The Jacksonville Jaguars are heading into the 2023 season with high hopes and great anticipation. As the team progresses through training camp, one player garnering attention and impressing coaches and fans alike is running back Travis Etienne.
Under the guidance of assistant coach Bernie Parmalee, Etienne is poised to make a significant impact on the field this year. Let's take a closer look at Etienne's development and the potential he brings to the Jaguars' offense.
A Determined Third Year
In his third year with the Jaguars, Etienne is determined to improve upon his performance from the previous season. Parmalee has been working closely with Etienne, focusing on honing his skills and expanding his versatility. The running back's all-around game has seen notable improvement, particularly in his reads and pass protection.
During the 2022 season, Etienne showcased his capabilities, playing in 17 games and starting 12. He amassed an impressive total of 1,125 yards on 220 carries and scored five touchdowns. With his continued growth and refinement, the former Clemson Tiger is expected to elevate his game even further in the upcoming season.
A Dynamic Backfield Duo
Joining Etienne in the Jaguars' backfield is rookie running back Tank Bigsby. Selected 88th overall in the draft, Bigsby has already made a positive impression on the coaching staff and his teammates. Although both running backs possess different styles, they make a formidable duo in the Jaguars' backfield.
Etienne is described as a "slicer," capable of making precise cuts and running powerfully between the tackles. On the other hand, Bigsby is seen as a downhill, physical runner who can also excel on the outside.
Working on Anticipation and Skill
Etienne proved that he has what it takes to be a force to be reckoned with on the field. But now, his head coach Doug Pederson believes that there's even more room for growth and improvement in Year 3. Here's what Pederson said about his star running back in a recent exchange with the media.
Pederson says that the coaching staff made anticipation a point of emphasis in practice and Etienne has been working on it throughout training camp.
As the head coach explains, handing a player the ball and letting them run is not always enough. There's a level of skill and anticipation required to excel in the NFL. And that's exactly what Pederson wants Etienne to work on. He wants him to develop the ability to anticipate holes in the defense and use his speed to burst through them with precision and efficiency.
An Impactful Season Ahead
As the Jacksonville Jaguars gear up for the 2023 season, the rise of Travis Etienne stands out as a significant storyline. Under the guidance of assistant coach Bernie Parmalee, Etienne has shown tremendous growth and improvement in his all-around game. With his speed, agility, and enhanced skills, Etienne is poised to make a significant impact on the field this year.
