Allen Hurns: 4 questions for 2015

Sep 21, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (88) runs to the end zone on his 63-yard reception against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at EverBank Field. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 44-17. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

2) Will Allen Hurns still be a big play threat?

Part of Allen Hurns’ success last season was his big play ability. He had four games with a long catch of 40 yards or more.

Unfortunately for Hurns and the Jacksonville Jaguars, after Week 9, those big plays seemed to disappear. From Week 10 onward, Hurns never had a catch longer than 27 yards. In fact, he only had one game with a catch longer than 20 yards (Week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens).

In my mind, Hurns is still that big play receiver the Jags have always wanted. That doesn’t seem to be the case based on the numbers, though.

Part of Hurns’ early success can be chalked up to the opposition having no tape on him when he came into the league. An undrafted free agent whose only ability flashed during the preseason against backup defenses, Hurns was able to surprise earlier in the 2014 season. Week 1 was particularly nice with one of the best debuts by a wide receiver ever.

Now with 16 games of tape on the young receiver, can he still beat out opposing defenses?

Once again, this will largely come down to how well the other receiving targets play for the Jaguars. Julius Thomas and Allen Robinson will command attention and if Marqise Lee can also step up, then Hurns should be able to find room to make a few more big plays.

Hurns will no longer be the prime big play threat for the Jaguars, now he will be one quality receiver among many. He’ll have to prove he can hang onto the ball (he missed a few big play chances last season because of inconsistent hands), but he should certainly have the opportunities in 2015.

Next: How much playing time will Hurns have?