WATFORD, United Kingdom – Look-ahead Wednesday for the UK. It's coming sometime. Today, actually.
Let's get to it …
Mark from Archer
John, I was thinking about the Jaguars' quarterback. Like many people, I am starting to think he is a bust. But then I think about Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. He never lived up to his potential in Cleveland. Then he was traded and he bounced around a few teams. It looked like he was a bust and would only be a backup quarterback. Now look at him. He is in the MVP conversation this year. So, I think maybe we should give Trevor a few more years before he is written off.
This remains a topic this week as the Jaguars prepare to play the Los Angeles Rams at Wembley Stadum in London, and I expect it will remain a topic for the foreseeable future. One inevitable truth about the NFL these days is there is little-to-no reason when it comes to assessing young quarterbacks. They are either "busts" or the Next Great Thing, with an insanely paced rush to judgement with little thought given to circumstance. This has caused many teams in recent seasons to give up on young quarterbacks such as Mayfield, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones – all of whom are flourishing with the current teams. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence at this point is neither "elite" nor a bust. He is a talented fifth-year player in his third NFL system. He has won a lot of games at times and he has lost a lot of games at times. He plays with great desire and is currently working hard and doing everything asked of him to adapt to a new offense – and to excel in that scheme. He also at times has accuracy issues and makes odd, frustrating decisions. He must improve the latter. I don't know the end game, but that's essentially where we're at.
Sean from Oakleaf, FL
Will you be covering any storylines this week related to GM Gladstone hosting his former team (Rams) in London?
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone worked for the Rams under General Manager Les Snead in his first nine NFL seasons. Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen was an assistant for the Rams under Head Coach Sean McVay in 2018-2020 and 2022. I expect this will not be the last time these connections are mentioned on Jaguars Media channels this week.
Paul from St. Augustine, FL
Hmmm. Once again, if many of those writing in are correct, I'm doing this "fan" thing incorrectly. I was unaware that NFL quarterbacks are expected to function perfectly regardless of blocking, receiving and defensive pressure. Quarterbacks who can't rack up impressive numbers on these games are apparently "awful" and therefore responsible for the performance of the entire team.
Fair.
Kathy from Palm Coast, FL
I know your O-Zone is pro team, as it should be. However, I think it's getting to the point that you need to be honest about Trevor. How long do we keep blaming everyone else? I watch other quarterbacks and honestly, he's not only not elite but he is below average.
People ask questions about the Jaguars. I answer them in as entertaining, informative and as honest a way as my questionable ability can manage. That's it. That's the format. I plan to keep doing this as long as I do the job. The thoughts of fans and observers are welcome, though fans not agreeing or liking the thoughts and analysis provided – or wanting me to agree with their thoughts and analysis – won't change what's written here. It would be a pretty bad forum were that to happen. Worse than it is already, even.
JT from Palm Coast, FL
Do you foresee any more moves before the trade deadline?
Probably.
Chevin from Riverside, Jacksonville, Florida
I realize he is a rookie and is still learning how to play wide receiver in a complex NFL offense, but it's disappointing the lack of impact Travis Hunter is having on offense. Do you anticipate improvement in the latter half of the season?
I'm also not sure "lack of impact" on offense is all that accurate when it comes to Jaguars rookie wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter. He has made multiple offensive plays without which the Jaguars might not have won. This happened against the Kansas City Chiefs. And the San Francisco 49ers. I think the Jaguars will continue figuring ways to give Hunter more opportunities offensively.
Dan from Munich, Germany
Hi, Zone. You repeatedly saying that Trevor is learning new system with the new head coach we have, which is true. My question is does he have to start with the fundamentals of being NFL quarterback with each new coach?
He had to start over with some fundamentals specific to Coen's offense this year.
Funk from Murray Hill
Which happens first, Lawrence has a 300-yard passing game or defensive end Josh Hines-Allen gets the franchise sack record?
I haven't the foggiest idea. I do know the answer won't seem all that important if the Jaguars enter the bye week 5-2.
Ric Flair from East Overshoe, AL
If you want to be the man, you have to beat the man!
It's always coaching in the NFL.
Shawn from Jacksonville
What do you believe is our biggest concern thus far in the season? I think it's two things. Our consistency catching the football and proper alignment.
The Jaguars' wide receivers overall haven't played to the level expected and pre-snap penalties have been an issue.
Holden from Callahan, FL
I got curious, so I crunched the numbers on how Trevor has looked so far through six games. In Weeks 4-6, he has completed 68% of his passes for 653 yards, four touchdowns and one interception that should have been pass interference and a 95.1 passer rating. He has completed 12% more passes the last three weeks, improved his passer rating by 24.6 and has limited turnovers. He also has kept the offense on schedule more times than not. He's going to miss throws at times, but he has shown improvement so far. Just wanted to point that out.
Fair.
Larry from Wattsburg(h) PA
How much does Tim Patrick have left in the tank? Seems like he was brought in to sub for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. if he were to get hurt. Any chance Coen subs Patrick at least for a start to give BTJ a message that alligator arms are unacceptable? Maybe have Brian watch what NFL receiver hits looked like in the 1990s to realize how good he has it? Perhaps this Ute can also have a revival?
I don't expect Patrick to replace Thomas in the lineup. It's not a mystery to Thomas where he must improve.
Bill from Hawthorn Woods, IL
Is it fair to say a team that leads the league in penalties (65) and drops (17) has discipline issues? Asking for a friend.
Tell your friend drops aren't really "discipline issues."
Brian from Round Rock, TX
Where is the confidence? Where are the positive vibes? Where is the big momentum? I do know where the unearned confidence is.
The Jaguars are confident. They have earned it through their style of play and work through the first six games of the 2025 NFL season.
Marcus from Jacksonville
In the preseason, Brian Thomas was struggling with drops. Fans were concerned but were reassured that it was just the preseason, and it's not an issue until it's an issue. Stay tuned, I believe was the mantra. My question is, after six games, is it an issue? If so, how do you address it?
Of course it's an issue. How do you address it? You work on it in practice, you work on it after practice and you focus as much as possible during games.
Thomas from Charlottesville
Does Cam Little have an injury? Is there a reason he is missing kicks other than pressing?
Jaguars kicker Cam Little has not been listed in the team's injury report this season.
Andrew from Halifax
If you told me we would be 4-2 at this point in the season I would've been ecstatic. I also would've said "Trev, BTJ, and Hunter must be dominant" but that hasn't been the case and we are STILL 4-2. Very optimistic going forward.
This was perhaps the biggest "miss" by many preseason prognosticators – and by this senior writer. Many observers believed the Jaguars' wide receivers and Lawrence would be a team strength, and that the offense would thrive on quick-strike explosive speed of wide receivers such as Thomas, Dyami Brown and Hunter. That the Jaguars are 4-2 without that area being a strength bodes well – if that area indeed becomes a strength.
Larry from Wattsburg(h), PA
Have I stated lately how much I love this team!? They model my ethos so succinctly that I am continually bowled over! Up and down Jaguars here we go! #miserylovescompany
Larry is ready for some football.