Jags Offense Rains on Allen Hurns’ Coming Out Party

Enough can’t be said about how anemic the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense was on Sunday. They showed they couldn’t capitalize on opportunities. They showed they couldn’t convert on third downs. They showed that the running game simply isn’t there (or maybe it’s the blocking). So, before we beat that horse to death, let’s talk about Allen Hurns and his coming out party today.

Hurns put together an incredibly nice first half. The undrafted rookie continued his preseason magic with two touchdown grabs in his first NFL action. He finished with four catches, 110 yards, and the two TDs. Unfortunately he was a part of the second half meltdown that will leave a bitter taste in his mouth about this game.

Aside from that, Hurns showed that he is a true NFL-caliber wide receiver and that he can play with the “big boys.” But he also showed that outside of Cecil Shorts he may be the only real receiving target the Jags have. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this unit needs to show up and show up fast. On Sunday it only looked like Hurns was willing to step up and provide a spark. His second touchdown was particularly great, wresting free of defenders to slip into the end zone.

It looked like quarterback Chad Henne and Hurns had some chemistry developing early in the game, but that disappeared as the team seemed decided to play it safe and cling to the 17 point lead rather than try and put the Philadelphia Eagles away.

Allen led the game in receiving, beating out Philly receiver Jeremy Maclin (four catches, 97 yards, one TD) and fellow rookie Marqise Lee (six catches, 62 yards) who, admittedly, played better than he did during the preseason.

The unit still needs to play better, but let’s take a moment and remember that for a rookie Hurns is showing he could be something special.