JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Devin from Richmond Hill, GA
It is the Dead Zone. It hasn't been completely beaten to death yet and something from the Bills loss has been bothering me. Regarding the deciding touchdown, isn't there a rule about not being able to pick up the ball carrier to advance the ball? Much smarter people than I were watching, too, but...
I assume you're referencing Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen's 10-yard run on the play before his game-winning 1-yard touchdown run in a 27-24 Bills victory in an AFC Wild Card Playoff at EverBank Stadium this past Jaguars. Allen indeed was pushed on the 10-yard play by multiple Bills offensive players on that play – and he was pushed to a slightly lesser degree on the touchdown. But while NFL rules do prohibit teammates from carrying a ballcarrier, Allen's teammates from this view stopped short of that on both plays and therefore were within the rules. Did they perhaps go to the absolute extreme within the rules? Yes, but not enough to be a penalty.
Rick from Franconia
During the recently released episode of The Hunt, James Gladstone said, "That is the best Duval DNA and the second-best sentiment remaining on the board in [rookie wide receiver] Josh Cameron." I think I have reasonable understanding of what Duval DNA means, but not "sentiment." What is "sentiment" in this context and what can you share with us about how it is used as part of the Jaguars' draft board/ draft strategy?
I confess I haven't had a chance to ask Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone about this specifically. My interpretation from speaking to him about this sort of topic, and from what I understand about the Jaguars' approach to personnel acquisition under Gladstone, is that "sentiment" in this case is how those within the Jaguars involved in the evaluation process collectively view a player. Gladstone emphasizes scouts not knowing how he or other key decision-makers feel about specific players, so that that knowledge doesn't cloud opinions within the building. This regime works very hard to ensure scouts and personnel people are sharing what Gladstone likes to call "water-cooler" information – which essentially mean the "real assessments" people give when they're talking with their peers rather than trying to impress their boss. Gladstone therefore values "sentiment" provided it is reached the right way.
Edward from Jacksonville
What about "AA?"
Edward's got jokes.
Nicholas from Fort Hood, TX
KOAF: Just like in football, when the end comes in soccer, it comes fast and is brutal. It was a fun couple of weeks while it lasted and now off to another four-year hiatus. See you all in 2030.
We are referencing here the United States Men's National Team's 4-1 loss to Belgium in a Round of 16 match Monday in the 2026 World Cup, and this indeed may be the last time we mention the loss – and the last time we reference the USMNT for a while here in the O-Zone. It absolutely was fun while it lasted – just as the World Cup overall has been incredibly dramatic. I have watched all but a few matches straight through, which means I have watched more soccer – or as Mrs. Ozone now calls it, "futbol" – in the last few weeks than in my first 59(ish) years combined. While the game at times is frustrating to watch because of the vagueness of rules, the energy and passion make the World Cup just a phenomenal event. I am looking forward to the last three rounds and I look forward to benefitting from Mrs. O-Zone's newfound futbol expertise. I expect France to win because that's what people who know more about soccer than me think. Stay tuned.
Cliff from Everywhere with helicopter
I wondered if you had had a chance to view the new Netflix doc "Chris & Martina: The Final Set?" I am of a slightly older vintage than you and so I remember being a big fan of Chris Evert during what I would consider the Golden Age of Tennis. I got the chance to see them play an exhibition match at what was then called Brendan Byrne Arena (now The Meadowlands) sometime in the early 1980s. It was so memorable because, as competitive as both women were, since it was an exhibition there was plenty of goofing around and trash talking between points. The doc is fantastic, touching on their lives on and off the court, and very moving.
I indeed have watched this documentary. I recommend it to anyone who likes stories of friendship, rivalry, competition and overcoming obstacles. It's not always an easy watch because much of it involves their ongoing issues with cancer, but it's high-end good.
Don from Marshall, NC
Let's not forget that ESPN power rankings had the Jaguars at the 24 spot prior to the season last year. This year they have the team ranked 16th. We certainly wouldn't be calling them for stock advice would we. Fans are going to be upset about that but it has always been the case for the Jaguars! We are just a small market team and Miles Jackson was never down! Let's get it on! Go Jaguars!
When it comes to not buying into ESPN's power rankings, and to holding onto Myles Jack – a.k.a., Miles Jackson – still not being down, Don remains reliable and refreshingly "all in."
Lane from Winter Garden
Zone, as a long-overdue response to your answer about your top five favorite TV shows of all-time, I like your list but I'm curious about one omission. Have you seen Breaking Bad and – if so – were you not a big fan?
I watched it. I thought Better Call Saul was as good or better. I liked both. There are a lot of shows I liked better. That's probably a "me" thing more than "Breaking Bad" or "Saul" thing. I consider leaving Letterkenny off my list of Top 5 comedies a far bigger omission than omitting Breaking Bad or Saul.
Tom from the Mean Streets of Nocatee
Perhaps Garo Yapremiam wasn't the best choice at goalkeeper
It's "Yepremian," and we talk a lot in the O-Zone about the importance of being nice. This, while perhaps unfortunately not entirely inaccurate, was not nice.
Kenneth from Jacksonville
Who's the best player in Jaguars history to don No. 66?
Onward ho. Possibilities here include guard Shawn Bouwens (1995), center Greg Huntington (1996), defensive tackle Derek Landri (2007-2009), offensive tackle Ricky Lee (2025-present), guard Jacques McClendon (2013-2014), guard Justin Smiley (2010), guard Steve Vallos (2012) and center John Wade (1998-2002). So … Wade.
Chris from Mandarin
Frenchy is right. There's no reason to ever suffer fools gladly, in writing or in a simple how dee do.
OK.
Al from Orange Park, FL
When an NFL team gets knocked out of the playoffs, 1/32 of the country is devastated. When losing in the World Cup, the whole country gets to be devastated together. Is that better or worse, do you think?
While perhaps the math here doesn't quiiite work, the point is essentially correct. I suppose the answer is that losing stinks whatever the number. It stinks and hurts worse the higher the stakes – and the longer the wait for a big opportunity. Does knowing a lot of other people are hurting ease one's pain? Maybe. But probably not really.
Troy from Dover, PA
I just wanted to clear up your confusion with Daniel's recent submission, so it isn't weighing on your mind. You mentioned in an earlier column you saw Elvis and he thought you meant Presley instead of Costello.
Well, that was a bit silly of him, wasn't it?
Scott from Jacksonville, FL
Has there really only been one player in the history of the NFL with a last name starting with the letter "X?" That struck me as very bizarre and seemingly almost impossible! And I think all the seven-footers are playing basketball.
I wrote in Sunday's O-Zone that edge defender Oshane Ximines (2019-2024) is the only player in NFL history with the last initial "X." I can't speak to whether it's bizarre or seemingly impossible, but I wouldn't have written it if it weren't true. And while seven-footers are prevalent in the NBA, I don't know that that explains why they don't employ more in the NFL to block kicks. That's more about the feasibility of the approach.
Aiden from San Marco
So, you're a Swiftie? I guess you are the King of All Funk (KOAF) – and as the KOAF, I'm sure you were at the wedding. So, what's your favorite album? Or does one not share this info in these forums.
Am I Swiftie? Are you kidding? Is the sky blue? Is there such thing as too many Housewives of Jacksonville marathons? I say no. Oh, the happy hours I have passed giggling with my friends and listening to Taylor Swift. Which song is the greatest? Which album? Which tour? Which wedding? Oh, the choices. Oh, the choices. Can I pick all of them?
