MVN: Most Valuable Network

1. We've been hearing more and more rumblings about the rough state of Jacksonville's locker room -- do you get the impression that team chemistry (or lack thereof) has been one of the main contributing factors to their underwhelming season? 

I think the trouble with the locker room stories are coming mostly from journalists looking for a quick fix answer to what is wrong with the Jaguars. It is easy to look at the Jaguars, look at the high expectations for this year and then look at the current standings and write them off with a simple explanation. It can't possibly be that simple. I can't accept that it is that simple because it doesn't make sense to me. I think at the beginning of the year both their offensive and defensive lines messed up enough to lose the games. Half the of the offensive line was on the injured list, after all. After being unable to start a running game, after losing close games, after making too many stupid mistakes, I think the team got one of those loser mentalities that is near impossible to get out of. 

2. What is the first move the front office needs to make this offseason to get the Jags back on track in 2009? 

There is going to be a blood letting. Del Rio has already forewarned about it in a few interviews by calling the NFL a "replacement league." I think Mike Pete is going to go. Paul Spicer may go. Fred Taylor thinks this is his last year. There will be more than a couple wide receivers that go. I don't know if they are going to trade the guys away or let them drift into free agency or just let them quit. The Jaguars were very aggressive in the offseason and I think we'll need to expect just as much aggression in the next offseason. After a season like we've had, you're almost expected to start anew. 

3. What is the single-biggest key to Monday's game for the Jags, and what is your predicted final score?

The Texans play us harder than they do anyone else in the league. The only way to win this game is for the Jaguars to come out swinging early. They have been unable to have any last minutes rallies so if you see the Jaguars start to fall, you know they aren't going to win the game. I hope that doesn't happen. It would feel pretty crappy to lose against a quarterback named Sage Rosenfels. Jaguars 24, Houston 21.

Three questions with Chris of Houston Diehards:

1. Offensively, the Texans rank right near the top of the league in a number of stat categories (yards per game, time of possession, passing yardage), but the same cannot be said for their defense. What should be some key areas of focus for the Houston front office as it tries to shore things up on the defensive side of the ball this offseason? 

On the defensive side of the ball, the Texans have problems everywhere, and it starts at the top. Fans and bloggers have been calling for defensive coordinator Richard Smith's head long before this season even started. That said, there is also a talent deficiency. 2nd-year DT Amobi Okoye has been a huge disappointment this year after such a promising rookie season, and the word "bust" is starting to be thrown around. They will of course stick with Okoye at one DT spot, but there has to be a change in two other defensive line spots.

First, LE Anthony Weaver has proven to be a poor free agent signing. In his nearly three year career as a Houston Texan, he has two interceptions, and one sack - as a DEFENSIVE END!  So needless to say, they need a more of a pass rush out of that position, which would also disallow the constant double and triple-teams that offenses slap on Mario Williams. Second, the Texans need to figure out what direction they're going with the other defensive tackle position. Travis Johnson continues to get pushed around, and his effort and dedication seems to constantly be in question. They have two versatile defensive linemen in Tim Bulman and Earl Cochran who could both find themselves as starters if the Texans decide to cut ties with Johnson, or demote him to backup status. 

2. The Texans have failed to live up to expectations this season, but there are, after all, five games remaining. As a Texans fan, what could this team show you in these final weeks to improve your overall perspective on the state of the team? 

I have to say that defensively, I have little hope. However, if the secondary shows steady and sure improvement, that would go a long way to settling a lot of our fears as fans. Free agent acquisition cornerback Jacques Reeves is much-maligned in Houston, but he has shown noticeable (if not steady) improvement as the season has worn on. To see him put together five solid games would be very encouraging. Offensively, it's simple. Cut the turnovers at LEAST in half. The Texans are third-worst in the league in turnover differential (-10), and if I'm not mistaken, all but one of the team's turnovers have come from the quarterback position. It would also be very encouraging to see Matt Schaub return immediately, and show that he can get the interceptions down, and the red zone touchdowns up. 

3. What is the single-biggest key to Monday's game for the Texans, and what is your predicted final score? 

The biggest key for the Texans on Monday night will be for them to do what they could not do in their September 28th overtime loss in Jacksonville - contain quarterback David Garrard when it matters most. The Texans could not stop Garrard's air or ground attack late in that game, and it proved to be the difference. 

The Texans have a penchant for finishing the year strong, and though they are once again playing for pride at this stage of the season, I foresee a victory Monday night. Head coach Gary Kubiak will have this team ready to play in the first Monday Night Football game played in Houston in 14 years. The Jaguars have not been themselves in 2008, and I just think the atmosphere and emotion will result in a big win by the Texans. The Texans will win what might be the lowest-rated game in Monday Night Football history: 33-20.

Thanks to Jeanne of Black & Teal and Chris of Houston Diehards for taking part in our Monday Night Football preview!