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Jaguars News | Jacksonville Jaguars - jaguars.com

O-Zone: "Intelligence"

JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Nomad from Santiago

Why does everyone say this is one of the most important games in history? It really isn't. While all wins are important, even if the Jags lose, they are still in control of their destiny for the rest of the season.

I don't know what "everyone" says, though I do know the Jaguars' game against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium Sunday absolutely is big. Both teams are 8-4, with first place in the AFC South at stake. It's the second December home game in Jaguars history between division teams four games or more over .500. If the Jaguars win, they're a step closer to a division title and a playoff spot – and remember, this franchise hasn't had all that many postseason appearances or memorable December games. No, this isn't a "must-win" game. A loss doesn't end the season. But not every big NFL game is "win or go home." This isn't the biggest game in franchise history. But is it one of the biggest regular-season home games in franchise history? No doubt.

Josh from New Milford, CT

Zone, how do you like the matchup this weekend? Armstead and Walker (both first and last names) coming back are probably going to be deciding factors. in my opinion.

I think Sunday's game will be decided in the fourth quarter and I like the Jaguars' matchup because they're a very good run defense. I expect them to be able to at least keep Colts running back Jonathan Taylor from dominating the game – and I think that's far and away the key matchup. If you have a sinking feeling after a quarter and a half whenever Taylor touches the ball, it's probably a bad day to be a Jaguar. The Jaguars would very much like to have defensive linemen Arik Armstead and Travon Walker back Sunday and I think there's a good chance they will play.

Raleigh from Ponte V, FL

The season has been a wild ride, a blast to be sure. We want to continue playing meaningful ball, and the talent is there. Injuries are big, but every team has them. I know it's a focus, but if we continue to lead the league in penalties it will be painfully shorter ball in the potential playoffs. It has been a focus all year, since it has been a problem all year. Averaging double-digit flags a game? It makes no sense. How does Head Coach Liam Coen get it through their thick-and-rich skulls? Thirteen penalties against the Colts and it won't be nearly as fun as Nashville.

They're working on it.

Steven from Orlando, FL

Can all the Trevor stuff stop? Pundits are now comparing him to Jameis Winston. If Trevor wins any of the next 5 games, he will have had 3 winning seasons.

This gets overlooked far too much. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence's record since midway through the 2022 season when comparatively healthy is 25-17. Take away a 2024 season in everything was dysfunctional around here and the record is 23-9. You can win with this guy.

John from Jacksonville

Hi, KOAGF. I don't like the rule that allows quarterbacks to throw the ball away when in the grasp of a defender and a tackle in progress. If the defender can't sack the quarterback anymore except politely, they should give him the sack unless the quarterback can escape on his own without throwing a wounded pass to his coach or cheerleader on the sideline.

If the quarterback in your scenario is in the pocket and there is no eligible receiver in the area, it is intentional grounding. I don't expect the NFL to change much more about the rule.

Nick from Palm Coast, FL

I asked you this before but didn't get an answer. Do you try and sign Jakobi Meyers now knowing you'll be free of Brown's contract next season?

I expect the Jaguars to sign wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to an extension well before he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March, though I don't know the exact timeline. It doesn't have all that much to do with wide receiver Dyami Brown's contract and everything to do with Meyers.

Josh from Santiago Chile

I know long snapper and center do have different skillsets and long snapping has a bigger tackling aspect than center so it may seem like a defensive player would be for a backup. But isn't the most important part the snap? What is the thought process of not putting in the center as a backup? I'd think he'd be better at snapping the ball even if DaVon Hamilton got a couple long snap reps in practice.

We're looking back a bit here to last Sunday's Jaguars game against the Tennessee Titans when nose tackle DaVon Hamilton played long snapper for five first-half snaps with long snapper Ross Matiscik out with a back issue. Hamilton had worked it some in training camp this season and some in past seasons. "Some" isn't "a lot," but it was more than the other options and therefore better.

JT from Palm Coast, FL

I have been ultra critical of Trevor Lawrence, but each week he is looking more confident. I am not talking about anything other than his confidence. I am happy to see a LOT of progress each week. Good game all-around, but tip of the cap to Mr. Lawrence!

Lawrence continues to improve in his first season in Coen's offense. He completed 16 of 27 passes for 229 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions Sunday. You're correct that he's showing increased confidence – and he absolutely should be showing increased confidence. He's the quarterback of an 8-4 team. He has performed at a high level in a lot of clutch moments. This feels headed in a good direction. Stay tuned.

Bradley from Death Valley, CA

Unless you win the AFC North, it looks like it will take 11 wins to make the playoffs in the AFC. Am I missing something?

Yes, the fact that the NFL is hard and a lot of contending teams still must play one another.

Chuck from Currently Margate, FL

Ladies and gentlemen, your AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars!!! Let's gooooo!!!!

The Jaguars indeed are tied for the lead with the Colts in the AFC South, with both teams 8-4. They are technically in first place because of a better record in common games, but that technicality means little with five games remaining. If the Jaguars win that they will need no technicalities.

Rob from Jax

Receivers in the right place ... am I reading too much into this or was there a problem in running routes for some in addition to the drops? Harder to tell about the route running as we don't know the play calls. Care to tell us more or have you said too much already? Thanks O.

My team is on the floor.

Cam from Jacksonville

Is Sunday's game a must-win?

No. Sunday's game is big, but the Jaguars can still make the playoffs and win the division if they lose, so it's more of a it-would-be-awesome-to-win game than a must-win game.

TC from San Marco

Bill Parcells clearly stated "You are what your record says you are." The years we won only 3 or 4 games, that felt true. However today we are leading the division, 8-4, and why does it feel like these JAGs are overrated?

Maybe you haven't watched all that much NFL or haven't paid attention to what you're watching? This is just a thought.

Hassan from Celina, TX

Colts are currently favorites for Sunday. They will not have cornerback Sauce Gardner or defensive lineman DeForest Buckner and quarterback Daniel Jones is playing with a broken leg. Meanwhile the Jags could get back defensive end Travon Walker, defensive tackle Arik Armstead and guard Patrick Mekari. How do you see Sunday going?

Competitively.

Larry from Duncan, OK

Great and powerful Oz: Joe Gibbs' philosophy could really help Jacksonville build a powerhouse by concentrating on the offensive line and drafting a 6-feet-2, 230-pound running back. The defense needs to be more dominating on the front seven. Lawrence is as good as the three quarterbacks Gibbs won his three Super Bowls with. The receiving corps is okay as well as the defensive secondary. Special teams appear to be good. Remember, the game is won in the trenches not paying $275 million to a quarterback.

I consider Joe Gibbs at or above any other NFL head coach ever. I expect the Jaguars always will focus heavily on both lines under their current leadership. I think there are improvements that could be made within the secondary and receiving corps. I don't know that the right move in this NFL is to build around a 6-feet-2, 230-pound running back, and I say this even though the one to which you're referring ranks among my all-time NFL players.

Mike from St. Augustine, FL

Is Gary real or Artificial Intelligence?

Is there a difference?

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