JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Dave from Jacksonville
KOAF, Would you say the Jags have put themselves in a hole to start the season? So, probably homefield advantage opportunity for this team is now an unrealistic goal? Does this mean the outcome of the Bills game is far less significant than our matchup with the Texans the following week? So, do you advise us fans, are we to just relax this weekend – even if embarrassed – again? It is all or nothing for the division and that is all or nothing the following game now. How do the Jags approach this game now knowing everything has to get right by the next game or probably no playoffs this year? Am I too far ahead?
The Jaguars indeed have put themselves in a hole by losing their first two games of the 2024 regular season. They're 0-2, two games behind the first-place Houston Texans in the AFC South – and that's about as deep a hole as you can dig through two games. The outcome of their game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y., Monday is important because the Jaguars must start winning – and if they don't start winning, the matchup against the Texans or any matchup moving forward may not matter all that much. If the Jaguars start winning and are one of the AFC's best teams, a division title and perhaps home playoff games remain possible. The Jaguars must approach this game as if it's critical and if they must win. As for advising fans … I don't advise fans. There's no point. They don't listen anyway. Nor should they.
Matthew from Charles city, IA
Does this team lack an identity on offense?
Somewhat. A lot of that could be solved by converting more on third down. That would result in more plays offensively. The Jaguars have run 50 and 55 plays in two games. It's hard to develop an identity when you're going three and out and running so few plays every game.
Ed from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
I know nothing about talent, but Lawrence is reminding me so much of Blaine Gabbert. Any chance they might sit him for a couple of games to settle him down, or that would be a disaster?
The Jaguars aren't going to sit quarterback Trevor Lawrence to "settle him down." There's no point in doing this.
RY from Orange Park, FL
John, do the players get tested on knowing the playbook to see if they are truly learning what's required of them IE: written test/oral test to ensure they know what they're responsibilities are during each play? Seems like they should be graded on this issue and if they fail should sit the bench until they learn what to do.
The Jaguars do not administer written or oral playbook tests. One reason for this is this the National Football League. You either know the plays well enough to be the best player on the team at your position and therefore start – or play a lot – or you don't. Sometimes players don't do what they are expected to do either because they don't know the plays or their role escapes them in the moment. I don't know that a written or oral test is the answer to this.
Matthew from Charles City, IA
Last year the Jaguars talked about peaking too early ... being optimistic and sick of seeing all the negative concerns from peers, let's hope this team can find a groove somewhere like 2022 and make a run.
Yes, let's hope so.
Greg from Section 122, The Bank, Jacksonville
I know this is probably not nice. But I thought it would be hilarious irony if Miami in their desperate situation traded for Jones. We got a second round and as justice got Ramsey back via the trade. I know, I know … be nice.
I do not expect the Jaguars to trade quarterback Mac Jones to the Miami Dolphins for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. I don't that the idea is "not nice" as much as it is sort of silly. OK. Maybe it is a little "not nice."
Julio from Alaska
We knew the first four would be difficult, but the offensive line isn't leaving me optimistic about the rest of the season. Have you heard anything about the front office maybe looking to make some changes?
Not yet.
Joel from Watertown, MA
I've never been a big fan of fiery postgame pressers from players and coaches, and it always seemed like you felt similarly. What was it about Trevor's postgame statements that gave you encouragement this time?
Lawrence wasn't fiery when speaking after the Jaguars' loss to the Cleveland Browns this past Sunday. He wasn't doing it for show. He was fed up. It was time.
Crash from Glen Saint Mary, FL
OZ! No snow on the ground in Orchard Park. Fast track for our speedsters. I smell an upset.
Crash, like Don before him, remains "all in."
Thomas from Williamsburg
Why does it seem like the offensive gameplan is to try to limit the mistakes Trevor Lawrence could potentially make? Their gameplan seems to mirror teams that are trying to hide their backup QB.
My guess is the offensive gameplan seems like that to passionate Jaguars observers because the Jaguars haven't had much success offensively. A lack of success usually causes people not to like such things.
Tom from Charlottesville, VA
Chicken Little: "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!" 0-16 a real thing until it isn't! Fans should have more faith and stay behind the team. There are fan bases out there that stay behind their team (Raiders)! Maybe the Jag fans are sowing what they reap! Go Jags beat the Bills
The Jaguars' fan base is behind the team. The fan base has faith. I never have known this fan base to not support the team. It's also within the league rules for a team to play well enough to earn more enthusiasm.
Levi from Huntsville
Does Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. look a bit ... off, or slow to you?
No.
Michael from Fountain
Trevor's change towards being more authoritative isn't just a good sign, it's a needed step for elite quarterbacks. Do you think he'll have a moment like when Peyton Manning benched Austin Collier from his huddle for dropping passes?
I don't know that Lawrence is quite at the point of telling players to leave the field after mistakes. I do sense he is closer to not tolerating mistakes and holding teammates more accountable. That's indeed a necessary step in the development of a quarterback.
John from Jax
Hi KOAGF - Of the 3 primetime slots for the NFL (Thursday, Sunday, and Monday), which is considered most coveted and which has become least coveted?
Sunday, Monday then Thursday. Monday Night Football used to be the premium game and it still matters very much. Players still like it very much because it's the only game on and all their peers are watching. It's a little more viewed within league circles than Sunday Night Football because many teams are traveling on Sunday night and not viewing the game.
Dave from Jacksonville
Zone does your Scooby sense (not Scobee, although he could kick good)) think the Jags are more emotional this week? Does your Scooby sense that emotion will be enough? I have noticed how emotionless they have prepared in the limited clips I witnessed this off season. I attributed it to focus. Have they just been too tight and over focused? Give us a Scooby sense for this Monday because I have no sense.
When it comes to the 2024 Jaguars, my Scooby Sense – and not my Scobee sense – might be broken. I expected them to be good, but perhaps not great. I didn't expect what I saw offensively against the Browns last Sunday. Maybe we'll see something different Sunday. But don't ask my Scobee sense.
Gary from St. Augustine, FL
I thought you sucked before. At 0-2, you really suck.
Good eye.
Ronnie from St. Pete, FL
We all know how early it is into the season, O-man. And yes like everyone else these last couple of weeks, I myself am also very concerned about this ominous start and we have to wonder whatever happens after Monday night, where do the Jags go from where they're at should they continue to give more atrocious performances like what we've witnessed within these last weeks? I know it's still early, but....it's looking pretty bleak and ugly from how things are going.
I don't know how the Jaguars will fare against the Bills. I expect it will be a very difficult game because the Bills are good and playing at home. Many teams could play well against the Bills at their stadium and lose. If the Jaguars lose, I expect they will prepare for a road game against the Texans the following Sunday. I don't know what else there would be for them to do.