Most, if not all of you, know of John Oehser, team writer over at Jaguars-dot-com. For the rare few, John pens (or keyboards) a daily column called “O-Zone” where he answers fans questions. For those old enough to know, it is the sequel to “Ask Vic”, a Q&A column managed by the previous team writer Vic Ketchman.
John’s blend of wit, sarcasm, and love of pop culture and music makes it an oasis of education and entertainment.
Far be it from me to leverage the work of others for the sake of my own attempts at amusement, and in that light I take a first swing at responding to John responding to readers.
Ron from Orlando, FL
The reluctance to replace quarterback Blake Bortles will destroy this Super Bowl window that we have been waiting 25 years for. The idea that there are options available such as Tyrod Taylor or Teddy Bridgewater that would both improve the position and reduce the cap hit, yet the administration not only refuses to address it, but actually extends his contract is laughable. We easily have one of the most talented teams in football and a few of these ridiculous mistakes will be the downfall. Any quarterback can hand the ball off, but someone like Tyrod that can manage the game and deliver when needed would put us over the edge. Shame on all of you!!!
John
How unfortunate for you to have missed your calling. Likewise, how sad that the collective 62 seasons NFL experience of Jaguars Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin, General Manager Dave Caldwell and Head Coach Doug Marrone were put to such poor use. And how ironic that the same people who compiled one of the NFL’s best rosters … ah, never mind.
Dear John,
It truly is unfortunate the Jaguars organization overlooked the resume of Ron from Orlando. I can only imagine how much further this team could have progressed with Ron making player decisions. But yes, it is ironic that Ron, while applauding the team Tom, Dave, and Doug assembled notes that one player has the capability to negate all of the talent on this roster. I did not realize the power Blake yielded.
Yet, John, you did fail to recognize and answer the question of Blake alternatives. Why did you ignore Ron’s suggestions? Were you simply cherry picking the low hanging fruit? I would love to know your thoughts on the Tyrod Taylor option, a player who last season took the Buffalo Bills to their first playoff game in 18 years. Taylor, who the Baltimore Ravens wrongly let go, took only three years to make the Bills a first round playoff contender.
But even Buffalo was not smart enough to see his talent. You know who did? The factory of NFL aptitude that is the Cleveland Browns. They saw so much in Taylor that they drafted Baker Mayfield to learn under him for the next three to four years.
Why can the Jaguars not be the Cleveland Browns?
Or the New York Jets, another team that took a backup quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, seeing his ability to nurture a rookie quarterback in Sam Darnold.
Wait...the Jets are looking to shop Bridgewater? Idiots.