After a tough stretch filled with inconsistencies, the Jacksonville Jaguars are making a major shift in the passing game. With both rookie receivers De’Shaun Stribling and Deion Burks still trying to prove they can be reliable week to week, Head Coach Ke and Offensive Coordinator Ke Jr. decided it’s time for change.
Veteran Davante Adams will take over as the starting outside receiver behind Brian Thomas Jr., and Travis Hunter will officially move back inside to the slot — where he can use his elite quickness and instincts to create mismatches.
This decision isn’t about overreacting. It’s about holding everyone accountable and demanding production.
The Inexcusable Truth
For weeks, the talk around the facility has been about how the passing game has underperformed. Brian Thomas Jr., the clear WR1 and top target, has been getting doubled almost every play. Corners are pressing him, safeties are leaning to his side, and defensive coordinators are treating him like a threat they refuse to let beat them.
That’s expected. What isn’t acceptable is what’s happening behind him.
Through three games, tight end Chase Claypool leads the entire team in receptions and yards — 18 catches for 218 yards and a touchdown. And while that’s impressive for Claypool, it’s not what a balanced offense should look like.
“It’s inexcusable,” Coach Ke said bluntly. “You got Brian out there getting bracketed every down, fighting double teams, doing his job, and somehow a tight end is leading this team in receptions. That’s not on Claypool — that’s on everyone else. Somebody has to step up and be that second option.”
The frustration isn’t about talent. It’s about execution. Stribling and Burks have the physical tools to win. The issue has been timing, focus, and consistency.
“Rookie stuff,” said Trevor Lawrence. “They’re learning the system, learning how to adjust mid-play, learning how to get open when things break down. But right now, we don’t have time to wait. Brian’s getting all the attention, and someone else has to make defenses pay.”
The Adams Effect
That’s where Davante Adams comes in. The veteran hasn’t seen heavy usage early in the season, mostly being used in rotation and as a locker room leader. But anyone who’s ever watched Adams play knows he’s a technician — one of the best route runners the game has ever seen.
“Davante’s about precision,” said OC Ke Jr.. “He knows how to manipulate leverage, how to create windows, how to make every route look the same. That’s what this offense needs — consistency and detail.”
Adams has been quietly mentoring the young receivers since camp, showing them the small tricks of the trade — how to disguise routes, how to attack press coverage, how to use body positioning to win contested catches. Now he’s stepping out of the mentor role and back into the spotlight.
“I’ve been patient,” Adams said after the move was announced. “It’s been about letting the young guys learn and grow, but at some point, you gotta lead by example. I’m ready to show what this room should look like.”
Hunter Back Home
The other big change is Travis Hunter moving back inside to his natural slot position. Hunter’s ability to read defenses, find soft zones, and make plays after the catch makes him one of the most dangerous interior weapons in football.
“Travis inside changes everything,” Trevor Lawrence said. “It forces defenses to make a choice. If they double Brian, now you got Travis one-on-one in space. If they bring a safety down to help on him, you open up the deep ball. It’s pick your poison.”
Hunter’s excited to return to a role where he can impact the game every snap. “When I’m in that slot, I feel like a quarterback’s best friend,” he said. “I see the field like a DB, I know what defenses are doing, and I can react faster than most. It’s time to bring that spark back.”
Coach Ke Jr. emphasized the strategic benefit too. “Travis adds rhythm. He gives Trevor those short-to-intermediate options that keep drives alive. He doesn’t need to make the home run play — just keep the chains moving and let the rest come naturally.”
The Locker Room Response
The mood in the locker room has been one of accountability, not disappointment. Everyone knows this change isn’t about punishment — it’s about production.
Chase Claypool spoke on it first. “Coach is right. I shouldn’t be leading the team in catches. That’s not how this offense is built. My job is to be the security blanket, not the main attraction. I’m happy to carry the load when needed, but I want to see the guys outside eat too. This move helps us do that.”
Brian Thomas Jr. also welcomed the adjustment. “It’s been tough being doubled every game. Teams know where I’m lined up and shade everything my way. Having Davante on the other side? That changes the whole look. You can’t double both of us. Somebody’s gonna be open, and I like those odds.”
Even the rookies handled it with maturity. Stribling said, “It’s not personal. I just gotta earn my reps. Watching Davante do what he does — that’s how you learn. You don’t complain, you work.”
Burks added, “This is the league. Every rep matters. If I want to be that guy, I gotta prove it every snap. I’m learning from some of the best in the game, so I’m good with that.”
A Message from the Coaching Staff
For Coach Ke Jr., this move represents the next phase in the evolution of Jacksonville’s offense — less experimenting, more execution.
“We’ve seen flashes of what this offense can be,” he said. “We’ve put up over 600 yards of passing already. But flashes don’t win games. Execution does. Brian’s doing his job. Claypool’s doing his job. Now we need the receiver room to do theirs. Adding Davante and putting Travis back inside balances everything out.”
Coach Ke backed his son fully. “Ke Jr. sees what I see. We can’t let our QB fight with one hand tied behind his back. This offense has too much firepower to not be dominating.”
Looking Ahead
The new lineup — Brian Thomas Jr., Davante Adams, and Travis Hunter — gives the Jaguars a receiving trio that finally looks complete. Thomas brings youth and explosion, Adams brings mastery and reliability, and Hunter brings chaos in space.
It also frees Claypool to do what he does best — work the seams, dominate red-zone matchups, and be a mismatch weapon instead of a volume target.
Trevor Lawrence summed up the energy heading into next week. “We’ve got no more excuses. Everyone knows their role now. The talent is there. The chemistry is coming. It’s time to show who we are.”
Coach Ke closed practice with a simple message that echoed through the facility.
“Brian’s getting doubled. Claypool’s leading the team in catches. That’s not balance. That’s not us. It changes now.”
And with Adams and Hunter stepping into their new roles, it feels like the Jaguars’ offense just found its identity again.
