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O-Zone: Fun Stuff

_How did the scrimmage look? Did players you were looking to do well meet your expectations?_

You're referencing the Jaguars' "mock game" – a.k.a., the Teal and White Scrimmage – at the Miller Electric Center Friday, the eighth day of Jaguars 2026 Training Camp. The reality is the "mock game" leans more toward practice than game, and therefore doesn't differ _all that_ much in intensity or importance from a "normal" practice. Its intent is more to prepare young players for game situations than to increase intensity of repetitions – hence, a player such as defensive end Josh Hines-Allen being given a veteran rest day Friday. Multiple players stood out Friday, including: Defensive end B.J. Green, defensive end Zach Durfee, wide receiver Parker Washington, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., defensive end Travon Walker, cornerback Montaric Brown, nose tackle DaVon Hamilton and running back LeQuint Allen Jr. The good news on that bunch is they have stood out throughout camp, meaning their performances Friday were a trend.

_We get that you like to feign ignorance regarding the existence of the Disqus comment section, but in reality it was a place where long-term, dedicated Jaguars fans met on a daily basis – albeit digitally. We laughed, cried, mourned and celebrated together down there. From season-ticket holders to casual fans, it was a stable and recurring place to healthily express our fandom without going to much more toxic social media platforms. I humbly request that you take a moment out of your day and request from the powers that be to bring it back, please. If that's not possible, please express to those in charge of such a decision that it is a big loss to fellow commenters in our daily Jaguars obsession._

While I'm not sure what you mean by "comments section," and while I wonder at the use of "stable" and "healthy" while discussing it, it's my understanding that its current absence is a technological issue and not a permanent end. Whatever "it" is.

**_Nole52 from Orange Park, FL_**

_Hay Jon wat happin two that (what's a) comment section?_

What's a "comments section?" Who's "Jon?"

**_Kenneth from Jacksonville_**

_Who's the best player in Jaguars history to don No. 96?_

Possibilities here include defensive tackle Michael Bennett (2015-2017), defensive tackle Adam Gotsis (2020-2023), defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (2009-2012), defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (2006-2008), defensive end Clyde Simmons (1996-1997) and defensive tackle Gary Walker (1999-2001). This is very close between Simmons and Walker. I have to lean Walker here, but I wouldn't argue loudly against Simmons.

_Bobby McCray, what a throwback name! I had to look up his stats to see if I had rose-tinted glasses or if he was actually a beast for us for a period of time. He was one of eight players in Jaguars history to record 10 sacks in a single season._

I didn't cover former Jaguars defensive end Bobby McCray, so I don't quite share your connection.  But he absolutely was a productive player.

_So now Zay Flowers gets $140 million from the Baltimore Ravens? Parker Washington's price keeps going up every day. I know you think a deal will get before the season starts but I am starting to have my doubts._

NFL player salaries rise constantly, particularly at the high end. The Jaguars love Washington. I expect they feel like he's trending toward being an elite receiver and a core franchise player. I've never, ever heard anything to make me think this team doesn't see Washington as critical to its future. I've never said I think the Jaguars will sign him to an extension before the season starts. That's certainly possible, but I have no idea the timeline. I do think they will re-sign Washington before he becomes an unrestricted free agent at the start of the 2027 NFL League Year. Contracts and the salary cap can be tricky. It sometimes takes time to find the right price and structure for a player, even one you love.

**_Tom from The Mean Streets of Nocatee_**

_One Fer Paul Spicer at No. 95._

**_JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL_**

_Hey John. Watching J.P.'s last Happy Hour + Jags HQ, it was easy to see how all of the guests (media and management) genuinely love J.P and each other, even Pete Prisco. That kind of vibe is rare in pro sports these days and is a big part of what many love about the Jacksonville Jaguars. J.P. will truly be missed, but he is part of a legacy that is strong and will continue to thrive. Go Jags!_

Longtime Jaguars Media Member J.P. Shadrick's final "Happy Hour/Jags HQ" was Thursday, and his last day with the organization was Friday. He will join the Arizona Cardinals as play-by-play Voice and you're correct that there is great love and respect in these parts for J.P. He's a good broadcaster, good man and good friend. He fit well with this organization, and helped shape this department – and therefore, the team's message – for 14 years. That's a long time in this or any business, and he absolutely will remain part of this team's legacy.

_Yes, we will miss Shadrick, but I'm more excited at who might fill his position. My first choices would be Tommy Mac or Jeff Lageman. Who are you nominating? Do you have a say in this decision?_

I have no say in this decision and won't be nominating anyone. I expect there's a decent chance Brian Sexton and Kainaini Stevens will handle many duties Shadrick's handled. Jeff Lageman is an analyst with a different on-air role than Sexton, Stevens or Shadrick.

**_Nicholas from Fort Hood, TX_**

_KOAF: Many questions for you. 1. Are you the longest-tenured employee for the Jaguars? 2. I marked in my calendar that your streak started 7 August 2011 … well done, sir. 3. How would you like to be remembered when you leave and or the streak ends- statues, lifelong Bullet Bobs, or just some remarks in the comment section? 4. Whenever the O-Zone was posted late is that because J.P. had to correct many of your typos and make you resubmit two-to-three times for approval? 5. How do teams test a person's "play-by-play" ability during the offseason? With play by play being "unscripted," what traits are they looking for besides being a smooth talker?_

Many answers. 1, I am not the longest-tenured employee for the Jaguars nor am I close. 2, Thank you … I guess. 3, A kind word and a nod – and maybe a big check. 4, When the O-Zone was posted late, it was usually a "me" issue and not an "anyone else" issue. 5, I assume teams test "play-by-play" ability by listening to someone do play by play. This stands to reason because Shadrick is good at play by play.

_There has been some high praise from a few of the beats for Prospect X. It sounds like he has more than held his own in his reps thus far. Has Durfee stood out much to you? It would seem with his draft spot he's set for a good bit of preseason game time. I'm excited about the threes and fours in the upcoming games._

Durfee, a seventh-round selection by the Jaguars in the 2026 NFL Draft, has looked very good early in 2026 Training Camp. He showed strong Friday in the mock game. He has done as much as a player can do to impress in unpadded work and early padded work.

_Hello, John. We have all expressed, including Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen lately, the lack of coverage in the media the smallest market franchise in the league receives. As you point out, consistent winning on the part of the Jags will cure that somewhat. Which leads into my question. The Guru's around the media are anointing the Texans ahead of the Jags. Yea, OK, whatever. But they do make their living in the football arena, and the Texans were obviously a really good team last year. And it looks like the race for the division will be another close one, with Indy right behind. Wondering if the draft, trades, camp, etc. has gone well for Houston, are they trending up like the Jaguars, or trending down? Have any "way-too-early" predictions for the division?_

I expect the Jaguars and Houston Texans to win 10 games or more this season, with both teams contending for the AFC South title. They looked like two of the NFL's best six-to-eight teams late last season, and I see no reason both teams won't look that way again. I don't know why NFL analysts would "anoint" the Texans over the Jaguars. That seems a bit short-sighted. It would seem just as shortsighted to "anoint" the Jaguars over the Texans. The teams split meetings last season. Both games could have gone the other way. They both finished the season on long, impressive winning streaks. This looks like one of the NFL's best divisions. It could be fun.

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