JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Michael from Orange Park, FL
I knew it, Zone. Everyone else had to have known it, too. The disrespect really is real. You were naïve to think otherwise.
My Scooby Sense – and not my Scobee or Spidey sense – tells me you're referencing the Jaguars not winning any of the awards for which they were finalists at the 15th NFL Honors on Thursday night. To review: Head Coach Liam Coen was a finalist for AP Coach of the Year and quarterback Trevor Lawrence was a finalist for AP Most Valuable Player and AP Comeback Player of the Year. Punter Logan Cooke was the Jaguars' club winner for Walter Payton Man of the Year. The Jaguars, as you email bitterly indicates, did not win any of the awards for which they were finalists. New England Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel won Coach of the Year. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford won MVP. San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey won Comeback Player of the Year. Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner won Walter Payton Man of the Year. But while disrespect was the season-long theme that helped fuel the Jaguars' 13-4 AFC South Championship season, I don't know if I agree that Thursday's announcement reflected disrespect. Vrabel and Stafford were worthy selections for Coach of the Year and MVP, and Walter Payton Man of the Year is so hard to win it's always difficult to say a specific player was "snubbed." While Coen would have been a deserving Coach of the Year, I thought entering Thursday the most realistic Jaguars winner would be Lawrence possibly winning Comeback Player. I was disappointed for him he didn't win, but not shocked. Overall, Coen and Lawrence being finalists for the three awards seems very fair and respectful. It would have been cool for them to win, but them not winning was more a reflection of multiple worthy candidates than any great disrespect.
Alex from formerly of Vilano Beach, FL
This question feels taboo, but did the Jaguar defense disproportionately inflict injuries on opposing teams' star quarterbacks? Others have called us dirty. I didn't see dirt, but that may be bias. Notable examples from this season are Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow getting his foot injured, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert getting banged up, Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward having to exit – and we also banged up Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Do you see anything notable or is it just the nature of NFL, as our own Trevor unfortunately had his share of injuries. Thanks.
This question isn't as taboo as it is silly. The Jaguars were not "dirty" defensively this past season. Did those "others" watch the games? Or did they just have "thoughts" in comments sections and on Twitter? Always be conscious of the difference between thoughts and educated thoughts. The difference is all the difference in the world.
Tyler from Reno, NV
If we were to trade him and let's say the Vikings were willing to part ways, do you think trading wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and a Jaguars 2027 first-round pick for wide receiver Justin Jefferson would be a fair trade? Are we giving up to much or would the Vikings need more? Wide receivers Jefferson, Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter, Parker Washington and Tim Patrick would be fun to watch in Coen's offense.
TRADE MACHINE!!!!!!!
Sam from Orlando, FL
Are Pro Bowl selections still factored into the decision to enshrine future players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? They are letting just about anyone in (Joe Flacco of the Cincinnati Bengals, Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns, Trevor declined) or will there be a new metric voters will use?
There are no official "metrics" or mandatory "factors" for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, though the Hall of Fame states "every candidate is thoroughly reviewed and must receive approval from at least 80 percent of the full Committee to be elected." This means each voter can vote their conscience with no specific honor or statistic absolutely necessary. Many Hall voters historically have discussed Pro Bowls and some voters no doubt have voted for players with Pro Bowl selections at least somewhat in mind. As the Pro Bowl becomes obviously sillier and less pertinent, I expect fewer voters will factor the "honor" significantly in their thinking. One would hope, anyway.
Justin from NYC
Recently, I saw that J.J. Watt wanted to be a Packer so badly he would have accepted a deal for as low as $5 million (compared to the $15 million annual he signed for in Arizona), stating he couldn't even get a number from Green Bay. Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd recently expressed a desire to remain in Jacksonville, suggesting a hometown discount, but said he hasn't yet heard from the team. I understand the Jags have limited cap room, and I am sure Lloyd knows this as well. What could be stopping General Manager James Gladstone from initiating discussions for a team-friendly deal?
Reality?
Yeti Daddy from Somewhere and Yet Nowhere
Besides the head coach, which other coach/coordinator makes the most impact? It seems we have an advantage over at least 20 other teams in this area. Consistency builds champions!
This can depend on the quality of individual coach because good coach is going to have more impact than a mediocre one. My general order: Offensive/defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, offensive line coach. Ish.
JK from NY and Fernandina Beach, FL
John. After watching the excellent Sounds of the Game: Best of 2025, I was reminded what an incredible year it was. As Voice of the Jaguars Frank Frangie said on the final voiceover that closed out the video, "2025 was one of the greatest seasons in the history of the Jacksonville Jaguars." From the hiring of the Triumvirate until the stunning and painful ending of the instant classic Wild Card, it was an incredible journey. Does "Jags to Riches: The Cinderella Season" deserve a sequel?
The 2025 season indeed was an incredible journey for the Jaguars and their fans – and in terms of success, it ranks with the 1996, 1999 and 2017 seasons when the Jaguars made the AFC Championship Game. While the '25 team did not have playoff success, the 13 victories and eight-game winning streak were remarkably memorable feats. As for a sequel to Jags to Riches being necessary … not just yet. Jags to Riches chronicled the 1996 season. The book industry has changed in three decades and "Jags" also had the appeal of telling the story of a young franchise two seasons into its existence. I sense a Super Bowl title might be book-worthy for someone. Stay tuned.
Bradley from Death Valley, CA
The conventional criticism regarding the trade up to get wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter was that the Jags were far more than one player away. It turned out the Jags kind of were one player away. I really think Hunter would have progressed at a level equal to or above that of the team over the second half of the season. My guess is the Jags are playing this Sunday had he been available. Thoughts?
You're asking if the Jaguars would have made the Super Bowl if Hunter had been available for the postseason. It's a big ask for any one player other than a quarterback – particularly a rookie – to make that much of a difference. It's also generally true that NFL teams are rarely – if ever – "one player away." But considering part of the reason they lost to the Bills in the postseason was allowing big plays, and considering Hunter may be the Jaguars' best cornerback …
Wes from Ponte Vedra, FL
Is Jaxon de Ville going to be able to backflip off the new canopy? If not, construction needs to be immediately halted, architectural firms need to be fired, and renovations plans need a complete overhaul.
Who?
Bradford from Orange Park, FL
Bro, I think you should consider having an O-Zone reader function, like get together. I feel like this column's readers would without question attend, and it would allow the most ardent of our team's fans to meet, and meet the great, Johnny O. You've done and do a good thing with being there for us as much as you are. And who knows how many great Jaguars football relationships that would spur? Do it at Strings (the stadium would be dope, too), if that makes it more agreeable for you. You know it's a good idea. And if you feel and are inclined to voice reluctancy … you should do it for your people. I'm far from a "gathering guy". But, it's our thing, dude.
Bro, this may or may not be great idea, though a case can be made that it at the very least is an "idea" – great or otherwise. Let me check my calendar. Wow, it seems I am all booked up for a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time. Weird.
Gary from St. Augustine, FL
Whoever wins the Super Bowl, you still suck.
Good eye.
