In a tumultuous game against the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars found themselves in a deep hole, trailing 17-0. It was a tough showing for Jacksonville, however, amidst the chaos, Etienne emerged as a key player for the Jaguars. The former Clemson Tiger had been averaging 4.1 yards per carry in previous games, and he continued to shine in this matchup. Carrying the ball 19 times for 88 yards and making four receptions for 50 yards, Etienne showcased his versatility and impact on the game.
Etienne's presence in the ground game forced the Texans' defense to focus on stopping him, opening up opportunities for the Jaguars' passing attack. This strategic advantage led to a crucial moment when the Jaguars earned a first-and-goal on the one-yard line, thanks to a defensive pass interference committed on Ridley in the endzone. Rookie Tank Bigsby capitalized on the opportunity, scoring the much-needed points for the team.
Ultimately, Etienne was what kept his team alive in the second half.
Another standout play came from Christian Kirk, who broke loose for a 26-yard touchdown. The Texans' defense, wary of the Jaguars' running game, had to respect the potential for a ground attack. This created space for Lawrence, who threw his first touchdown pass in nine quarters, finding Kirk in the endzone.
Despite the team's struggles on defense, special teams, and offensive protection, Etienne stood out as a shining star. He has proven that he is no longer a young player in development but a reliable contributor to the team's success. As the Jaguars prepare for their next challenge against the Atlanta Falcons in London, the Duval Devout hope that Etienne can continue to deliver outstanding performances.
