Join Jaguars Inside Report Senior Editor Vic Ketchman as he tackles the fans' tough questions.
David from Kalkaska, MI:
Do you think Kyle Brady gets a bad rap sometimes. For someone who had excellent stats from season to season, and from an off-the-field standpoint is a quality guy, do you think people undermeasure his ability?
Vic: I think any tight end who's a better blocker than receiver is horribly taken for granted, and I consider Kyle Brady to be a great blocker who is seldom recognized fully for that skill. In my opinion, tight ends who don't block are wide receivers. Tight end may be the most misunderstood position in football because the best tight ends are the best blockers, but fan popularity for the position is usually based on pass receptions.
Steve from Gainesville, FL:
I'd like to know where "Ask Vic" originated. Its a golden idea and works very well for Jag fans who utilize the internet.
Vic: Credit for the "Ask Vic" idea belongs to Jaguars Internet Director Bruce Swindell. When I joined jaguars.com, we were creating a "stories budget" when Swindell got the brainstorm.
Keith from Jacksonville:
Is this an accurate assessment of expectations for Jack Del Rio: 2003, some improvement, perhaps 7-9 or 8-8. In 2004, more improvement, to 9-7, with meaningful games played after Thanksgiving. In 2005, playoffs? Does Jack Del Rio have three years to get the Jags back to the playoffs or else?
Vic: I don't know about "or else," but I think you've presented a realistic assessment of expectations for this new era in Jaguars football.
David from Oviedo, FL:
I read that R.J. Soward is finally going to be released. I want to know how much he cost the team and what were his final statistics?
Vic: First of all, it's unlikely R.J. Soward will be released this year. Here's why: Soward represents $800,000 in remaining amortization. Because he's not a vested veteran, if the Jaguars released Soward and another team claimed him, the Jaguars would have to "eat" all $800,000 of remaining amortization on this year's salary cap. Soward has not completed the required NFL substance-abuse reinstatement program, therefore, his suspension continues. That means his situation is no different than it was a year ago. Why make a decision on Soward now that may cost your cap an additional $400,000, when it won't cost you cap room or a roster spot to let the situation ride? As for your other questions, his original contract included a $2 million signing bonus that would be amortized equally over his five-year contract. This season, he was due to make a little over $1.25 million in salary, but, of course, he is suspended without pay. Statistically, he's caught 14 passes for 154 yards and one touchdown. Of course, all of that was in his rookie season, 2000.
Dave from Maitland, FL:
How much did it cost Wayne Weaver to buy the Jaguars and what is the teamvalued at today? Also, do you have any idea how much it would cost to buy a new NFL franchise today?
Vic: The Jaguars were purchased from the NFL for a franchise fee of $140 million. I would expect the franchise to be valued at somewhere near $400 million today. The most recent expansion franchise, the Houston Texans, were purchased from the league at a cost of $700 million.
David from LaCanada, CA:
If you could pick one Jaguars game to attend, which one would it be and why?
Vic: The Tennessee game at Alltel Stadium on Oct. 26 probably interests me the most. The Titans are the defending AFC South champions, and this will be a game in which this new era in Jaguars football will be able to measure itself against the best team in the division.
