JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Bill from Jacksonville Beach, FL
What's with this weird sense of undue optimism around the Jaguars these days? They beat the Panthers, for goodness' sake, not the '85 Bears. The Panthers haven't won a game this season. Do you really think they can beat the Bengals? The Bengals are good.
Whatever "undue" optimism is being felt around these parts entering Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season seemingly is countered by a healthy(?) dose of familiar pessimism from Jacksonville Beach. Yes, there is optimism right now around the Jaguars – but that optimism isn't based solely on a Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Rather, it's based on preparation, planning and approach – and the feeling that this team can compete. The Jaguars feel good about their direction, a feeling that was validated by a strong performance at EverBank Stadium last Sunday against a Panthers team that has a good defensive front – and a Panthers team that was playing well at the end of last season. Also worth noting: While the Panthers indeed haven't won a game this season, that they only have played one game means there is ample time to improve on that record. I don't know if the Jaguars will beat the Bengals Sunday. I think this team can compete against good teams such as the Bengals if they play to their identity to the extent that they did in Week 1. Is that optimism? Sure. Is it undue? We'll learn more in that vein on Sunday, I suppose.
Stan from Jacksonville
How many questions do you receive on average per day?
This typically varies based on day of week, time of year and circumstance. If the Jaguars are contending during the regular season, I receive a lot of emails – 100 or 200 hundred – immediately after a game or on a Monday, gradually tapering down until the weekend and then spiking again after the next game. If they fade from contention, those numbers dwindle throughout the regular season. The numbers generally come down in the offseason, spiking around the draft and free agency and dwindling again in the dead zone between the end of the offseason program and beginning of training camp.
Fred from Naples, FL
Under Head Coach Zac Taylor, the Bengals for six years have never started a season 2-0. Here's to the Jaguars making it seven straight years!
OK.
Brad from The Avenues
Just finished watching Sounds of the Game. Loved it, especially when we win. Tight end Brenton Strange is a beast. What do you think of "Be Strange?" You know like B, as in Brenton, but Be as in you be you. My favorite part of the video, though, was at the end. I don't think I've ever seen Shad Khan that happy, and maybe a little relieved. He took a lot of big risks this season, and it looks like they might just pay off.
I confess I don't think all that much about player nicknames, monikers or memes. My sense is there are enough people thinking about these things that my contributions aren't needed. As for Shad Khan, I've seen him happy a lot after victories and upset a lot more after losses during his tenure as the Jaguars' owner. But it absolutely was good to see him happy this past Sunday. He has invested a lot into this team, and it's terrific for him to see that work rewarded.
Bill from Jacksonville
Welcome to town, Cody Schrader! That being said, no one should ever wear 32 for the Jaguars again. Also, it's time for Maurice Jones-Drew to be in the Pride of the Jaguars.
I've never been big on a Jaguars player other than former running back Maurice Jones-Drew wearing No. 32. And yes … it's time for him to be in the Pride. I believe former Jaguars wide receiver Keenan McCardell should be next to be so honored with Jones-Drew after that. Not my decision.
Nick from Palm Coast, FL
Come on, O. You're telling me Head Coach Liam Coen is too busy to talk to us in his HALF-hour show. Would be nice to hear from him. The team wants to be "open" and behind the scenes, but the coach can't be on his show?
Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen will appear periodically on what is known as Jags HQ. General Manager James Gladstone and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli will appear regularly. The show is really good, strikingly informative and transparent on a level many teams don't match – and as much as I hate admitting it, Boselli is a big reason. It's well worth a weekly listen. Also: While there might be an NFL team somewhere more transparent and allowing fans more behind the scenes than the Jaguars, it would surprise me if that's the case. The transparency right now is high end.
Sean from Oakleaf, FL
If Travis Hunter plays more snaps on defense this week, who is he sending to the bench?
Second-year cornerback Jarrian Jones played 47 snaps against the Carolina Panthers, or 73.44 percent of the snaps. I expect that number to be reduced if Hunter plays extensively on defense.
Bradford from Orange Park, FL
Because you mentioned fantasy football, I grabbed Tuten on my roster. Could be "homer-hope," could be "great expectation." In your professional estimation ... do you think mainly eats a roster spot for a bit, taking a while to get ramped up ... or, may he yield solid production sooner than later?
The last time fantasy football was mentioned in the O-Zone was June. I haven't written about fantasy football in this forum in this calendar year. Rookie Bhayshul Tuten rushed three times for 11 yards in the Jaguars' Week 1 victory over the Panthers. I expect him to be significantly more involved in the offense following this week's trade of running back Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Tom from Sanford
The new kickoffs require a different approach and a low, flat kickoff might even work better than the high arc formerly required. I'd hate to see practicing kickoffs cause Cam Little to mess up his accuracy in kicking field goals, since they require two different ways to kick. That could also be a problem with using punter Logan Cooke. Are there any other Jaguars who have placekicking experience in the past (high school or college) and who could practice and perfect the new kickoff requirement?
No. This will be Cam Little's domain.
Josh from Atlanta, GA
How do you like our chances to slow down the Bengals' passing attack? Cleveland put together a nice blueprint, and clearly Bengals quarterback Joey Burrow and Co. are still getting things rolling. Is it more likely they put it all together and throw for 400-plus yards, or we surprise a lot of outsiders and hold them to sub-20 points? Of course it's anyone's guess, but is one more likely to you than the other based on Carolina and the offseason?
I expect the Bengals to score in the 20s Sunday because I believe the Jaguars can play really good defense and still have the Bengals be productive offensively. I expect the Jaguars will need to score in the high 20s to win. That's OK. Teams should score in the high 20s now and then to win in this league.
Jason from North Pole, AK
I know some Jaguars fans seem to have a commitment to being miserable and I am considered an optimist by most of those who know me well. I was very excited about how the team played on Sunday and the offensive line was impressive. However, Trevor's third-quarter inaccuracies were deflating. There's a lot of time left for him to grow with Liam Coen, but even listening to some outside media folks' observations, the feeling was it was the same old Trevor. Hoping he can work though those things to be more consistent.
OK.
Greg from Section 122, SOTF, Jacksonville, FL
So check my math here. The Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Los Angeles Chargers on opening day. The Chiefs' next three games are Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. That could quite likely put them coming in here 1-3 for MNF. They are missing Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and other key players. Oh, and they have right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who LOVES penalty flags. Also it seems tight end Travis Kelce isn't as scary without Tay Tay around to give him his pep talk. I am feeling really good about this game and think we will slay the demon that the Chiefs once and for all.
Your confidence is impressive. It also feels premature. The Chiefs are a proud organization with players and coaches who know how to win. Underestimate them at your own peril.
Eddie from JACKSONVILLE
Great O, with the O-Zone being moved down from the top of the website, I hope this doesn't mean that they will be changing the security code to the front door any time soon.
You and me both.
