Jaguars coach defends his Travis Hunter plan even though it hasn't been working

The Jacksonville Jaguars keep working Travis Hunter into a larger role, even though the statistical production is not coming yet. That is not about to change despite the lingering questions about whether Hunter can handle the workload.

Hunter received a full workload of 42 offensive snaps and 43 defensive snaps in Sunday’s 31-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. However, he was not a major factor on either side of the ball, catching just three passes for 22 yards while being called for a controversial pass interference penalty. Despite that, Jaguars coach Liam Coen suggested that even more snaps are in Hunter’s future.

Jaguars coach Liam Coen speaks out

“If anything, we probably have a little bit more encouragement and excitement about where things went this last week in terms of being able to handle that workload,” Coen said, via John Oehser of the team’s official website. “We have to manage it, though. It’s something we are constantly evaluating.”

Some critics feel strongly that Hunter’s role on both sides of the ball is ultimately making him less effective. They can point to Hunter’s modest start to his NFL career as evidence to back up that opinion, though there is also the reality that Hunter has to adapt to the league as every other rookie does.

The Jaguars have made it abundantly clear since drafting Hunter that they expect him to be an impact player on both sides of the ball. That impact has not really arrived yet, but they certainly are not giving up so quickly.