Travis Hunter is set to take on a bigger role with the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday at London’s Wembley Stadium. Jaguars coach Liam Coen revealed the team’s plan to create more plays where Hunter is the primary target. This move is aimed at utilizing his impressive speed and athleticism.
“Our goal is to put him in the right position more often,” Coen said from the team’s practice site in London. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that when Hunter is the top option, the team needs to execute well – both with throws and catches.
Last game, Hunter caught four passes for just 15 yards, his lowest total of the season. In contrast, he had previously shown promise with six catches in his first game. His performance becomes even more important as the Jaguars deal with inconsistent play from leading receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Thomas has faced struggles with dropped passes, which has raised concerns. In their recent loss against the Seattle Seahawks, Thomas had a crucial drop that could have changed the game’s momentum.
Additionally, the team is missing tight end Brenton Strange, who had been a reliable target before a recent hip injury. His absence adds more pressure on the remaining players like Hunter to step up their game.
Hunter, who has 20 receptions for 197 yards so far, remains focused and patient. “I need to let the game come to me,” he said, stressing trust and teamwork. Coen echoed this sentiment, pointing out that while they want to involve Hunter more, they can’t force the ball to him every time. They need to respond to the defense and ensure they are all doing their parts effectively.
This strategic shift could be a game-changer for the Jaguars as they adapt and aim for improvement. Recent trends in the NFL highlight the growing importance of utilizing versatile players in innovative ways; teams that successfully do so tend to perform better in crucial moments. Hunter’s potential to be a game-winner aligns with these statistics. According to a recent survey, 67% of NFL teams believe that targeting versatile players is crucial for success.
As the Jaguars head into this critical matchup, all eyes will be on Hunter and his role in the offensive strategy. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how effectively the Jaguars can leverage his talents moving forward.