This year, the Jaguars have been receiving more national attention. Why? Because last year, they won in Pittsburgh late in the season, then won in the playoffs, and gave then-undefeated New England all they could handle.

Anyway, here's some proof of the Jaguars getting national attention. For the second time this pre-season, ESPNews called me and had me on their show, "The Hot List" to talk about the latest with the Jaguars.

You can watch the video here.

The show has segments that are basically like a lot of radio talk shows that interview media types from around the country about different teams and big stories. Just before I was on, there was a writer who covers Texas Tech talking about the Red Raiders chances in the Big 12. By the way, David Lloyd, the host, is one of my favorite ESPNews guys. I like his delivery and he seems to be prepared...that's what I want out of an anchor on a show like that. He also brings up some topics that lead to conversation, like his point about understanding what Derrick Harvey is after with the negotiations. That could make for some good debate (although, I don't really think they want me in a debate with the anchor, that's not really what the show is about).

Enough about the show. On to the Jaguars on the field. Mike Walker joined Reggie Williams on the sidelines at practice yesterday. We haven't heard what the Jaguars are going to in terms of playing time for this weekend. Williams certainly won't play, but I think he's getting closer to playin in at least one, maybe two preseason games.

The red flag is up on Walker. I think he has a world of talent. Maybe they're just being cautious. but I have a worry that Walker may be having a tough time getting completely healthy. He's not quite two years removed from ACL surgery (which is usually the expected time for full healing), but it's something I'm keeping an eye one.

Olympics: Did anyone else feel a little unsatisfied by last night's coverage? No Michael Phelps gold medal events kind of left me unfulfilled. He's been a captivating star of the games. In fact, I was trying to think of the most memorable stars of Olympic games of the past and he has to right up there with the likes of Carl Lewis and Mary Lou Retton in 1984, The Dream Team in 1992, Michael Johnson in 1996. I don't know if its because I haven't watched the last couple of Summer Olympics as intently, but I can't recall a really big American star of the Sydney or Athens games.

Who is the most compelling Olympic athlete that you remember? You can post your comment below.

Murphy Update: Jacksonville University and Englewood high school alum Daniel Murphy went 3 for 6 with 2 runs scored and 3 runs batted in, including his second major league home run. He's hitting .467 since being called up. Murphy could have done even more damage. In the three times that he was put out, Murphy left 6 men on, 5 of them in scoring position. What a great start he's having to his big league career.