Jaguars need to get two-way player Travis Hunter more involved on offense

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to get two-way standout Travis Hunter more involved on offense.

Brian Thomas Jr. dropped two passes in a 20-13 loss at Denver on Sunday, again raising concerns about his dependability. A first-round draft pick who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2024, Thomas ranked second in the NFL with 10 drops last season and seemed to shy away from contact almost weekly.

His struggles had Jaguars coach Liam Coen ready to make Hunter the team’s go-to receiver last October. Days later, Hunter tore a ligament in his right knee in practice and missed the rest of the season.

With Hunter sidelined, the Jaguars (1-1) traded for veteran Jakobi Meyers, witnessed the emergence of Parker Washington and found ways to get more out of Thomas.

Now, though, Hunter deserves another shot beginning with Sunday's home game against New England (1-1).

After all, Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said Hunter has “the capacity to alter the trajectory of the sport.” Jacksonville has no idea whether that’s even a possibility until the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner truly plays both ways.

He played just four offensive snaps in the season opener, a victory against Cleveland. He was slightly more involved against the Broncos, getting on the field for seven offensive snaps.

But he’s been mostly a decoy so far; he’s yet to be targeted beyond the line of scrimmage.

“We got to go look at it and see if we can find some more ways to get him some opportunities,” Coen said.

Hunter last season rarely looked like a player worth what Jacksonville gave up to draft him — Gladstone traded four picks to Cleveland to move up three spots to No. 2 — and often appeared confused about where to line up on offense.

But coaches and teammates believe the few plays he made in 2025 were enough to prove he’s got a chance to be special. He clearly needs a chance.

What’s working

The Jaguars appear to have one of the better run defenses in the league. A year after leading the league in that category, they allowed 104 yards on the ground at Denver. They gave up 87 yards rushing against Cleveland in the opener.

It’s the kind of defensive approach that can dictate games. It worked well against the Browns, but not good enough against the Broncos down the stretch. Rookie Jonah Coleman ran for 39 yards and a touchdown, helping Denver run out the clock in a close game, after J.K. Dobbins left with an injury.

What needs help

Jacksonville failed to sack Bo Nix and barely pressured him. Linebacker Dennis Gardeck led the team with two QB hits, and Travon Walker got one. But Josh Hines-Allen was mostly a no-show on the opposite side, the kind of absentee performance the Jaguars can’t afford.

It was a stark contrast from the opener against the Browns, in which Walker and Hines-Allen were a dominant duo.

Stock up

Parker Washington was the team’s best receiver for the second consecutive week. He caught seven passes for 98 yards, including a 32-yarder that set up a touchdown. He had five receptions for 83 yards and a score last week against the Browns.

It's more proof that the Jaguars can't afford to lose Washington in free agency next year.

Stock down

Lawrence was mostly ineffective. He completed 17 of 29 passes for 189 yards, with an interception. He was sacked twice and ran twice for 6 yards. He also had an early fumble that was overturned by penalty. He looked nothing like the guy who threw four TD passes against the Browns and carried the Jags into the playoffs down the stretch last year.

Injuries

Defensive tackle DeVon Hamilton tweaked his lower back late in the game but was able to return. Right tackle Cole Van Lanen played his first complete game since tearing a knee ligament in January and having surgery. Van Lanen played fairly well despite giving up a sack.

Key number

3-12 — Jacksonville's all-time record against New England. It's the franchise's lowest winning percentage against any AFC team. The Jaguars have won the last two meetings in Jacksonville.

Next steps

The Jaguars showed they have a small margin for error against Denver, so they need to limit turnovers, sacks, penalties and blown coverages to improve their chances.