Travis Etienne Jr. proved that he is the guy for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season opener. He was instrumental in a huge 26-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. His 16 carries for 143 yards was the second-highest single-game rushing total of his career. This performance is a huge leap forward for Etienne. He’s looking to return to form as the race of running backs after a tough 2024 campaign.
Over the course of the last two seasons Etienne has proven himself to be the ultimate dual-threat weapon. He gained a total of 2,133 yards rushing and receiving with 16 touchdowns in 2022 and 2023. In addition to his rushing accomplishments, he caught 93 balls for 792 yards and one TD in that span. In 2024, he lost big. He did run for just 558 yards and two scores, while catching 39 passes for 254 yards.
Coaches have high expectations for Etienne to stand out in OC Press Taylor’s offensive system with the Jaguars. This is a system that puts the onus on the running back to make plays in open space. Coen noted that it took time for Etienne to adapt to the demands of the offense, but his preparation and understanding of the system have markedly improved.
“It took some time early on in terms of understanding the demands and the standards. Once he really got on the same page, it’s been doing this upward motion,” – Liam Coen
As seen from Etienne’s performance against the Panthers, he has the potential to be great in this role. Going forward, the Jaguars will set up their backfield to give him the majority of the running back touches. This strategy is especially crucial to their upcoming showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals. Alonzo adds that the workload should feature contributions from rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr.
Etienne took some time to discuss his path that brought him to this breakout season. He explained that last year humbled him and made him realize that he had to take advantage of every opportunity given to him.
“I feel like last year really humbled me a lot,” – Travis Etienne Jr.
“Just knowing that it’s week to week each and every week, and knowing that nothing is promised, so I have to come in here and just make the most of my opportunities,” – Travis Etienne Jr.
Etienne’s drive to adjust and get better this season has certainly caught the attention of his peer players and coaching staff. Grant Udinski, who has been working loosely with the running backs, complimented Etienne’s crazy flexibility. He emphasized Etienne’s impact as a dual threat in the run and pass game.
“That flexibility and versatility [in the run and pass game] show up, and that’s a testament to his preparation,” – Grant Udinski
The Jaguars are hoping to lean on Etienne’s experience as he heads into his fifth year in the NFL. For one, he’s learned to expect the unexpected and adjust.
“You just kind of expect the unexpected at this point and you kind of just have to roll with it,” – Travis Etienne Jr.
As Etienne looks ahead for the remainder of the season, he knows that it all starts with continuing to be the best version of himself. His performance against the Panthers was a good way to open the 2023 season. It was a test run for their 2026 contract renewal prospects.
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