JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Anita from Springfield

How much do opposing coaches "coordinate" for the preseason? Like time for starters, types of concepts they want to work against, etc. And remind me, are we doing a joint practice this training camp?

This can vary a bit from team to team and it almost always varies from preseason week to preseason week. Teams generally game plan very little for the preseason opener – to the extent that they run plays very generally and focus as much on getting players repetitions as the game's outcome. Coaches then typically game plan a bit more as the preseason continues, with at least one preseason game – Week 3, historically – set aside for a full game-plan week. Coaches typically use this week as a "mock week" with full game plan, a daily schedule based on the one used in the regular season and halftime adjustments made as close to a regular-season feel as possible. Knowledgeable NFL coaches still aren't particularly concerned about the score, though comparatively few say so publicly. As for whether the Jaguars will have a "joint" practice this preseason … yes, they will practice in Miami against the Dolphins on Thursday August 21 – two days before the August 23 preseason finale in Miami.

Levi from Huntsville, AL

I know you tire of the Walker-versus-Hutchinson debate, but to piggyback off the comparison of stats, Hutchinson did indeed miss 11 games last year ... but he still leads Walker in sacks by 4.5. He has done more with almost a full season less.

I completely understand fans' and observers desire to compare Detroit Lions defensive end Aiden Hutchinson and Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker. Walker was selected No. 1 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft and Hutchinson was selected No. 2 overall, so they will be forever linked by many. I do "tire" of the "debate" because entering the 2025 season it's more than a bit tiresome. It also has become a bit pointless because most people debating likely always will do so solely through the lens of sacks. Hutchinson through three seasons when healthy has produced a few more sacks per season than Walker. If sacks were all that made a defensive end a good player, Hutchinson therefore would be a better player. And if all you do is look at one statistic, Hutchinson indeed might be the better player. From this view, people who don't think Walker was a good selection haven't spent very much time watching Walker play. If they're not bothering to watch him play, or they're only going to discuss sacks totals, the debate therefore becomes somewhat pointless.

Rob from Middleburg, FL

What is the exact schedule for the scrimmage? Starts at 5:30 or 7 p.m.?

The Jaguars' 2025 scrimmage at EverBank Stadium Friday, August 1, is expected to begin at 7 p.m.

Deane from Hill AFB via Daytona Beach, FL

Yo, O-Zone!!! It seems we have a diamond in the rough with rookie RB Allen! I look forward to his progress. Speaking of the progress of some of our rookies, I have not heard of any mention as of late of my fellow Marine – thus a brother – second lieutenant Lane. How's he looking thus far? Oh, and while you are at it, LB Kiser? Thanks O-Zone! Stay hydrated out there!

Jaguars rookie running back LeQuint Allen Jr. indeed has been impressive early in 2025 Training Camp. He has impressed as a pass blocker and a runner. There has been a thought since shortly after the Jaguars selected him in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft that he has a chance to play a role in the offense as a rookie – and it continues to appear he will do just that. The Jaguars also like Rayuan Lane III and linebacker Jack Kiser. I can't say I have noticed them during camp as much as Allen, but it's quite possible that's more of a "me" issue than a Lane/Kiser issue. It's easier to notice running backs than linebackers and safeties, and I have heard nothing to indicate the Jaguars are anything less than pleased with Lane and Kiser.

John from Jax

Hi, KOAGF. I hate training camp for two reasons. Spiders and Injuries. I hate spiders. I also hate injuries and hesitate each day to see if someone new is on the list. It slows down development for the players injured and it risks some not getting a good look before cuts. Most of all, though, I hate spiders.

Okey-doke.

Bill from Ponte Vedra, FL

Do you honestly think any NFL general manager, before Hutchinson's injury, would have traded him straight up for Walker? Hutchinson was averaging one sack per game, so that projects to 17 for the whole season – a total Walker can't dream of. I agree availability is important, but Hutchinson didn't miss a single game in his first two seasons. The injury was a gruesome fracture of both bones in his lower leg, a freak injury that hardly suggests he is injury prone or unwilling to play with pain. One other thing, Hutchinson is a creative pass rusher with an arsenal of moves. Still waiting for Travon to improve in this area. I hope he does!

Walker's really, really good. He is one of this team's two best players, maybe the best. He is from this view a player around whom you can build a defense and I believe he will be a front-line player in this league for much of the next decade. I sense there are observers and fans – mostly fans – who will spend that decade missing this. Oh well.

Sean from Oakleaf, FL

I am sure your Reader will agree that our defense has to be better than last year's version. Nose tackle DaVon Hamilton fully healthy again, Arik Armstead back to his natural tackle position. Linebackers Chad Muma and Devin Lloyd in "contract" years, defensive back Travis Hunter playing in the secondary, new defensive coordinator and defensive coaching staff and a new "vibe' in the building to name a few reasons. What credence do you put on an improved offense (especially a clock chewing run game) helping the defense?

A bit.

Steve from Nashville, TN

Recently there has been some consternation among MLB players about a potential salary cap in baseball. The NFL is unquestionably the most physical and violent sport compared to the other three. The NHL a distant second and the rest don't move the needle. Both the NFL and NHL have "hard" salary cap limits. I feel like the NFL "playing field" is pretty much level even though the league has (sometimes inexplicably) perennial winners and losers regardless of market size. Is there a direct (or indirect) correlation to the violent nature of professional football and risk of injury causing the need for a salary cap system (starting in 1994)?

Not particularly. The NFL and NFL Players Association just did a better job (from this perspective) coming to a mutual agreement that made sense for the long-term financial health and competitive balance of the league. There's no such thing as parity, but the NFL at least comes sort of close and the salary cap – along with free agency – is the major reason.

Jaghawk from Circling Overhead

Mr. KOAGF. I understand the occasional veteran's day off, but our NFL Man of the Year, Arik Armstead has become the dictionary photo for the example of veteran's day off. What gives? The guy hasn't participated in any padded 11 on 11 drills since pads went on. He's not been identified as injured by the staff and his performance on the field last year, or lack thereof, shouldn't earn him any special treatment. Being healthy and standing on the sidelines chaps my khakis. Gotta show me more before I'm okay with a player laying out.

This is a fair question. I don't have a great answer. Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead indeed does not have a reported injury and he indeed has practiced sparingly in seven practices. Head Coach Liam Coen earlier this week said Armstead is having a veteran start to camp. Until he says more, that's what's happening. I wouldn't assume special treatment here. I also wouldn't assume a problem here at this point. Armstead is a veteran who has played at a high level much of his career. One should be able to assume he knows how to prepare for a season.

Rob from Pittsburgh, PA

Will Jaguars rookie defensive back/wide receiver have a personal coach to relay the message from the position coach when he comes to the sidelines?

Edgar Bennett is the Jaguars' wide receivers coach. Anthony Perkins is the defensive backs coach and Ron Milus is the secondary coach. That's probably enough coaches.

Paul from St Augustine, FL

Scott from Orlando got the increasingly squeaky and dilapidated windmills in my mind turning. I've come to the conclusion that while I have been financially poor for quite some time, it appears that I am likely also intangibly poor. Any advice?

Lean into it.