JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Crash from Glen Saint Mary

Obi Wan! Impressive win in Crab Town. The Big Cats have the Road Warrior mentality.

The Jaguars beat the Baltimore Ravens, 33-10, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md., Thursday – and it speaks to the nature of the game, and perhaps the late finish, that most O-Zone emails received were strikingly positive in nature. The Jaguars were heavily favored because of the absence of Ravens two-time Most Valuable Player quarterback Lamar Jackson – and his absence perhaps will cause some national observers to discount a lot about the Jaguars' victory. But whatever the perception, this was an impressive night for the Jaguars. Yes, the Ravens were without Jackson. But the Jaguars played well enough offensively early against a very good defense to push to a 17-3 halftime lead that seemed much larger because of Jackson's absence and a steady rain. They also played well against Ravens running back Derrick Henry and the Ravens' need-based Wildcat approach offensively. The Jaguars forced three turnovers, committed one and maintained control of the game throughout. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence again played at a high, high level. We have seen plenty of past Jaguars teams that would have let an outmanned team stay close – and perhaps win – in a situation such as they faced last night. This Jaguars team was methodical, physical and persistent Thursday – and the result was a one-sided victory heading into a mini-bye week. Impressive? Absolutely.

Keith from Saint Augustine, FL

I hate Thursday night games. Players are usually already tired, sore and nicked up from playing on Sunday – thus, it can be the recipe for further injury. The NFLPA should seriously consider making no Thursday night games a top priority in the offseason.

I do not disagree. I could see the NFL Players Association saying to the NFL's owners, "Let's get rid of Thursday games." I then expect the owners will say, "Do you see all this money we make from Thursday games? Do you see how player salaries go up because of all this money?" I could then see the NFLPA saying, "We sort of like those Thursday games."

Nicholas from Fort Hood, TX

KOAF: Wow!! Not only did we end the 24-game streak for holding a player under 75 yards, but Trevor had to play the entire game. Are the wheels falling off?

Winning is cool. Fans like it enough they got jokes.

Greg from Jacksonville

I will be very upset if Lawrence is not the MVP.

We are, of course, nine games from the end of the 2026 regular season. While that means it's way too early for Most Valuable Player talk – and way too early to be upset about something that hasn't yet happened or not happened – Lawrence at this point absolutely has played well enough to merit such premature conversation. He not only has made a habit of the spectacular, but he has become a remarkably good decision-maker with an outstanding feel for the game. My sense is this MVP stuff will be an ongoing discussion as the 2026 season continues because my sense is Lawrence will continue playing at a high level. He also has a balanced, deep skill-position group around him that makes this offense very productive and very entertaining. I don't know if playing at that high level will eventually earn him MVP honors. I do expect it will mean the Jaguars winning a lot of games, which is – of course – the point of all this.

Aaron from Jacksonville

The Ravens used some pretty unique formations early. Did the Jaguars expect that?

The Ravens, because of the absence of quarterbacks Jackson and Tyler Huntley, leaned heavily into the Wildcat formation, with All-Pro running back Derrick Henry taking direct snaps from center. This was to ease pressure on rookie free agent quarterback Joe Pagnano – making his first NFL start – and to take advantage of Henry. The Jaguars indeed did expect this and practiced extensively against it this week. They handled it well for the most part. Good on them.

Matt The Womble from Surrey

Zone! I was wondering whether Walker could be an option to replace D-Ham in the interior, alongside Dickerson. So, it made me wonder how we strengthen. If you had to choose ahead of the trade deadline, edge rusher or interior/nose tackle.

Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker can effectively play inside at times. This does not make him an option to replace DaVon Hamilton at nose tackle. The thought here is the Jaguars need a nose tackle and a penetrating "three-technique" tackle more than they need an edge rusher. I expect they will pursue both before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline.

Bradley from Death Valley, California

It is a little ironic that K'Lavon Chaisson would be the perfect addition to the Jaguars. Much respect to him for sticking with it and improving. Just like quarterbacks, edge defenders can take five or six years to really bloom.

Irony can be pretty ironic.

Chris from Jax

KOAF, do you think it would be a good idea to get the ball to wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. on games like this? Try to help him build some confidence. It seems like he has been ignored since he caught the touchdown against the Colts.

It's a good idea on Thursday night games to get the game finished as quickly as possible and avoid injuries – and wear and tear. That's a particularly good idea when it's raining.

Ray from Newport News, VA

Mr. Ozone, I am much like you as I prefer the Sunday 1 p.m. Eastern time games and I really enjoy the 9:30 a.m. game time as well. Before the season started, I had this Thursday as a loss. Preseason I had the Jags losing to the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles (4-2 going into the bye), Ravens, Chicago Bears and at the Houston Texans. I now believe we will beat the Texans in their house Week 15. I know it's any given Sunday in the NFL as this is not the SEC. But I see the Jags as favorites in all remaining games expect the Bears game. I think we will have a tough time with the New York Giants. With that said, I am calling for 13-4 my midseason prediction.

Now we know.

Your Momma from Jax

I have been pretty rough on D-Ham over the years because of his lack of pass rush. However, with what we want to do on defense – stop the run without an extra man in the box and run two-high safety and some nickel – he has been pretty phenomenal from my view the past two seasons. I hate to see someone go down, but especially someone who Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen describes as such a high-caliber person and leader. He will surely be missed and there isn't a replacement out there to grab. Sure, we all would love a Marcus Stroud or John Henderson, but it would be fantastic if we can find a Rob Meier this offseason – a third defensive tackle that can spot start or be a huge rotational piece. Our skill positions are built, assuming we get something done with wide receiver Parker Washington. I hope we really focus on the lines of scrimmage this offseason. If so, the Jags are here to stay for a while.

Criticizing a nose tackle for lack of pass rush is similar to criticizing a kicker for not being a great punter. It's simply not his job and no one around the Jaguars was "rough on" Hamilton for not getting more sacks. Hamilton indeed has been phenomenal in this defense, and there really isn't a replacement. I expect the Jaguars to actively pursue defensive tackle – nose tackle and three-technique – in the coming days. I also expect the Jaguars to focus on the lines of scrimmage this offseason. Maintaining, developing and improving those areas has been a priority the past two offseasons and there's no reason to think that will change.

Brett from Shoalhaven Heads, Australia

Hi O, I was wondering if teams get salary cap dispensation if a player is placed on IR. Thanks.

NFL players count fully against a team's salary cap when they are placed on injured reserve. This is unavoidable in large part because of accounting for prorated bonuses.

Paul from Washington, D.C.

With 7:38 left and the Jags up 30 in Baltimore, my son reminded me that he is 4-0 watching the Jags in person on the road over the last four seasons. Would that have been mathematically impossible when the Jags dwelled in the NFL abyss? Why are the Jags spoiling the children?

I don't know that that would have been mathematically possible in years gone past. It darned sure wouldn't have been likely. I do imagine there are some longtime Jags fans that wouldn't mind giving that cocky kid a nice poke on the teeth for old time's sake.

Bachman & Turner on The 8:15 into the City

Takin 'Care of Bidness

TCB.