves accomplished, I'd be happy to see the rest of the roster fight gallantly to get another win.
And the beat went on …
Carlos from Mexico City, Mexico
I love the Jags, believe me, I do. And have since 1995, even though I've been to Jacksonville only once to see them play. That said, please, please, please, please, pretty please, PLEASE don't win another game for the next two weeks. PLEASE: Go Jags!
… and on …
Josh from Atlanta, GA
Barring anything "Jag-ish" these last two games, this GM opening has changed from a really good job into the best available position. The cap space, young talent, patient owner and opportunity to draft the first generational quarterback In years? Who turns that down? This is the most excited I have been about this teams' future in my lifetime.
… and on …
Jeremy from Jacksonville
Wow Mr. O! Do you think Ngakoue wanted make a point?
I'm sure former Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue wanted to play well Sunday. He did, registering two sacks and a fumble. I didn't get the idea watching the game that Ngakoue was particularly cocky – or even all that unusually motivated. This wasn't surprising. A lot of the front office with whom he disagreed over his contract is now gone. He never had a problem with Head Coach Doug Marrone or defensive coordinator Todd Wash or his teammates. From what I could tell, he liked those people – and liked playing for the Jaguars. He had a good game against his former team. Good for him. But did I sense that he was taking revenge? Not really. Maybe I missed it.
Matt from Houston, TX
...and just that quick suddenly 2020 doesn't seem so bad at all.
… and on …
Jason from Jacksonville
Well-coached teams don't lose like this ... or lose 13 times in a row, no matter what the roster looks like.
This is a commonly-held opinion among fans and observers. Commonly-held theories among fans and observers aren't always correct. I think Head Coach Doug Marrone and the coaching staff have done a fine job considering the quarterback play and the level of experience and talent on the defense. I actually think the staff has done a really good job at times. But the Jaguars have lost 13 consecutive games. Few people will believe they've done a good job. That's the nature of the NFL. It is, as they say, what it is.
The Other Michael from Middleburg, FL
I don't care what the scoreboard says ... the Jaguars won Sunday. We want Lawrence ... don't screw this up, Jacksonville!
… and on …
Sascha from Cologne, Germany
Hey John, I am watching every game for several years, but can you tell me a reason to watch the Jaguars the rest of the season? No defense, no offense. And the most important thing I can't see much improvement, besides a few players. Any hope from your expert view?
We have reached the point in the season where attrition and inexperience – and lack of a quality quarterback – have conspired to make the Jaguars' season-long moxie not nearly enough to stay close to some good teams. Sunday was a brutal matchup for many reasons? I expect the Jaguars to enter the final two games prepared to play with moxie and energy. Whether the personnel on the field can make that moxie and energy be enough to win … well, I can't promise that.
Jordan from Hoist that Lombardi
LETSSSSS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! (And yes, there must be a mandate to lose)
… and on.
