Talking Jaguars with RJ Saunders from 1010XL

The Jaguars have been making headlines recently. Last night, Arik Armstead was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year. Additionally, there have been changes in the head coaching staff and new coordinator hires.

To talk more about the offseason activity in Duval, I spoke with RJ Saunders, who hosts Open Gym on the Jaguars' flagship station, 1010XL in Jacksonville.

Craig: You engage with fans all across the state on a daily basis-what’s the overall feeling on the hiring of Liam?

RJ: I believe there’s a high level of optimism around the city. It was understood that the fanbase was ready for a clean break from the Doug Pederson & Trent Baalke era. When that didn’t happen initially, fans were ready to riot because they couldn’t understand the reason for how Trent Baalke was able to survive as much as he had. So when Ben Johnson decided not to come to the Jacksonville Jaguars, many pointed the finger at Baalke. And when Liam Coen nearly slipped through our fingers, it seemed that Khan knew the writing was on the wall. He’s bringing in a guy that seems to have great energy, wants to be here and actually establish a culture and help fix the organization. Fans see this and hear this and I believe they’re behind Coen. Now it’s time to see what the Jaguars do in the NFL Draft, free agency and hopefully they can put a good product out on the field and give the fanbase some hope.

Craig: Do you believe that one day Trevor Lawrence can emerge and ascend into becoming one of the game’s elite?

RJ: He’s certainly shown flashes as to what he can be but it hasn’t been consistent. This partnership with Liam Coen is critical. This is Trevor’s third different head coach. He in my opinion hasn’t been able to have a long enough relationship with a coach as well as his staff to get comfortable in a system. On top of the fact he’s been sidelined due to injuries. This city wants Lawrence to be in that upper echelon of quarterbacks in the NFL. This was the promised generational talent. I think the fanbase is wanting to see that more than anything. The elite teams have their franchise guy. We were told we have ours. Let's see that on Sundays. However, the organization not only needs to get him more weapons but they have to protect him and have a run game that can complement his play on the field.

Craig: Finish this sentence. The 2025 season will be a success for the Jaguars if they_________?

RJ: Protect Trevor Lawrence and establish a run game. Liam Coen has said that he is going to build this thing around Lawrence. As you should. However, I think that starts at the line of scrimmage. He needs time in the pocket to be able to use every tool in his toolkit. Now you also need to have the defense do a much better job too. At times they were on the field much too long. They had trouble stopping the run. Arik Armstead in the first year of his big contract with the team was a shell of himself. However, offensively although you have a few pieces there, you aren’t going to be able to showcase that if your Franchise QB isn’t protected. Additionally, not having a run game to where it can lighten the load for Trevor Lawrence Sunday to Sunday.

ICraig: What would you like to see the Jaguars do with their first round pick?

RJ: I’ve been so back and forth with this. Many want them to go receiver to give Trevor Lawrence another weapon. Others want to get a Corner to help Tyson Campbell on the defensive side of the ball. For me I believe that line of scrimmage is most important. Whether offensively or Defensively. There were too many holes on both sides of the ball and I’m just not confident yet in that aspect of Jacksonville’s game. Get me a stud Defensive End or an Offensive lineman that you can say he’s going to be a Pro-Bowler for the next 10 years.

Craig: So another year has passed and Fred Taylor has still not been elected to the Hall of Fame. Why do you think he keeps getting overlooked?

R.J. Fred Taylor has had many individuals in front of him when it comes to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and I hope he’s able to get in. You hear those who played with him or against him that he gave opponents fits every Sunday. I don’t know if it’s because he played in Jacksonville or if you have those who see the names in front of him and say they should be inducted before Taylor. Hopefully next year we can say we have a second Jacksonville Jaguar in the HOF. Then we can focus on getting Jimmy Smith inducted into Canton next.