Big Cat Country Q&A: We traded Gardner Minshew... now what?

It’s Sunday and you know what that means! That’s right... I totally forgot to do this column on Friday once again. But it’s game day! Let’s answer some Jacksonville Jaguars questions!

Today we’re talking about bad football, Duke Johnson, and saying good night to our sweet prince.

Ben from Jacksonville, FL

Q: A sixth round pick for Gardner Minshew? Really?

A: Really. We probably over inflate Gardner Minshew’s value (slightly) because of the memories he gave us and the fact that for several weeks during that 2019 NFL season he put the team on his back. And because of the jorts. The best this team could realistically get for him (without some franchise going wild) was always going to be a Day 3 pick. He’s a good backup quarterback. He’s not a starting caliber quarterback. And with the offense Urban Meyer wants to install here in Jacksonville — run heavy, vertical passing — C.J. Beathard is a better QB2. So long, Gardner. You were fun as hell. I’ll miss you.

Mark from Orlando, FL

Q: Where are we going to fill our mustache quota with Gardner Minshew gone?

A: Apparently, you’ve never met Alfie Crow.

Ethan from Niagara Falls, Ontario

Q: Is there any chance that we pick up a new tight end at any point before the regular season starts?

A: I sure hope so. Maybe Urban Meyer and the Jaguars aren’t done yet and are waiting for cut down day to deal Taven Bryan or a Day 3 pick?

Evan from Pensacola, FL

Q: Did Doug Marrone and John DeFilippo leave their play book for us to use this season?

A: It sure seems like it, doesn’t it? I think the offense will pick up the pace once the regular season starts, and the quarterback situation is the best it’s been since 2010. But Travis Etienne being lost for the season means this offense might be stuck in second gear until next season.

Kyle from Centreville, VA

Q: Did this team learn nothing from drafting running backs in the first round? They could have used that pick to shore up the offensive line instead of ignoring it.

A: Whether he admits it publicly or not, Urban Meyer will look back on his first season with a few regrets. Not upgrading the tight end position will be one. Ignoring the offensive line will be another, I think.

Diz from Frisco, TX

Q: Should the Jaguars sign Duke Johnson now that Travis Etienne is out?

A: They should have done that yesterday. If the Jaguars put in a waiver claim, I’d be surprised if it isn’t for a running back or a tight end. It might be both.

Cornelius from Jacksonville, FL

Q: What are you betting if the over/under on wins is six? I must say... I feel good about the under. Am I wrong?

A: I think we get right at six wins this season, but I think the Jaguars are more likely to lose a game they should win than the other way around. You probably have it right.

Jef from Waco, TX

Q: Are we overreacting as a fan base to two subpar preseason games or do we know bad football by years of watching bad football?

A: I think that’s actually an interesting way of articulating it. Jaguars fans know bad football. We know the difference between “this will get worked out” and “this is a red flag” because we have more experience in that department than anyone else in the league over the last decade. Are some of the problems because it’s preseason? Yes. Are some of these long-fix issues? Yes. Are we about to watch a team that is largely made up of guys who lost 15 straight games last year? Yup. But if we go... say... 6-11 this year, I think that’s a huge step forward, and not one Doug Marrone would’ve made if he were still the head coach.