NEW ORLEANS, La. – Let's get to it …
JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL
Hey, John. I rewatched the Jaguars' 34-20 Week 16 victory over the Broncos in Denver to remind myself of what the team looked like when it was peaking last season. As I had recalled, they looked good and that was confirmed. The one weak spot evident during the replay was the offensive line. They weren't horrible, but too many sacks and pressures were allowed. The Jaguars essentially are bringing back the same line, with several banged up and others shuffled around. Should we be worried? Go Jags!
Longtime, loyal O-Zone readers – and he knows who he is – know I never know how to counsel readers (or even normal people) regarding how much to worry. What I can tell you is the Jaguars' offensive line was not weak last season. Was it the best in the NFL? Perhaps not. But the group played well, which we know because it's hard to finish 13-4 and win the AFC South with a bad offensive line. I don't doubt there were issues against Denver in Week 16. Remember when analyzing and/or worrying about that performance, the Broncos were among the NFL's best pass-rushing teams last season and have been for multiple seasons. That was a major reason they were among the NFL's best teams last season. Remember, too: This is professional football, not the Southeastern Conference. Even good teams – and the Jaguars were very good last season – don't dominate every matchup against other good teams. They usually won't even win every matchup against other good teams. The mark of good teams is winning when you don't win all matchups. The Jaguars not only beat the Broncos last season, they did it in convincing fashion and were in little danger of losing in the final minutes. Do the Jaguars want to improve the offensive line and strive for perfection there? Sure. But they're good there and I expect them to be better there in 2026.
Josh from Atlanta, GA
Time flies, O. I asked you this on 1/26/26: "This brings me to Parker Washington. How do you value the player, contractually? Does a guy with 522 yards the previous two seasons combined get Jakobi Meyers-type money simply because he had one year of solid production, with the best coming at the end of the season? I very much want him as part of the core, so genuinely asking how General Manager James Gladstone and Co. will come together with the Washington camp and agree what true 'market value' is for his play up to this point? Where is the baseline?" You gave a perfect answer at the time because there were still so many unknowns. Fast-forward to today, and we've seen some absolutely bananas wide receiver contracts handed out. I don't agree that some of those players warranted those numbers, but that's the reality of today's NFL receiver market. With that context, where do you think Parker's market begins? What's the realistic floor for a long-term extension, and what kind of deal would be fair for him? We also now have two late draft picks in the wings that have apparently been far better than anticipated.
I confess projecting contract ranges isn't my strength, and it's fair to wonder just what my strengths are – if, indeed, any exist at all. I have seen outside sources project Washington's contract anywhere from $16-to-$25 million a year. With wide receiver Zay Flowers signing with the Baltimore Ravens recently for $108 million guaranteed at $35 million a year, $16-to-$25 million a year for Washington might be too low. It might even be way too low. Without knowing a player's demands, it's hard to assess these situations in a meaningful way. Will the receiver market continue to rise the longer this goes without an agreement? That's usually how it works. I don't know what's fair and what's not fair in contract extensions. My sense is Washington will sign an extension with the Jaguars at some point and never again worry about money. Good on him.
Josh from Atlanta, GA
Went back to Parker's draft profile. "Average backup at best." Ha. One can hope we found the same with rookie wide receivers CJ Williams and Josh Cameron. I find it ironic they were both in the same round as PW. From your seat, and just reality, what makes him so good? As in what are the things you see him excel at as a receiver?
Tireless work. Precise route running. Trust with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Consistency. Toughness. Good hands. Tireless work. Trust with Lawrence. Tireless work. Trust with Lawrence.
William from Houston, TX
Please explain to me, being a Houston fan, how you guys improved in the rushing game? At the beginning of every year, every team thinks that they're going to the Super Bowl, but please help me to understand how you guys put your trust in Bhayshul. What do the coaches see in him that he can take a step forward in Year 2? I think it's going to come down to our two teams for the AFC Championship, but I think we have the Russian game over you guys. Have a good day. Stay Duuuvalin' jaguars!!!
A running game in the NFL is about far more than one player and/or one running back. The Jaguars believe they will improve in the running game not just because of running back Bhayshul Tuten, but because of the addition of running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. and an offensive line that has been together a year in Head Coach Liam Coen's system. It's entirely possible the Texans have the Russian game over the Jaguars. While the Jaguars and Coen are uber-competitive and believe in yielding nothing to opponents, my understanding is that the Jaguars are willing to yield the Russian game in this matchup.
Nick from London
No question, more of an information exchange. I liked former Jaguars number 99 Sen'Derrick Marks. He seemed like a good man. That was a good series you just completed on former Jaguars by number. It threw up reminders of good players and good men from periods where the Jaguars struggled and often knew there was no realistic shot at getting to a Super Bowl, even in August. We ain't in that era anymore.
No, we are not.
Willis from Jax
What's a Shadrick? If I remember my Chaldean, it stems from Shudur Aku, which means "command of Aku," the ancient moon god of Babylon.
I think it has something to do with the Russian game.
Mark from Jacksonville
It is exciting to see what Parker is doing and listening to all the armchair experts evaluate what he is worth. I assume that there are many factors that Parker and his agent must consider. I assume that one of the big factors is system and quarterback. It has taken a few seasons for Parker and Trevor to get the relationship they have, would the long play to stay in Jax be part of the thought process and continue the success or is it always about the money? I know injuries can happen at any time, and it is always about the money.
It's professional football. It's always about the money.
Gary from St. Augustine, FL
Even at a joint practice, you still suck.
(Big) Easy there, fella.
Rob from Jax Bch
Zone, will they be tackling to the ground during joint practices, or thump and release?
Whenever I hear coaches speak of "thumping" in practice, I am reminded that my good friend Brian Kane had a funnel with "THUMPER" written in black magic marker on the side. He had a long tube of flexible plastic connected to it. I can't remember precisely its purpose. I do know what coaches speak of thumping I always think of my friend Brian and smile. I expect the Jaguars' joint practices this summer – including Thursday's against the New Orleans Saints – will almost exclusively be "thumping and releasing."
Charles from Riverside
Hello, John. Do we have any information on when and for how long Coen will keep his starters in play during the preseason games? Is he relatively firm on this with a reasonable idea of timing, maybe similar to last year in starter play time? Is it something the Jags release at some point towards the end of training camp? Or is it a "day of" kind of decision? Thanks.
We do have information on this. Coen, being "sneaky this way," decided to send the message to the public in "code" – i.e., he led his press conference this past Monday by clearly saying that no starters would play Week 1. This media, also being "sneaky this way," then subtly passed the information to the public by writing stories about it with headlines and trumpeting the news on social media. We followed suit on this free website because we are also "sneaky this way." I don't know why Coen feels the need for such subterfuge. This, too, probably has something to do with the Russians, who history tells us are also "sneaky this way."
