Travis Etienne Jr., the dynamic running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has emerged as a key player in the NFL this season. With a run of noteworthy performances, he’s reaping the benefits now, having put together the best season of his five-year career. In the Jaguars’ recent 26-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers, Etienne showcased his skills with a remarkable 71-yard run, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
In their win over the Panthers, Etienne had 16 carries for 143 yards. He further proved his versatility by snagging three receptions for another 13 yards. This electrifying performance put his versatility on full display as he made an impact in both the run and pass game. Through 14 weeks of the season, he’s racked up 917 rushing yards, ranking him 10th in the NFL. If he keeps up this pace, he’s on pace to finish with well over 1,200 rushing yards by the end of the season.
Etienne’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges. Following a lackluster 2024 season, he could only accumulate 558 yards with two rushing TDs. Now, he’s back at the team facility working through the rookie program and preparing to attack offseason conditioning. This trade was a clear indicator of his personal efforts trying to adjust and learn the new head coach Liam Coen’s offensive scheme. By the end of organized team activities (OTAs) in early June, Etienne’s fortunes had improved immensely.
He’s been a fantastic all-around weapon for the Jaguars, and with all of his experience he can do whatever you need him to do. Chad Morton, the Jaguars’ running backs coach, noted Etienne’s importance to the team:
“And he’s been great. He’s been great, really reliable in all the things that we’re asking him to do. He’s smart.” – Chad Morton
Etienne has shown a valuable swagger this season. He expressed that he feels he is now receiving more opportunities to showcase his talent:
“I feel like I just get opportunities now,” – Travis Etienne Jr.
“I feel like last year I really didn’t get much opportunities to be my best self. … I get better as the game goes, and Coach is doing a great job, trusting in me, giving me ball, me protecting the rock, and I’m just doing the most with the carries I get.” – Travis Etienne Jr.
Ever since that defining moment of the season, Etienne has taken over the ground attack for the Jags. He’s responsible for 69% of all running back touches. His commitment to developing every aspect of his game is evident. He’s spent more than his fair share of time at the team facility, including on his scheduled off days. This commitment shows his willingness to put in the work to get it right and become a key cog in the Jaguars’ offensive wheel.
Since a pivotal point in the season, Etienne has accounted for 69% of the running back touches for the Jaguars. His dedication to improving his game has not gone unnoticed, as he has spent considerable time at the team facility, even on off days. This commitment reflects his determination to succeed and become an integral part of the Jaguars’ offense.
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