Jaguars' Liam Coen on Travis Hunter's limited snaps: "It was just a personnel decision."
Travis Hunter's dual-role performance in the Jaguars' narrow victory over the 49ers raises questions about his playing time and future utilization.
Why it matters: Hunter, a standout both as a receiver and cornerback, played a reduced role in the Jaguars' recent win, which could signal strategic adjustments or personnel considerations moving forward.
The Jaguars defeated the 49ers 26-21 at Levi's Stadium, with Hunter contributing significantly on offense but seeing limited action defensively.
What's new: In this matchup, Hunter played just nine defensive snaps, all in the first half, while he was utilized for 36 offensive plays.
- His notable contributions included three receptions for 42 yards, highlighted by a crucial 28-yard catch on a third-and-15 situation deep in their own territory.
By the numbers: His total of 45 snaps tied his season low, matching the number from the season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
- This marked a stark contrast to his previous performances, where he logged 81 snaps in Week 2 and 79 in Week 3, showcasing his ability to contribute heavily on both sides of the ball.
Yes, but: Coach Liam Coen emphasized that the decision to limit Hunter’s defensive snaps was based on personnel choices that will remain internal for now.
- This raises speculation about whether the team is managing his workload to prevent injury or if there are tactical reasons behind the shift.
What to watch: As the season progresses, monitoring Hunter's snap counts will be crucial to understand how the Jaguars plan to leverage his talents.
- Given his versatility, any changes in his usage could significantly impact the team's offensive and defensive strategies.
The bottom line: Travis Hunter's multifaceted skills make him a valuable asset for the Jaguars, but how they choose to deploy him could shape their playoff aspirations.
- If his snap count continues to fluctuate, it may indicate broader strategic shifts within the Jaguars' game plans as they navigate through the remainder of the season.