JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Emmett from County Tyrone
Been a fan since the team's inception. Still have my Mark Brunell jersey, age stricken as it is – and I am starting to get annoyed by how the nfl.com analysts fail to see how good this Jaguars team can be. How do you feel about it? Sure, it is fine to go under the radar, but to be discounted? With a bit more luck in the Buffalo Bills game, this team would have been Super Bowl contenders.
I don't know which "nfl.com" analysts you mean, though national media overlooking or discounting the Jaguars is hardly a new complaint among the team's faithful. How do I feel about it? I care about it not a whit because how national analysts feel – and what they say – about a specific local team matters not a whit in terms of how the team fares on the field. This is professional football, not the Southeastern Conference. Where a team is "ranked" or perceived means nothing. Teams make the postseason in professional football based on results, then they play the postseason. If they win there, they will win the Super Bowl and you're not "under the radar" or overlooked when you play in – and win – the Super Bowl. Remember, too: The Jaguars are good. If the national media doesn't get that, it's a "they" problem and not a Jaguars problem.
Paul from St. Augustine, FL
One of several reasons I am looking forward to this season more than I have any season in years is the retention of offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. As excited as I am about this, we will likely lose them after this season. Do head coaches try to develop coaching talent in a similar way to player talent? I realize that the Rooney Rule requires at least one minority candidate to be interviewed, but what role does coach development play?
Head coaches do try to develop coaching talent. Sometimes that development works in such a way that a head coach can simply promote an offensive or defensive assistant into a coordinator role. Other times timing and circumstances make that impossible. The Rooney Rule requires teams interview minority candidates for positions such as offensive and defensive coordinator, head coach and general manager if hiring from the outside. The league does not require teams to follow the Rooney Rule in the case of an internal promotion.
Ben from Jacksonville and Palatka, FL
What happened to 58?
Patience, Ben. Patience.
Josh from Atlanta, GA
He made for some miserable Sundays, but definitely a one fer at Chris Johnson. Mr. CJ2K. What an incredible athlete who made for late nights game planning against for sure. Such a terrible disease that makes you really think deeply on what you are doing with your own health if blessed with it. Prayers for him and anyone else suffering with ALS!
Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson, now 40, during an interview with Michael Strahan on Good Morning America Monday announced he has been diagnosed with ALS. One fer Johnson and one fer thoughts being with him.
Chris from Roseville, CA
I know we lost the epic game on November 1, 2009, but it will always be well remembered by Jaguars fans. Thoughts to CJ2K and his family.
Yes.
Jacques from Versailles
Monsieur, only plebians write to the lowest common denominator. What does that make me?
Pompous, ill-informed and not a particularly good writer. The easier it is to understand, the better. Period.
Kenneth from Jacksonville
Best player to wear No. 58 for the Jaguars? Go!!!!!
We indeed have reached No. 58 in this discussion of all-time Jaguars players to wear a specific number. Possibilities here include defensive end Jason Babin (2012-2013), defensive end Hugh Douglas (2003), linebacker Lonnie Marts (2000) and middle linebacker Bryan Schwartz (1995-1999). Pretty easy to lean Schwartz here.
Ben from Jacksonville and Palatka, FL
What about "S?"
Patience, Ben. Patience.
Larry from Jacksonville
What about "S?"
Wow. We have reached "S" in this discussion of all-time Jaguars players with a specific letter as their last initial. Possibilities include guard Brandon Scherff (2022-2024), linebacker Bryan Schwartz (1995-1999), kicker Josh Scobee (2004-2014), right tackle Leon Searcy (1996-1999), guard Tyler Shatley (2014-2023), fullback Daimon Shelton (1997-2000), wide receiver Cecil Shorts III (2011-2014), defensive end Clyde Simmons (1996-1997), wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker (2008-2011), linebacker T.J. Slaughter (2000-2003), defensive end Joel Smeenge (1995-2000), defensive end Chris Smith (2014-2016), defensive tackle D'Anthony Smith (2010-2012), linebacker Daryl Smith (2004-2012), wide receiver Jimmy Smith (1995-2005), defensive tackle Larry Smith (1999-2002), linebacker Telvin Smith (2014-2018), defensive end Dawuane Smoot (2017-2023, 2025), defensive back Nick Sorenson (2003-2006), defensive end Paul Spicer (2000-2008), defensive back Scott Starks (2005-2009), running back James Stewart (1995-1999), linebacker Eric Storz (1998-2000), tight end Brenton Strange (2023-2026) and defensive tackle Marcus Stroud (2001-2007). One fer J-Smooth here. Obviously.
