O-Zone: Winning ticket
JACKSONVILLE - Let's get to it...
JT from Palm Coast, FL
Ultimately what matters the most is that we are 5-3 and I understand that most talking points will easily end up with "5-3." John, I think what's messing me up is this team is ugly to the bone. Most of the time that has led to us competing for the first overall pick. This feels like nothing but fool's gold to me. I want to believe that we are a good team, but I watch the "good" teams each week. They don't look like us. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence often gets us into the messes that he sometimes gets us out of. Our flaws are so much deeper than quarterback play this year, but we are 5-3. My eyes are telling me something much different than just "5-3." I need some of your eternal optimism. Pour it on me, please.
I'm far from eternally optimistic. I do try to lean toward being realistic. The Jaguars indeed are 5-3 – and an NFL team that has won five of its first eight games, including a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, realistically isn't a "bad" team. And whatever you mean by "ugly to the bone," the idea in the NFL is to win – and it's OK to win by running well, stopping the run and making big plays at big moments. Why don't you trust this Jaguars team? Probably because previous versions of this team have burned you before. Either way, I don't believe the Jaguars are a great team. I don't believe they're to the point where they will beat the NFL's best teams in January. That doesn't mean they can't get there. A lot can change during an NFL season. But they don't feel like they're there yet. What they are realistically is a team that can run well against most of the league, and they appear to be pretty good at stopping the run against most of the league. They also don't wilt in clutch situations and appear to believe strongly in the direction of the franchise and Head Coach Liam Coen. That combination can keep you competitive in the NFL and it has kept the Jaguars very competitive thus far this season. Ugly or not.
Nic from Raleigh, NC
I've noticed over the past few years – especially this year (it really stood out against Kansas City) – that our team plays better when our leaders, Lawrence and defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, get fired up and raise their intensity. I think that's part of why we tend to start games slowly. They're both naturally friendly, easygoing guys, but when they start getting competitive, chirping at opponents and showing emotion, the whole team seems to feed off it and play at a higher level. Have you noticed that, too? And how do you think we can start games with that same energy right from the beginning?
I haven't noticed that, though human nature is such that players – like normal people – will be emotional as game circumstances merit. I also don't know that you can force players to act or behave a certain way. You lead how you lead and play how you play.
Bob from Weaverville, NC
The Jaguars' trade for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers trade makes me absolutely giddy.
Well, as long as you're happy.
Ross from Mechanicsville, VA
When I have succeeded in life, few have shown the emotion Coen showed for Cam Little's big record-breaking boot! We have found our coach for the long-term based on that moment alone. He celebrates, takes responsibility and is emotional – thus relatable. Looking forward to the coming years with Coen in Charge!
Coen has connected with players to a remarkable extent in a short time. This locker room believes in him. My sense is Coen will be the Jaguars' longest-tenured head coach in a long time. He is impressive.
Mark from Boca Raton, FL
We are the worst tackling team I've ever seen in pro football, how do you correct that?
Tackle better.
Tom from Moncks Corner
Meyers certainly seems like a viable acquisition. However, a fourth- and a sixth-round draft pick appear to be a bit expensive for a half-season rental. Over the last three years the Jaguars have had a lot of "he can take TLaw to the next level" receivers. The reality is that until Trevor can learn to throw a consistently accurate pass, it won't matter who is running down the field. Your thoughts?
My first thought is it's in no way certain Meyers is a "half-season rental," and that largely will be determined on the final nine games of the 2025 regular season. A second thought is Lawrence could be more accurate at times. He's also getting better, though many seem predisposed to ignore this.
Ed from Ponte beers Beach
Are we better than the Texans?
We'll find out Sunday.
Happy When We Win from Duuuuuuval
What do you make of rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten getting so many of the goal line carries? Has Coen spoke to this? Seems odd to have your No. 1 back on the sidelines in that situation. Is this an indictment of running back Travis Etienne Jr. in short-yardage situations or was this just a fluke game?
Tell me Etienne is on your fantasy football team without saying he's on your fantasy football team.
Mike from Neptune Beach, FL
Does the player need to check with the official every play when an offensive lineman like Chuma Edoga checks in as eligible for multiple plays in a row?
Yes.
JT from Palm Coast, FL
Our history against backup quarterbacks isn't that great. Here's to hoping that changes Sunday.
The Jaguars' history in a lot of areas over the last decade and a half isn't that great.
Alex from Michigan Formerly Florida
Which Jaguars player has the most imposing physical presence? Sometimes the helmets and shoulder pads distort the sizes of the players. Which player stands out to you as the most intimidating from both a physical standpoint and for being very strong and imposing their will on the practice field and during gamedays?
Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen was discussing defensive end Travon Walker this week and said something to the effect that Walker is "built different." This is true.
Bill from Jax
If we won the Super Bowl in the same fashion that we beat the Las Vegas Raiders, warts and all, would a fan be happy?
For a day or two. Maybe.
BRUCE from ST SIMONS IS
O, I commented earlier on getting back to basics with running the ball and stopping the run, but could we also hope for stopping the opponents passing game every once in a while?
The Jaguars will be without cornerback Travis Hunter and safety Eric Murray Sunday. They also could be without cornerback Jourdan Lewis. Those are probably three of their best four defensive backs. Stopping the pass in the coming few weeks likely will have as much to do with the pass rush as the secondary.
Mike from JAX
We are 5 and 3, we have had some very incredible and exciting games this year that we have won, and just one game that was a head-scratcher. This is all in spite of low expectations coming into the first part of the season with a first-year coaching staff and Trevor having to yet again learn another system after considerable time missed due to injury. So my question is, is the Jacksonville fan base so used to losing that it does not know how not to dwell on the negative and embrace winning or is it that they are a bunch of double bubble blowing babies?
We talk a lot here in the O-Zone about the importance of being nice. An argument could be made that this is not nice.
John from Jax
Hi, KOAGF. Good one. How about, "Stop Doing That Or I Slap Your Hand, Son?" On that note, what is the chance we'll see that awesome play with ETN taking the handoff and then bouncing the ball back to Trevor for the long pass to nowhere?
Slim.
Clayton from Shawnee, OK
John, I wanted to share a story about my mom, Beth, who passed away from cancer last week. During the 2010 season, she had put our family's name in a Stein-Mart drawing to win four tickets and a limo ride to the Jaguars vs. the then-Redskins game on Dec. 26. The kicker? She had actually missed the deadline to apply, but went to our local store at the beaches, checked with management, and a day later they called her back and gave her the tickets! The game turned out to be the coldest in Jaguars' history - a nice 38-degree day! I think I remember seeing a snow flurry or two as well. It's one of my favorite memories, of many. All the best the rest of the season. Go Jags!
Sounds like she was a helluva mom and sounds like you already knew that. Treasure the memories. One fer Beth.
