Liam Coen Comes In Defense of Travis Hunter Over Excessive Usage in Both Offense and Defense

The Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen will use Travis Hunter as he sees fit in the upcoming games.

Liam Coen Comes In Defense of Travis Hunter Over Excessive Usage in Both Offense and Defense

Travis Hunter (Image via IMAGO)

Liam Coen and the Jacksonville Jaguars made it clear that Travis Hunter would play most of his second-year snaps at cornerback. According to ESPN analytics, Hunter snap count has gradually increased each passing week.

On opening day against the Cleveland Browns, Hunter had 27 defensive snaps, followed by 35 against the Denver Broncos and 42 last week against the New England Patriots.

In contrast, Hunter has lined up just 15 times as a receiver. Reporters asked Jaguars head coach Coen whether the Jaguars were getting the best value out of Hunter’s skill set by limiting him to defense.

The outspoken coach spoke openly in a stern voice via Demetrius Harvey of Jaguars media and Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team.

[Travis Hunter] cares about winning. That’s what he cares about. Like, all the other stuff, the reps, where we picked him, does that value… I don’t give two [expletive] about value, and neither does he. We care about winning, and that’s it.

Liam Coen said

Through the first three weeks, Hunter has one reception for eight yards, 9 tackles, two passes defensed, and one interception.

Hunter made his name as a unicorn in Colorado. Not only could he catch passes, but he proved useful as a shutdown corner.

The young star wanted to continue playing both ways even in the NFL. Many former and current players advised him to focus on playing either offense or defense. But Hunter kept pushing to play both.

In October 2025, Hunter suffered a knee injury during practice and was placed on injured reserve. His season ended with 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown. As a DB, Hunter accumulated 15 tackles and three passes defensed.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders backed the Heisman Trophy winner to take a leap in his sophomore season. He even offered to teach the Jaguars secret to get the best value out of Hunter.

Prior to Week One of football, the Jaguars announced that Hunter would switch to full-time DB, with occasional snaps at receiver. In the last game against the Patriots, Hunter caught an interception from quarterback Drake Maye.

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Star receiver gave his honest opinion on Travis Hunter

The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the road in Week 4. They travel to Cincinnati to face off against the 2-1 Bengals.

Liam Coen Comes In Defense of Travis Hunter Over Excessive Usage in Both Offense and Defense
#1 Ja’Marr Chase (Image via IMAGO)

Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase will likely line up opposite Hunter on Sunday at Paycor Stadium. Reporters asked Chase about Hunter’s growth from his rookie year to his second season. Chase shook his head and said, “That’s all I got.”

Chase’s unique answer created buzz on the internet. While some complimented him, others weren’t too pleased with his reaction.

Retired NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson came to Chase’s rescue on the Up & Adams Show. Jackson, a longtime Eagle, argued that Chase didn’t need to entertain such questions.

You are asking arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL about somebody just came in… at that point, you are talking to the best receiver in the NFL… and what has [Hunter] done to be able to be talked about. I can’t be just worried about going against him. [Ja’Marr Chase] is not going to give attention to somebody… like ‘why should we be talking about him? We need to be talking about me.

DeSean Jackson said about Chase and Hunter

Chase has played in this fixture three times before. He is 3-0 against the Bengals, AFC rivals, with 31 receptions for 391 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Bengals-Jaguars series is currently tied at 13-13.

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