JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Bob from St. Augustine and Section 239
O, do you think Pizzazz was stressing over his first game in retirement or popping a cold one and saying: "Oh yeah, this is nice?" On another note: I never thought I would see the starting offense looking better than the defense.
I don't know who the hell Pizzazz is, but I hope he enjoyed his cold one. As far as the Jaguars' first offense looking better than – or at least as good as – the first defense in the preseason opener … you're right that it did. But let's not overblow this. The first defense didn't play poorly Thursday. The Saints' first drive started at their 40. New Orleans drove 33 yards for a field goal. That's at least a tie for the defense – and maybe a victory. But if the first offense did look better than – or at least as good as – the first defense, it shouldn't be a shock. The same thing happened in Pittsburgh last January and put the Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game. This is not a bad offense. It wasn't a bad offense last season. It's time for that perception to change.
Sid from Sidsonville
Tanner Lee is just awful!
OK.
Freddy from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
During a fourth-and-1 for the Saints on which they challenged the call Thursday, I felt this was a tactic and they were able to substitute player and make a better offensive play. I felt substitution should not be allowed in this circumstance.
A team loses a timeout if a challenge fails. That makes it difficult for teams to abuse the replay system in the manner you suggest. It at least makes it difficult for this to be a rampant problem.
Richard from Lincoln, RI
Let's say the Jaguars decide to show the play "Myles Jack was not down" on the BIG screen during the Patriots game. Would that be against NFL rules and regulations?
No, but don't look for the Jaguars to emphasize that play – or that game – in an official capacity during or around the New England Patriots game in Week 2. The players, coaches and officials have moved on. Now, if you want to wear a T-shirt …
The Other Michael from Middleburg, FL
All these folks bragging about being back ... what do you want, a medal? Some of us never left. #DTWD
… which could be good or bad, depending.
EricLlpydLewis from TheEnd
When it comes to senior writers, do you consider yourself the G.O.A.T.?
When it comes to senior writers, I consider myself employed. That's surprising enough to trump all else.
Ed from Ponte Vedra, FL
I know you hate the "to-worry-or-not-to-worry" questions. Bottom line is our first draft looks weak. Agree or disagree?
I believe you omitted a word, but it appears you're asking if Jaguars rookie defensive lineman Taven Bryan looks weak. He does not.
Strnbiker from Dothan, AL
On the Jaguars site, I can bring up a video but only get an audio feed. Same video feed on Facebook, etc., or a live broadcast from the Jags site it works perfect. Is this yet another we hope it will improve shortly?
We remain hopeful the situation will improve.
Mike from Rochester, NY
I believe the play of our rookie punter is certainly something to watch over the next few weeks. This is not a much-talked-about position, but I feel like there were times last season where the punting game put this team in a bad spot. What have you heard or seen from this position early on that would give us hope that this area improves this season?
Jaguars rookie punter Logan Cooke averaged 44.5 yards on two punts Friday with a long of 55 and the other downed inside the 20. He was very impressive in the Florida Blue Family Night practice a week ago. So far, so good.
Brian from Jacksonville
Who do I have to snuggle with to make teal tops and white pants the primary?
Shadrick. (Enjoy).
Allen from Decatur, IL
What is the breakdown and performance of the first-team defense?
It played one series Thursday without its top three strong-side defensive ends and without one of its rush ends. It allowed three first downs and a field goal and came very close to forcing a turnover. It was fine.
Scott from Daytona Beach, FL
I know he's a kicker but can we sign Lambo to a lifetime contract?
Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo has been impressive beyond words. Well, considering that answer, I suppose there are at least seven words to describe him, but you know what I mean.
Jeremy from Dodge City, KS
Alright nice explanation, the NFL sucks! You guys rule again!
We (I) never stopped ruling.
Lenevo from Sherwood, FL
I know Cody Kessler had a good outing in the preseason opener but should we explore other backup quarterback options like Teddy Bridgewater? Do you think if he gets cut by the Jets will the Jags try to bring him in?
No and no. The Jaguars have spent much of the last four months working with Kessler to get him acclimated in the offense. He appears he could function for a limited time if necessary.
Joe from San Antonio, TX
John, I did not see your preseason Power Rankings. YOU KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THESE ARE!
I don't do preseason NFL Power Rankings. They're too important. I can't handle the pressure.
Bruce from Green Cove Springs, FL
Quarterbacks: Blake was impressive Thursday. Kessler looked fairly solid. Sixth-round rookie Tanner Lee got a warm welcome to the NFL. To his credit, however, he seemed to settle in a bit after his first series. Once the game slows for him, and he finds some accuracy to go with his cannon arm, I think his eventual ceiling could be pretty high. So here is my question: If Tanner isn't kept on the active roster as a third quarterback and instead goes to the practice squad, what is your feeling about other teams having an interest?
A team would have to keep Lee on the active roster for at least three regular-season games if it signed him off the Jaguars' practice squad. I would be surprised if that happens.
Bruce from Bulltown
Tell Don from PV that Gene, Gene the Cultural Icon Machine has seen the bull, he knows the bull, he is a friend of the bull, and he rides the bull, and that is no bull. PS I am bullish on Jags 2018- #RealTeal
I never know what's going on.
Jeremy from Jacksonville
In response to you answer to Daniel about the bad contractor ... I told you I'm building a house next to Tony Boselli. How much more commitment do you need than someone capable of that! He knows where to find me.
Do. Not. Build. That. House.
Mike from Atlanta, GA
If the offensive line can give Blake enough time and run blocks well, this offense can put up some big numbers. We know how good is the defense. If the offense can run well, and they can throw the ball around and complete passes with ease, I think we can see some really lopsided victories. I don't think this offense is just better than average, I think these guys are really good. Blake is a very effective runner when he needs to run and can throw very well on the run. Fournette is good. Throw in the receivers, Seferian-Jenkins, and an upgraded line. I think they might be difficult to stop.
The Jaguars had a lot of lopsided victories last season, more than the norm. Perhaps they will have a few this season, but it doesn't matter if they don't. Winning is hard in the NFL. That's true even if the defense is very good and the offense is very good. Win by however many points you win by and move on.
Logan from Wichita, KS
Last year we panicked Week 1 of preseason and had a quarterback controversy on our hands. We then went to the AFC Championship Game. Should we panic just for consistency sake? This feels weird not panicking. I like it!
Give it time.
Ryan from Spooks, FL
O Man, wow is our wide receiving team deep. Do you see any surprise trades/cuts here to keep a few of the younger guys?
I never know what people mean by surprises. I expect DJ Chark Jr., Dede Westbrook, Keelan Cole, Marqise Lee and Donte Moncrief to be the top receivers. I expect the Jaguars to keep a sixth wide receiver, which could be Jaydon Mickens, Rashad Greene Sr., Shane Wynn or perhaps Allen Lazard.
Jack from Jacksonville
Why is Logan?
I think of Logan and Jerell the way some philosophers explain death as it relates to life – that death brings meaning and perspective to life. Logan and Jerell similarly bring meaning/perspective to the O-Zone. Wait … that's not right.