Scooby from Crestview, FL
Do you ever consider ending the KOAF Ironman streak? We enjoy your column, but the dead zone appears to be taking a toll on your positivity. Some of Monday's answers reflected a "not nice to your fans who took time to write you." The vast majority who have not written to loved ones in years. Even Cal stopped the streak to avoid hurting the team. The Dead Zone would be the perfect time to order a Bullet Bob or 12 and enjoy sitting by the pool.
I expect the O-Zone streak will end sooner rather than later, perhaps in the next calendar year. Perhaps not. This is not an indication of imminent retirement, fatigue, disinterest or positivity/negativity as much as just having done it daily for 15 years and perhaps not wanting to do it daily for another 15 years. Or not. Either way, when answers "aren't nice," it's about keeping readers alert and entertained – NOT about insulting or alienating fans who take the time to write. I am absolutely aware that fans are the lifeblood of this column and I absolutely value their contribution. Always. Almost. Sometimes. Whatever.
Daniel from St J
Thank you for your years of devoted patronage to us hopeless addicts looking for eternal glory. Keep it coming, Go Jags! Go KOAF…
I am the king of all funk.
JK from NY and Fernandina Beach, FL
You're absolutely right, Scott from Jax. It is our column. Yours, mine and everyone else's in this column. But it is his class. Go Jags!
My previous answer is perchance incorrect. 'Twould appear Scott is the king of all funk.
No Kokomo Joe from Jax
Have you ever read Mike Lupica's two football themed books Bump and Run and the sequel Red Zone? Pure comedy gold. A look "behind the scenes" of the NFL with an excellent plot. Who knew Lupica was funny? Two, in my opinion, terrific sports themed suggestions to read during the dead zone period.
I have not read these two Lupica books. I am unsurprised that they are good and funny. Lupica is best known as a former columnist for the New York Daily news and an on-air presence for ESPN's Sports Reporters. Whatever you think/thought of Lupica as an on-air personality, he is a phenomenal writer – good enough that I would expect that talent to go well beyond simply writing columns.
Fred from Naples, FL
I don't understand how Trevor Lawrence can place fifth in MVP voting last year but according to Pete Prisco he is the seventh-best passer in the AFC?
This probably isn't nice, but to review: A statement with a question mark at the end is still a statement. Why does my friend Pete Prisco of CBS Sports rank Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as the seventh-best quarterback in the AFC? Because he thinks six quarterbacks are better, I suppose.
Daniel from Punta Gorda, FL
Which 20? He put punt in the question, doubt he expects the offense to lose 40 yards.
So you say.
Bradford from Orange Park, FL
Don't know how much World Cup you have dabbled in. I haven't much. But one thing that did jump out to me when I watched is their officials having cameras on both sides of their heads, giving an exacting of what they literally are seeing. Allow me to be the first to suggest that notion for NFL referees. Just smacks of an organization holding its officiating to ultimate accountability.
I have watched all but a few games of the 2026 World Cup start to finish. It has been terrific theatre, and the emotion and drama are phenomenal. Officials indeed are equipped with cameras that show their view. I suppose it would be fine if the NFL adopted this. The cameras make for some cool views. But your question suggests that the accountability or quality of NFL officiating is questionable. I understand some people have these questions. I'm not one of these people.
Sad Sam from Happy Valley
It was very funny when, in your defense of not using acronyms on first reference, you wrote "AP style" instead of Associated Press style. Do you see the humor in that?
Sure.
