JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Jim from Jagsonville
Wow! We are not going to the big bowl like that! Let's Geaux, Jaguars!
I am assuming this references something from early in the Jaguars' 24-20 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Preseason Week 1 at the Ceasars Superdome Saturday. Or maybe it referenced something that happened later in the game. Either way, I am almost certain it references something in a preseason opener. As such, I will mention for consistency's sake that the Jaguars played essentially no starters against the Saints Saturday, just as the Saints played essentially no starters against the Jaguars. The analysis here will reflect that, even if the reaction among many readers does not. The Jaguars didn't play well offensively early Saturday. They played much better in the second half. They pressured Saints quarterbacks well most of the game. They ran really well in the second half. Backup quarterback Nick Mullens didn't look particularly good while playing much of the first quarter. Third-team quarterback Carter Bradley didn't look great in the first half and looked really good in the third quarter. There was more. We will get to some. It was the preseason. Let's Geaux.
Steve from Jax Beach
Um, four plays into 2026 and we have bad coverage on a kickoff, bad gap assignments and give up a touchdown, no kickoff return and then lose another offensive line guy. Glad I am not superstitious or I would think it is a bad sign.
Um, it is Preseason Week 1 and the Jaguars weren't playing starters. I am glad I remembered that or I would be concerned.
George from Savannah, GA
"A little bit of a rough day by the Jaguars in the penalty area." Great comment by the crew. A year after finishing second in the NFL, in the bad way, are we really going to do this again? Backups or not, we lead the NFL in the area already. This is not preseason extremism. It was a massive problem all last year and we are picking up right where we left off.
(It maybe kinda sorta sounds a little like preseason extremism.)
Big Jags Fan from Jacksonville
If looks could kill, Liam would get the electric chair after watching that inept offensive performance.
Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen wasn't thrilled with Saturday's first half. Understandably so. He said after the game he liked how the Jaguars responded in the second half. Coen's attention to detail, focus and passion is such that he isn't happy with subpar performance whether it happens in the postseason, regular season or the offseason. I sense he wouldn't be thrilled with a subpar performance if the Jaguars' skill position guys got together to throw and catch at a public park. That's his nature and it's part of why he's good at what he does.
Reality from Realityville
Here's a slap from me.
I don't get it.
Scott from Jax, FL
Why do some people always seem to want to trade good players? All it takes is one injury to derail things if we get rid of good players. Maybe even if we don't get rid of them. Too many people are in love with and held hostage by the offseason, I guess.
My theory on this is media, fans and observers like to play what I call "depth chart football." This may not be the cleverest name for this, but how it works is these media, fans and observers look at a depth chart and anyone who they recognize who is not listed as a "starter" suddenly becomes the subject of trade conversation. This approach overlooks that teams almost always sustain injuries and need depth. It also overlooks that the NFL except at positions such as offensive line and quarterback is now a rotational, situational league where players not "No. 1 on the Depth Chart" are often as important as starters. Teams rarely look around in December and think, "Man, we had too many good players this season. That's what cost us."
Michael from Mean Streets of Arlington
The whole idea we're stacked at a position so we must trade one of the better ones is just wrong. The goal of the NFL isn't to win the most draft positions in trades. The goal is to win games. You win games by being stacked at positions.
Michael, meet Scott. Scott, meet Michael.
Thrill from The 'Ville
Is it too soon to start talking draft?
We will start talking about the 2027 NFL Draft here in the O-Zone around the time of the Senior Bowl in January, or upon the end of the Jaguars' season – whichever comes last.
Mason from Palm Bay
Wow, Liam didn't learn his lesson to just take the three points. Sure, we picked up the first down on fourth-and-1, but he should have known we would throw a pick the next play. After the way that Buffalo playoff game ended last year, you would think that... (OK. That's enough sarcasm, carry on)
Mason's got jokes.
Lane from Winter Garden, FL
Zone, What's the long-term plan at offensive line after Cole Van Lanen returns from the Physically Unable to Perform List? Is Harrison the permanent left tackle or will Van Lanen return to that position? If not, will Van Lanen flip to the right side?
I expect Anton Harrison will play left tackle and that Van Lanen will play right tackle when both players are healthy this season. That expectation is my expectation and should not be interpreted as fact.
Andy from Daysland, Alberta
Hey, John. The running back by committee is where the league is going with such a violent game of course and limited shelf life of running backs while under cost control. But I have to admit, I thought Tuten played really well last year for a rookie and especially so when given the chance to operate on the whole field for entire possessions as the season went on; not just between the 20s which seems to be Liam's plan this year. Different backs have different attributes and styles of course as C-Rod shows. Is there something I'm missing about Tuten that the team doesn't have full confidence in for him to be the main guy as opposed to being only a first down back/between the 20s only kind of thing? Playbook knowledge, short yardage struggles, blocking, fitness, attitude, etc. What do they see that's deficient because he seems to me to have all the tools?
Confidence in Chris Rodriguez Jr. should not be interpreted as a lack of confidence in Bhayshul Tuten.
JOHN from Jacksonville
JAGS WIN DIV! 2026 WILLL THEY PLAY GAMES EVERBANK? WILL CAP GET TO 60,000 OR REMAIN AT 42,000?
The Jaguars will play 2026 preseason, regular-season and postseason domestic home games in EverBank Stadium. The capacity will remain around 42,000 for all games.
Scott from Gilbert, AZ
Zone, remember when Jags pundits were fearful that we'd lose good players when cutting to 53? That should no longer be a concern.
Why?
Mike from Nocatee, FL
The panic button must have been very busy with Jags fans calling after some reports of being bullied by the Saints. I guess when expectations are high anything can derail a fast-moving train. A couple of healthy O linemen should keep the train moving towards the playoffs. What say you?
I say it's August 16 and the Jaguars will open the 2026 regular season against the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Stadium on September 13. Practice matters. Preseason games matter. They are not regular-season games and should not be evaluated or interpreted as such, even on whatever it is they call Twitter these days.
Bruce from St. Simons Island, GA
O, it seems to me that second-year wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter is being somewhat overlooked by the national media this year. In your opinion, does he make a major contribution to the Jaguars this season if he remains healthy?
Yes.
Josh from Atlanta, GA
Seeing our backup right tackle going down on the first play after all the offensive line injury hoopla recently, not a great feeling. I really want to feel better about the line the next few weeks. Truly no need for long term concern there?
The regular season begins September 13. If we're still talking about numbers and depth and backups starting at multiple position when August becomes September, then there will be cause for concern. Until then…
Tom from Jacksonville
Does the Jaguars' offensive line have a chance for less penalties this year?
Yes.
Raleigh from Ponte V
Our backup line sucks too.
The use of the word "too" in this keen observation suggests that the Jaguars' first-team offensive line sucks. This is silly enough to make you rethink the keenness of the observation.
Tony from Johns Creek, GA
O, first exhibition game. Sat the starters. Some good things from some backups. Special teams needs work. It is what it is.
As it usually is. Almost always, anyway.
