Allen Hurns looks to expand career year against Titans

Allen Hurns led the Jacksonville Jaguars in receiving during his rookie season in 2014. His 677 yards through 16 games provided a pleasant surprise for a franchise that was frustrated with oft-injured wideout Cecil Shorts III. Shorts had led the team the previous two seasons.

Hurns’ ascension to be the top dog for the Jaguars was a passing of the baton to the younger players that make up the core of this team. While his rookie performance was a pleasant surprise, his sophomore campaign has proven that he’s ready to continue carrying the baton.

Currently second on the team with 697 yards (behind Allen Robinson’s 758), Hurns has proven to be a reliable target. He’s already surpassed the 677 yards he posted as rookie and, along with Robinson, is well on his way to a 1000 yard season.

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Hurns’ reliability has been the most surprising thing about his second season, though.

Last year Allen Hurns caught 51 receptions on 97 targets en route to his 677 yards on the season. He struggled with drops all year and was seen as a potential big-play receiver who would be surpassed by Allen Robinson and maybe even Marqise Lee the next year.

This year Hurns has already caught 41 receptions off just 68 targets en route to his 697 yards. He’s capitalizing on more opportunities thrown his way, catching a full eight percent more of targets thrown his way. He’s also increased his yards per reception, bolstering it to an impressive 17.

But it isn’t all about the yards for Hurns. With another touchdown catch in Week 10, Allen Hurns has now had seven straight games with at least one touchdown. That’s already one more than he had during the entirety of last season.

So far it has been an impressive career year for the young receiver. He’s proving more than worthy of being considered among the best young receivers in the NFL and he continues to reward quarterback Blake Bortles when he turns to him in clutch situations. He’s making tough catches in traffic and immediately getting back up to do it again and again and again.

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The Tennessee Titans better be ready because Allen Hurns has emerged as more than just a rookie sensation and is ready to continue his impressive campaign.