JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Mark from Boston, MA

So, why Duuuuval? I live in St Johns County and feel like you do not want me to be a fan. Can we have a St Joooohns chant or T-Shirt? Feels kind of alienating. Thanks for listening.

The "Duuuval" chant is something we explain every so often here in the O-Zone, and that's fine. What's the O-Zone for if not a little 'splainin' now and then? Duuuval is the rallying cry for the Jaguars because the team – and its home stadium, EverBank Stadium – is based in Duval County, just as "Jacksonville" is Duval County. But more than location, Duuuval is about a frame of mind – not just for people from Jacksonville, but the entire area. It's an us-against-them, we-may-fight-amongst-ourselves-but-don't-come-at-us, no-one-thought-we-were-getting-a-team-but-we-got-one mentality. That underdog, no-one-believes-in-us feeling is baked into the team's DNA – and that of the fan base. Rather than "exclusive," "Duuuuval" at its core is as inclusive as possible. St. John's County, Clay County, whatever, wherever … all are welcome in Duval who want to be welcome in Duval. I probably haven't done a great job explaining it in this answer, but don't feel alienated by it. Instead, go outside – or stay inside – and yell, "Duuuuuval" and feel it in your heart and throat. Or come to a game at the 'Bank and yell it while standing arm in arm with other fans. I expect you will "get it" then. Either way, it's not going away. Duuuval is the Jaguars and the Jaguars are Duuuval. 'Til we Die.

Brandon from Louisville

My friend was on a plane recently and sat next to THE (real) Fred Taylor. He said he was concerned about a few holes on the defense.

I have not spoken to former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor in detail lately, though I would guess he is watching – and concerned about – areas such as interior defensive line pressure, pass-rushing depth and linebacker. And it's fair to wonder about those areas as the 2026 regular season approaches. The thought here is the defensive front will pressure the quarterback better this season than last. That's certainly the feeling around the Miller Electric Center. The Jaguars play the Cleveland Browns in the 2026 regular-season opener at EverBank Stadium September 13.

Luke from Brisbane, Australia

The Jags' Aussie connection is revived! Woohoo!!

Jaguars guard Daniel Faalele, acquired in a traded with the New York Giants this week, is from Australia. Woohoo.

JAY from THE BURG, FL

Looks like Head Coach Liam Coen told the players to put their game face on and don't take it off until sometime in February. And I have a feeling that is what they have been itching for. If you want to start fast in September, it is time to go now.

You seemingly are referencing a very good Jaguars practice against the Carolina Panthers Wednesday at the MEC, and it did seem that day that coaches had sent a message to players – and that players had received that message. It was as spirited and motivated a practice as I have witnessed in a while. It's not quite go time yet, but it is getting there. Or going there. Or something like that.

Jon from Arcanum, OH

This Pregnon guy, chance to be pretty good?

Jaguars rookie guard Emmanuel Pregnon, a third-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, absolutely is becoming a major story of '26 Jaguars Training Camp. He has played well enough early in camp to be working with the starters at left guard. That wasn't necessarily the team's plan entering camp, but he has been good enough that the Jaguars are changing that plan. So … yes, he has a chance to be pretty good. Very good, actually.

David from Jacksonville

Just want to say that I hope Devin Lloyd plays on Friday. I was really sad to see him go. His interception off Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for a touchdown last season was one of my favorite Jags plays of all time. Do you know if Lloyd is playing Friday?

Former Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd plays for the Carolina Panthers now, having signed with that team as an unrestricted free agent in March. I don't know if he will play Friday. Do the Panthers not have a website?

Jason from North Pole, AK

Just saw the Jaguars stadium renovations as it will likely appear for the first home game. Did you get a chance to check it out with other media members? My first impression was that it looked better than expected and a lot of smart people have clearly put some thought into the process of renovating during the season and still creating a great fan experience. I also saw the new concessions prices. It would seem the Jaguars are in good hands.

I didn't check out the stadium renovations Thursday. I have heard others whose impression was the same as your first impression. The Jaguars have been in good hands in terms of stadium and fan experience for a long, long time.

Payne from New Orleans, LA

Is there a certain game this season that you believe will make or break our year? I can only travel to two games this year because of our wedding, so I'm leaning towards the second game against Houston. Which two would O choose?

It's impossible to know what games will be the most important before an NFL regular season begins. Who would have known last August that one of the Jaguars' biggest games – and one of the biggest games in the AFC all season – would be Jaguars at Denver Broncos in Week 16? I also could make the argument that a victory over the Arizona Cardinals in late November changed the Jaguars' season. And that victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football in Week 5? It was important, but maybe not as important as it seemed at the time. This is all to say a game's importance can change week to week. That said, what games seem important now? That game at Houston on December 20 is up there. The next week in Dallas could be cool, too. The Jaguars also visit the Broncos in Week 2 and play host to the New England Patriots in Week 3. Those games on paper seem very big. For now.

John from Phoenix

Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski calling the plays in preseason games is helpful to Grant for future job growth and opportunities but also has the added bonus of not showing Liam Coen's play style in the preseason. Do you think that bonus was a factor in the decision? Or was Liam Coen hearing the defensive calls to prepare for the future loss of defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile to a head coach job next year more important?

Any tangential benefits of Udinski calling plays during preseason games are secondary to allowing him future growth and opportunities. Him calling plays is also evidence of the true importance of preseason games. Playcalling is Coen's thing. It's his superpower. If winning truly mattered, I can't imagine a scenario in which he wouldn't do it.

Ben from La Puente, CA

JO. Would you tell Oscar from Mexico "Yo no tengo tiempo para ti?" Don would be all in if you would resume adding reader comments to your informative O-Zone.

No me corresponde.

Ken from Jacksonville

While acknowledging everyone is fast in the NFL, based on what you are seeing in practices (Jags, Saints, and Panthers), is B. Tuten noticeably quicker or faster than the opposing players on defenses? If he is packing on muscle and gaining experience, it seems he could be exciting to watch this season. Any thoughts on his progression on that front?

Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten is noticeably faster than a lot of NFL players. I can't say he's the fastest running back I have ever seen, but he is certainly fast enough for his speed to make a positive difference for the Jaguars this season. He appears to have progressed in terms of field vision and missability. If he indeed has improved there, he could be very good.

Zac from Austin, Tejas

My liege King of Funk. I will miss Friday's preseason game. This is the first Jaguars football I have missed since the Jaguars played the Saints in preseason 2021. I will miss it because Mrs. Zac from Austin, Tejas is walking the stage to become Dr. Gonzalez; a first-generation immigrant, a first-generation college graduate and now a first-generation doctor. I am ecstatic for her; she has worked incredibly hard as a mother of four trying to get the most out of life for herself. Can I get word up from the King? P.S.: Her birthday is somehow next week as well, any ideas? Or just hand the card over and keep a straight face?

That is really, really cool. Hand the card, hold your breath and don't ask any questions. One fer Mrs. Zac? Absolutely.