Travis Hunter plays corner at minicamp. Jaguars’ Coen talks work ethic
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen met with media Tuesday, June 10, noting Travis Hunter’s endurance and work ethic.
Jaguars cornerback Montaric “Buster” Brown impressed coaches during offseason practices with his performance in the new defensive scheme.The Jaguars’ new defensive scheme, implemented by coordinator Anthony Campanile, seems to be a good fit for Brown’s skillset.Coaches have praised Brown’s consistent effort, technique, and willingness to challenge receivers.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric “Buster” Brown flew toward the ball, diving to cover the ground he couldn’t make up after his initial quick burst.
Brown swiped down as he jumped and broke up a Trevor Lawrence pass that was intended for tight end Brenton Strange. As Brown hit the ground and rolled over, he clicked an imaginary seatbelt to his waist — a sight that was common during the 15 offseason practices the Jaguars held.
“He’s got strong [football intelligence], man,” head coach Liam Coen said of Brown. “The game makes sense to him. I think him playing in this, little bit more vision on the quarterback, zone [defense] is a strength of his.”
Brown and the defense got the better of the Jaguars’ offense during the practice, which is something they did a lot of during the media-open practices.
They adjusted well to defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile’s system as they transition away from the man-heavy scheme the team played under the last regime. It’s a change Brown welcomed this offseason.
“I feel like I’m perfect for this scheme,” Brown told the Times-Union during OTAs. “It helps me. I get to use my length and my technique. I feel like it fits me good.”
Montaric ‘Buster’ Brown could see plenty of playing time under the new regime
The Jaguars left the cornerback position largely untouched, bringing in nickel corner Jourdan Lewis in free agency and drafting two-way star Travis Hunter in the NFL Draft as their two major additions to the room.
They moved on from veteran cornerback Ronald Darby who has since announced his retirement from the league.
It opened the door for Brown to see a lot of playing time in Campanile’s system, something he took full advantage of this offseason.
“It just feels good when you trust your eyes and trust your feet, technique and just all comes together,” Brown said. “It’s a wonderful feeling.”
Brown had a chance to see the field a lot this offseason. He was one of the players who had a strong offseason camp under the first-year coaches.
Originally a seventh-round pick out of Arkansas in the 2022 draft, Brown has shown himself to be valuable to the team.
Through three different defensive coaching staffs, he’s always stepped up when his number is called. He’s hoping this season won’t be any different.
“They just trust me, and I continue to just keep proving them to them that they could trust me,” Brown said. “Just competing every day, just being consistent and taking it one day at a time and being one percent better every day.”
Jaguars’ coaching staff praise Brown for his adjustment to the new scheme
Brown and Jacksonville’s defense has seemingly adjusted well to Campanile’s scheme. They were able to get their hands on a lot of passes during the offseason.
If they didn’t outright intercept the passes, they were in position to make a play on the ball. It’s a result of the multi-defense implemented by Campanile, mixing coverages to disguise their intentions.
“They’ve got their hands on a lot of balls so far. Just having some more vision on the quarterback in some of the zone coverages,” Coen said of the defense. “When we’ve been able to play in man, it’s something that they’ve been doing for quite some time last year.”
Brown’s performance on the field was impressive this offseason, but his performance in the building matched his output on the field.
As he learns the new coaching staff, and they learn him, he’s gotten good reviews from his coaches.
“He’s not afraid to challenge people, he’ll challenge guys at the top of the route and try to play with technique,” Campanile said. “Whatever he’s got to do to strain and make the play, he’s been doing that, which is awesome.
“That’s what we’ve been preaching, and he’s been doing it every day.”