O-Zone: Happy Thanksgiving

JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Tim from Jacksonville Beach, FL

You keep hedging your bets when discussing the Jaguars' offensive line and saying things like, "They're OK at this, but they're not OK at that." Why not just say they stink?

People ask questions in this forum and – as might be expected in a widely disappointing 2-9 season – these questions often admonish the senior writer. I answer these questions because of a basic love of my fellow man and because of a more basic need for survival. The job here is neither to say something is "awesome" (except if it's the senior writer) nor that it "stinks" (except if it's the senior writer). Rather, the goal is to explain at least somewhat why the Jaguars do as they do and the reason that I don't say the Jaguars' offensive line "stinks" is because in many ways it's not an awful offensive line. The group has pass-blocked OK this season. Better than OK, actually. It has blocked for the run OK at times. Where it has fallen short by any measure in recent seasons is blocking for the run in short-yardage and need-to-run situations. The Jaguars routinely struggle to gain first downs on third- and fourth-and-short. While these are tough run downs for most NFL teams, the Jaguars' struggles in this area have been pronounced enough that the problem influences the offense overall. It's crippling. When teams don't have to bunch the line of scrimmage to stop the run, it makes your play-action passing that much less effective. It limits all play-calling. And so on. So does the offensive line stink? Not really. But in this area, it's hard to argue that it has been even close to good enough.

Michael from Orange Park, FL

Does he or doesn't he?

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence practiced on a limited basis Wednesday after missing the last two weeks before this past Sunday's bye with a left-shoulder injury. I expect he will start for the Jaguars against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium Sunday. This is a guess. It is only a guess.

Kei from Kitakyushu, Japan

Criticism of Trevor's performance is one thing, although I suspect there's more stat-watching involved here than anything else. But people saying he wasn't that talented or didn't have the "elite quarterback" genes is insane talk. He could have been legally blind going into the 2021 NFL Draft and someone still would have taken a flier on him in the first two rounds. He was highly touted for a reason -- and the team drafting him had the first overall pick for a reason, too.

Lawrence is unquestionably talented. He has a lot of developing to do to reach elite status. While many readers recoil at this notion, it doesn't mean that he "sucks" and it doesn't make him a lost cause. It means he's good, and that he's still developing.

Mike from Back in Atlanta, GA

The Trevor Lawrence hate is reaching absurd levels. Did we not watch Mac Jones play? Do we not notice how much faster and farther the ball travels when Lawrence throws it? You can't teach that. Either you have it or you don't. It's been a long time here since we've seen an arm this live. When things go wrong for him, it's most often decision making. Not protecting the ball enough while running. He misses at times, but they all do – even the best ones. I still think there's some short throws right in front of him with a bit too much heat. But those are supposed to be fixable issues. There are times where you look at a bad play and nobody is open, people are dropping balls, pass protection breaks down. And he has had to work long stretches without the most reliable receivers on the field. I don't know if he will be as good as Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson but he's far from the bottom of the list. Very far.

Correct.

Jonathan from Formerly of Jax Beach

Anyone that says any player that is average to below average is still developing clearly doesn't understand the NFL. What they really are is extremely fortunate people who may be playing for an owner and general manager who are just as complacent.

"… clearly doesn't understand the NFL."

Mike from Azores

Hey, John. I've been seeing more and more national stories about trading TL this offseason and starting completely new. A new coaching staff and a rookie quarterback they select in this year's draft. Several questions for you as I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. What would it take in draft capital for you to trade TL? Can the Jags afford to take the cap hit with TL's contract? Do you think it's even a possibility? I for one say no way and any new general manager and head coach should have a plan to build and win with TL.

I get absolutely zero sense that trading Lawrence can, will, should or would happen. I expect Lawrence will be the Jaguars' quarterback for the foreseeable future.

Bradley from Sparks, NV

I think Jaguars Owner Shad Khan is more forgiving than some owners but that he sort of painted himself into a corner with his preseason comments stating this is the best team in franchise history – and his not-so-subtle comment on who should be calling plays. Pederson then brought the play calling controversy to an elementary school level by not revealing who the play-caller was and has spent the year generally treating the media and by extension the fans like insolent toddlers. He has made some really bizarre in-game decisions and hired the defensive coordinator who guided the defense from 17th overall to 30th. I see no such scenario where Pederson keeps his job and can only hope that if he asks for a reason as to his firing that Khan declines by telling him he wouldn't understand anyway.

One evergreen truth about the NFL is nothing is guaranteed about regime change until an owner announces a decision. An evergreen truth about Khan specifically is he's not going to make a decision on a head coach just because of something Khan said before the season. Remember: Just because something is conventional wisdom online doesn't make it so.

Bryan from Tampa, FL

Am I the only one who doesn't want to see Head Coach Doug Pederson fired? He's a good coach. It's not his fault General Manager Trent Baalke can't put an offensive line together and find good enough talent to compete with the best teams.

One fer Pederson and not fer Baalke, it would seem.

Paul from Lake City, FL

I thought I was past caring about this season, but it seems I was wrong. The reason? I'm conflicted about wanting to see the team win some games, but I also want to see a new general manager and coaching staff. I realize these two desires are not necessarily related to each other, but I'm to the point where I just can't follow another season of the Jaguars not being able to function as a football team, and it seems we need to upgrade the front office and coaching staff.

One very definitely not fer anyone.

James from Saint Augustine, FL

Let us dream for a minute: Jags win out, Texans lose out. Both teams tie at 8-9. Who wins the division? (Sounds crazy but have you looked at the Texans schedule? It's brutal)

If the Jaguars win out and the Texans lose out, the Jaguars would finish ahead of the Texans with an 8-9 record compared to Houston at 7-10.

Nicholas from Fort Cavazos, TX

KOAF: Does not firing coaches and managers midseason make potential new hires more apt to take the job knowing that they won't be released midseason or does it matter not a whit?

It doesn't hurt.

Dave from NK

John, what happens if the jags get the win Sunday and a win on the road vs Tennessee? What if they go 6-0? How does that shape the offseason? Love a good story!!!

Narratives change fast in the NFL. They change dramatically from one week to the next, and even more dramatically over six weeks.

JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL

John - Even during this disappointing season, there are still things to be thankful for about the Jaguars. Here are five: 1. Trevor has the heart of a champion and his NFL skills have not peaked, his best seasons could be in front of him. 2. Fred Taylor, Tony Boselli and Jeff Lageman are the living history of a young franchise and provide insight, entertainment and fun on Jag's radio. 3. The Stadium of the Future will be amazing and gave us 30 more years of the Jax Jags. 4. Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and linebacker Ventrell Miller are emerging as impact players of the future. 5. Teal Jerseys (every now and again). Thanks to you too Johnny O' - Happy Thanksgiving Zone!

That's a good list. Happy Thanksgiving.