If the Tennessee Titans' goal was to motivate Justin Hunter by plastering a "J.A.G" (Just Another Guy) label on the receiver's jersey this week, that message was received.
And received. And received, some more.
The second-year pass-catcher went HAM Friday night in a 31-24 losing effort to the New Orleans Saints, grabbing four passes for 111 yards (that's 27.75 yards a pop, folks) with two touchdown snags. Displaying his 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame with 4.44 speed, Hunter made some spectacular, highlight-reel plays.
Needless to say, our "Making the Leap" candidate proved he's not just another guy in the Titans' receiver corps. But that doesn't mean the coaches won't make sure he stays motivated.
"I don't think he has to worry about that (J.A.G jersey) any more, but I think we have to keep it in his locker so he'll remember," head coach Ken Whisenhunt said, per The Tennessean. "Justin did a nice job. We all understand what he can be, but we have to see that consistency. And it was nice to see that tonight."
Hunter has been a lightning rod for debate about whether he can be consistent in his play. He had blow-up games last season, then went dark for long stretches.
The second-year pro said he still "has a long ways to go" and expects receivers coach Shawn Jefferson -- the mastermind behind the J.A.G jersey -- to keep reminding him of the difficulty in the march up the hill of success.
"Even if I do something good, it doesn't matter. I'll still be a J.A.G to him," Hunter said. "I just need to keep maturing. I know everyone is going to stay on me. I just have to keep getting better, and I'm going to continue to go to work."
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