I have now fully recovered from a dismal display against the Seattle Seahawks.
Now it is time to shift our focus to Wembley Stadium and the Los Angeles Rams.
As a regular at the London games, I have always enjoyed the effort that Jacksonville put into the occasion.
However, it was a quote from Travis Hunter that had me contemplating whether the franchise is shifting its focus.
After the game on Sunday, he positively stated that the team is “not travelling to London for sightseeing”.
An all-business trip
We do not have to read too far into this to know that Hunter only has one thing on his mind: winning a football game.
This is a shift in focus for Jacksonville.
As a fan first and foremost, I loved the opportunities to meet players, show my support for the Jags and go to literally any marketing opportunity they put on.
Last year, for example, they did two signing sessions with high-profile players. This year, there are none.
This strikes me as an odd, but very sensible move.
We only sign when we are losing
I will admit we have not been a great football team. Blame it on whatever you like – players, coaches, owners.
Therefore, what were the things that kept Jacksonville’s name at the forefront of people’s minds? It was the marketing and the opportunities to meet players.
This kind of requirement for players does not matter so much when you are not winning. However, given that we are 4-2 this season, I think this takes on a completely different complexion.
I have no evidence to back this up. This is purely idle curiosity while I wait impatiently for the first snap of the football at Wembley.
Why the change?
Have the Jacksonville leadership decided that signings are an unnecessary distraction? Have they decided that now we are playing good football, we need to be laser-focused? Is it a NFL decision or a scheduling issue?
Regardless of the reason why, I think – though it pains me to say it – this could be a worthwhile change.
If the Jags are playing better football on the field, then there is less of a need to entice people in for these marketing opportunities.
I want the best football that we can play as a team.
If that means getting rid of some of these fan interactions, personally, I am all for it.
