Pete Carroll’s Insight on Travis Hunter’s Injury and Raiders’ Game Strategy
The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for a crucial Week 9 matchup, looking to secure only their third victory of the season. With a winnable game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the horizon, Head Coach Pete Carroll knows the stakes are high.
Hunter’s Impact on the Jaguars
Travis Hunter’s recent injury has sent ripples through the Jaguars’ lineup. Carroll acknowledged the significance of losing a player of Hunter’s caliber.
“Yeah, they lose at least one and a half in terms of play time and all that,” Carroll noted during a press conference. “They’ve really been featuring him more on offense lately. But we think he’s terrific as a coverage guy, and he’s just such a good all-around athlete.”
Hunter’s versatility has made him an integral part of Jacksonville’s strategy, and his absence is a notable hit to their game plan. Nonetheless, Carroll stressed that the Raiders will not alter their approach based on Hunter’s injury.
“It doesn’t change us any in what we’re doing,” he said. “We’re playing against their guys anyway, so we don’t know how much he was going to play on either side. So, we have to wait that out.”
Adjustments on the Offensive Front
While Carroll remains steadfast in his strategy, the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator Liam Coen has indicated that adjustments will be necessary in light of Hunter’s absence.
“He had 10 or 11 targets or something last week, so he’s a significant part of their thinking,” Carroll explained. “They run with him, they block with him, they do everything with him down the field and underneath and all that stuff.”
The loss of a player who was central to their offensive game plan certainly presents challenges. However, Carroll expressed confidence in the Jaguars’ ability to adapt, stating, “They’ve got other good players too, though, and so they can fill their spots that we think. But it’s hard to lose a guy like that.”
As the Raiders prepare to face the Jaguars, they are focused on executing their own game strategy, fully aware that the absence of Hunter could lead to unforeseen adjustments from their opponents. With both teams looking to capitalize on every opportunity, the stage is set for an intriguing showdown.
