JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Mike from East Alabama (Pensacola)
O, a question, an opinion and a declaration. First, how do you compare Jakobi with Christian Kirk as a player and his utilization? My opinion is one of my worst nightmares would be to have Jaguars defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen or Travon Walker to lay violent hands on me. I am sure most opposing offensive linemen feel the same way. Not to leave out tackles DaVon Hamilton or Arik Armstead. Lastly, I have been at all of the iterations of the stadium since Day 1. And I have drank the Kool-Aid almost every single season. But this offseason, I have guzzled it. I think our roster is loaded and jacked at almost every position room. DUUUVAL!
I don't know that I necessarily would compare wide receiver Jakobi Meyers with former Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk as much as I would compare current Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington with Kirk. Washington and Kirk are comparable in build and role – and if last season's results are indication, Washington seems on a path that might lead him to being better than Kirk over the long term. Meyers is comparable to Kirk in the sense that Lawrence trusted Kirk implicitly to be where the play needed him. Lawrence seems to have that trust in Meyers, which makes Meyers critical to the offense. Secondly, you are correct to not want a physical altercation with Hines-Allen or Walker. As for guzzling the Kool-Aid and therefore buying into the optimism around this team right now … why not? Hope is high. This team is good. There are no guarantees, but why not choose hope? Guzzle away.
JAY from THE BURG, FL
Your conversation about Ranner Kozoil and the ability to block reminded me of an interview he did where they posed the same question. He said he is not the best blocker but that he is willing to work and learn to become the best he can for whatever the team needs him to be. Just like you can never feel another man's pain, you can never truly measure another person's will to achieve something. Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen remarked on the conditioning of the players in the offseason program. I have to say you look at cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter, defensive end B.J. Green and others … "Wow." Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli said his focus is to provide whatever coaches, players or staff need to win. General Manager James Gladstone said he wants players with a football DNA that are driven to compete. Coach Coen says to have a hat on gameday you have to be the best. This organization wants everyone to be winners, to be great, to become the best. Who's willing?
I expect Jaguars rookie tight end Tanner Koziol to work to become the best blocker possible, though I can't guarantee the same is true of Ranner Kozoil. I get that Ranner sounds like a tough-guy name. But my concern is that though I haven't known many Ranners in my day, the ones I have known mostly are lazy ne'er-do-wells. Trusting them is a fool's game.
Stephen from 113 from Jacksonville via Pennsauken NJ
John, I was glad to hear that Marissa and Trevor are expecting their second child. Biology being biology and math being math, I guess we are now on a baby watch for which game the new little one arrives. Here is hoping it is one of our few home games. It is just one more thing to make this season more interesting!
OK.
Jim from Jagsonville
So, is the World Cup fair game during the Dead Zone? How about team USA going 4-1 against Paraguay!!
The World Cup absolutely is fair game in this forum, though this is not yet the Dead Zone. I have watched every 2026 World Cup game to date, which means I have had the television on and does not mean I know much about what I'm seeing. The good news is Mrs. O-Zone has said the word "pitch" four consecutive days, and has used it correctly on three of four occasions. I do know the U.S. team looked really fast and really exciting in a 4-1 victory over Paraguay Friday, which could mean a really cool few weeks. Wave the flag.
Carlos from Mexico City, Mexico
I was wondering if you are following the World Cup, since it is happening now in our backyard. Does it interest you at all? What are your thoughts on the event or soccer as a whole?
The World Cup does interest me, my lack of knowledge notwithstanding. It's a staggering popular spectacle and I enjoy watching it every four years. It's cool. O-Zone likes it.
JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL
Hey, John. During the New York Knicks playoff run, the city was electric and on fire after a 53-year wait for a championship. Jax has waited, too. What would a Jags Super Bowl win mean for Duval?
We know the answer to this based on the energy and passion seen every time the Jaguars are good and make the postseason. This town responds when this team is good. How much bigger would the response be if the Jaguars made – and won – the Super Bowl? Exponentially? Infinitely? A lot? All of the above.
Kenneth from Jacksonville
What about "E?"
My Scooby Sense – and not by Scobee or Spidey Sense – tells me you are asking about the best player in Jaguars history with the last name starting with "E." Possibilities include running back Travis Etienne Jr. (2021-2025), tight end Evan Engram (2022-2024) and safety Josh Evans (2013-2015). One fer Etienne on this one. Five for five.
Rob from The duuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
I think Double D or safety Donovan Darius would be considered better than Marcel Dareus. At least in my book. I'm going with Double D! And I will give it to Dewey because I love him and he had better career, BUT Barry Church had a great 1 year in 2017. When he sacrificed himself to destroy Gronk and take him out of the AFC championship? That was an epic culmination to a great year. Just wanted to give a one fer for Mr. Church for that incredible moment.
So, one fer former Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard. And one fer defensive tackle Marcell Dareus. And one fer safety Barry Church for a memorable season and memorable moment.
Nicholas from Fort Hood, TX
No question just an observation of the English language. The Jaguars re-sign players to keep them on the team. However, if a player resigns, then they quit. Training camp is almost here.
When you work with words, words are your work.
Michael from Orange Park, FL
Who's the best player in Jaguars history to wear No. 44?
Possibilities in this discussion include fullback Brock Bolen (2009-2011), linebacker Myles Jack (2016-2021), fullback Marc Edwards (2003-2004) and defensive end Travon Walker (2022-2026). Walker is the choice here, though Myles Jack Wasn't Down.
Jordan from Lincoln, NE
I'm sure Travon Walker will be the favorite for No. 44 but I'm going with Myles Jack because #mylesjackwasntdown
You keep being you because what else can you do?
P Funk from Murray Hill
Who is the best Jaguars player born in January?
I do not care.
Yeti Daddy from Somewhere and Yet Nowhere
O, say can you see. Choosy moms may choose 2026, and I agree with the wise sage who said it will be tough for this year's defense to surpass 2017. Since no NFL defense has ever finished No. 1 against the run, No. 1 against the pass, No. 1 in sacks, and No. 1 in tackles for loss — even the '85 Bears, '00 Ravens, '02 Bucs, '13 Seahawks, and '15 Broncos didn't hit all four — which would you rather build? A No. 1 run defense with average results elsewhere, a No. 1 pass defense with average results elsewhere, or a unit that ranks top‑10 across the board with no single elite category?
I ideally would build a defense that is stifling against the run, rushes the passer well and has a knack for creating turnovers when the quarterback is pressured. I don't care all that much about being No. 1 in pass defense because passing yardage numbers are often misleading in the sense that a team that leads a lot often gives up a lot of yards while opponents are passing on every down to catch up. Run defense trumps pass defense because if you can't stop the run, you're in a lot of trouble.
Bradley from Death Valley, CA
Special teams is often overlooked but special teams coordinator Heath Farwell and guys like long snapper Ross Matiscik, kicker Cam Little, punter Logan Cooke and returner Parker Washington are some of the best at what they do. Is it wrong to be excited by special teams?
I don't know if it's wrong, but it's damned sure not right.
