Travis Etienne primed to become huge asset in Jaguars pass game

By Hays Carlyon

Nice and easy.

Few touchdowns in the NFL fall into that category.

The Jaguars got one to start Saturday night’s preseason opener against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs thanks to running back Travis Etienne.

After a brilliant 73-yard kickoff return by receiver Parker Washington, the Jaguars started their first drive at the Chiefs 20.

The drive ended with Etienne cruising into the end zone. The 25-year-old Etienne sprinted out of the backfield to the outside before cutting back to the middle of the field. He was wide open and quarterback Trevor Lawrence found him for a 9-yard touchdown pass.

Etienne’s reception total jumped from 35 in 2022 to 58 last year.

Lawrence talked about how Etienne’s role as a receiver is expanding earlier this week.

“His hands out of the backfield and just his route running, honestly, he’s done a great job of just getting open and really expanding what he can bring to the table for our offense,” Lawrence said. “He’s not just a guy that we’re going to run the ball. We’re going to get him on the perimeter, and some of the run game and getting him in space. He really is a guy that’s a threat down the field now.”

That could become the evolution of Etienne’s game that catapults him into stardom.

As the NFL continues to deemphasize paying running backs, one that can be a weapon in the passing game takes on special value.

Etienne had 476 receiving yards and a touchdown last season. If he stays healthy, he will destroy those numbers.

Lawrence certainly is excited.

“I feel like that’s only going to help him get the ball more and help our offense become more explosive,” Lawrence said. “Now you truly have a fifth guy to defend in the passing game. I think it’s going to be really good for us, really good for him.”

Involving Etienne in the passing game also doesn’t take a lot of effort. As evidenced by Saturday’s touchdown, he can get wide open quick, setting up relatively easy throws for Lawrence.

“Travis is a guy you want to get into space as much as you can,” Lawrence said. “I think being able to do that in the passing game is easier than always trying to find it in the run game. That can be a little harder, and even on his body throughout the season to take some miles off of him too. I think all the way around it’s been a really good training camp for him, it’s looked good. Every year I’ve said it but it’s the best I’ve seen him look. I said that last year and he looks even better this year, so I’m excited for him.”

(You can email Hays at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter/X @HaysCarlyon)