O-Zone: Wonderful world

WATFORD, United Kingdom – Let’s get to it …

Steven from Charlotte, NC

You have gone on record several times lately in the O-Zone that the biggest problem is not having players that can step up and make a play when needed. After six games, I’m certainly not expecting this to show up all of a sudden. Sadly, our future looks really bleak if that is what it will take to win. I don’t think you can gather lots of those players quickly. Realistically, how many years are we looking at before we are REALLY able to compete for a championship? And I don’t mean 9-8 and lucky to make the playoffs?

This can happen relatively quickly. The Jaguars aren’t remotely close to being a terrible team. Trevor Lawrence isn’t remotely close to being a terrible quarterback. If he continues to ascend, the team can also continue to ascend quickly. If a player such as rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. ascends from being very good to elite, that can make a huge difference. If one or two other players can become leaders, that also can make a huge difference. If I had to project, would I say the Jaguars win the Super Bowl in 2025? Probably not. Does it have to take much longer than that? No.

Why do people blame Trevor? He’s not the one dropping passes or unable to block people. You think they’re bad now go ahead and trade him and see what happens. Plus look at all the injuries we’ve had. Take care.

People blame Lawrence for the team’s woes because he struggled in the first few games of the season. He hasn’t struggled in the last two games, but people keep blaming him because blaming him is easier than not.

In your opinion, immediately following a bad loss, are the comments of a player or coach to be taken with a grain of salt because emotions are running high? Or are they possibly even more truthful than what they say in a more controlled setting, like a scheduled press conference? I tend to think that Doug and Cisco meant exactly what they said after the game, and that the efforts to “explain” those comments are not because they misspoke in the heat of the moment, but instead are to try to clean up what they let spill when they lost their filter and said things they wouldn’t normally put out there for public consumption.

My experience is that most things anyone says … ever … must be considered in context with an eye on what was really meant – and it’s also my thought that we are in an age in which people increasingly interpret things in way that fits what they believe. Regarding safety Andre Cisco’s recent comments about “quitting” and Head Coach Doug Pederson’s comments about culture … a post-game atmosphere indeed is raw and emotional. That often leads to players and coaches saying things they wouldn’t say in a calmer environment. Sometime, it means it’s “real” and “raw.” It also can mean it’s something a player or coach didn’t really consider or that perhaps was said in a way that didn’t really reflect exactly what the player or coach was saying. Have you ever said anything and thought, “That’s sort of what I meant, but not exactly?” If so, then you know what it must be like sometimes for a coach or player when quoted in the media. If not, you’re probably not being honest.

Keith from Section 436 Since 1995

Piggybacking on Colin from Sanford, saying the Jags will never get good again, please understand the Jags have not been to the playoffs in back-to-back years this millennium. It’s kind of hard to be optimistic.

I have covered the Jaguars professionals in 20 of their 30 seasons. I am aware of their seasonal records and when they have been to the postseason.

Steve from Hilton Head, SC

John, It looks like the Chicago Bears may be the weakest team in their division, and there are three more teams to play.

The Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Bears and Detroit Lions are all good and all play in the NFC Central. The NFL ain’t easy. It ain’t supposed to be.

Doug Pederson is too soft on the players from my vantage point. Millions of dollars to play a sport and the players are sucking. Practice hard, and treat them like any bosses I’ve had that will pull workers aside and give them the business. The Jags players need a lashing when they play stupid and mess up their roles. Hard knocks and be harder on them. Millions of dollars spent on these athletes and they better produce. #get it right

This point of view perhaps makes a bit of sense, but how do you know if Pederson is too soft on players?

Are linebackers or secondary players more important for a functioning modern defense?

Benjamin from Jacksonville, FL BWO Upstate SC

In this franchise’s first nine seasons their record was 73-71, which is a 51 percent win rate. In the decade after that (2004-2013) they went 71-89, which is a 44 percent win rate. In the most recent decade (2014-2023) the Jaguars record is 54-109, which is a 33 percent win rate. This is why so many fans roll their eyes when you cherry-pick small stretches of success as if it has any meaning. The Jaguars franchise is bad and getting worse. If the team were a stock, it would have been in the pink sheets years ago. What would you say to fans who have had enough?

I suppose I would say what I have said often since writing this column. Fans can feel how they want to feel. They’re fans. It’s no secret that the Jaguars haven’t been successful enough. I get the frustration. Nothing that’s written here can make the Jaguars win. Fans ask questions. I answer best I can. That’s it. That’s what this is.

Which second-year player has been more impressive after a third of the season in: Running back Tank Bigsby or running back Ventrell Miller?

Larry from Wattsburg(h), PA

Any chance this team is actually the bellwether for the NFL in play quality for the future? I still believe that this whole sport is rotating down the waste pipe. Maybe time for a whole new sport like Starship Troopers? Even Jake Busey is more appealing at this juncture. #getoffthelawn.

I don’t disagree that the quality of play in the NFL is not quite at the level it once was. It’s absolutely true that the game has changed dramatically in the direction of a passing league. My thought is players today – while bigger, stronger and faster than in previous eras – in many cases lean toward being great athletes as opposed to instinctive football players. While you’re getting off my lawn, I’ll also say this: I don’t consider the Jaguars’ level of play this season a bellwether or anything in regard to this. I just think they’re not playing well or aren’t good enough to play well. It’s one or the other. We’ll find out which as the season continues.

You gotta respect the Grove’s deep commitment to tufted green sofas.

No. 1 overall pick at defensive end and a Top 10 pick in his second contract making elite pass rusher money and the pass rush is a weakness. Also, it’s disturbing you could follow the league this long and not validate the importance of coaching. There are Xs and Os and – sure that’s more on the players – but effort and attitude is all about your coach. Spare me the professional players comment, the best coaches consistently get more from less. Doug got more from less in 2022, and this year it’s obvious he has no command of this team and ability to motivate. The only positive is that with a competent gm/coach combo, this team could be back to competing next year.

The Jaguars have myriad issues. If you’re making a list, defensive ends Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen appear comparatively low, if they appear at all. Loyal O-Zone readers – and he knows who he is – know I consider coaching quite important in terms of setting the tone for the organization. It’s absolutely the No. 1 job of the head coach. I also know enough about the NFL to know there are often circumstances beyond the control of very good head coaches. Andy Reid and Bill Belichick rank among the best coaches in NFL history and are arguably the best head coaches of the last two decades. Both have had losing seasons and both have been fired. It’s never one particular thing in the NFL. Either way, if you find yourself getting too disturbed by what you read here, take a breath and look out the window. It’s a beautiful world out there and it’s sweatshirt weather in Jacksonville. Life’s short. I’m not worth getting disturbed over.