The Indianapolis Colts already have enough to worry about after Sunday’s loss dropped them to 2-4 and left them two games back of the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars. But the bigger headache may be waiting down the road, because Travis Hunter just flashed the kind of two-way impact that can tilt a division race.
Hunter has spent his pro career with Jacksonville mainly as a cornerback, even though his college resume made him a rare talent at both defensive back and receiver. The Jaguars have used him at wideout in spots, but not often. That changed in Week 6.
Against the Houston Texans, Hunter delivered on both sides of the ball. He picked off a pass in the end zone and also caught a touchdown, becoming the third player since 1970 to record an interception and a receiving score in the same game. The last player to do it was in 2002.
He wasn’t just a novelty act, either. Hunter finished with four catches for 59 yards, and he hauled in every target he saw.
His second-half presence helped Jacksonville keep battling in a game the Jaguars eventually lost 34-31. He also added three tackles and a pass defended on defense.
What makes this especially relevant for the Colts is the timing. Through Jacksonville’s first five games, Hunter had been targeted only twice.
Then, against another strong AFC South opponent, the Jaguars opened the door a little wider and saw what it could look like when he gets more involved. The next divisional opponent on the schedule is Indianapolis in two weeks.
That should make Colts fans uneasy. If Week 6 is any indication, Jacksonville may not be ready to tuck Hunter back into a limited role, especially if the Jaguars believe his usage can help them in a division game.
And that’s before even getting to the matchup possibilities. The idea of Hunter lined up across from Sauce Gardner would be one of the league’s best duels, assuming Gardner is able to go after leaving the game against the Titans in the second half. He was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise rough outing.
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