The Jacksonville Jaguars loved what they saw from Tank Bigsby during his time with the Auburn Tigers. So much so they added him with the 88th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Travis Etienne with the 25th pick in 1st round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Why did they draft two running backs with at least 3rd round draft capital in consecutive seasons?
Consider the teams that have been successful. The 49ers have one of the most potent rushing attacks in the NFL and a stable of running backs who can run that offense. They primarily use Christian McCaffrey but have multiple people who can run it. The Detroit Lions made it to the NFC Championship game with a two-headed backfield of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The Eagles have a prolific run game with Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts.
The point is that even with the NFL’s current offense being pass-heavy, the teams that have shown the ability to run the ball successfully are the teams that make pushes in the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars Will Unleash Bigsby
It is only a matter of time before the Etienne and Bigsby duo turns into a true 1A/1B running back situation. Etienne is the more explosive player with the ball in his hands but has struggled between the tackles. Since the start of 2023, Etienne has averaged a mere 4.2 yards per carry. Bigsby struggled during his rookie season. He has turned it up for 2024. He has almost doubled Etienne’s yards per carry average this season.
Notable backup RBs averaging far more yards per carry than the starter this season (min. 15 carries):
Tank Bigsby (8.2) vs. Travis Etienne (4.6)
Chase Brown (6.3) vs. Zack Moss (3.9)
Tyler Allgeier (6.1) vs. Bijan Robinson (4.1)
Bucky Irving (5.8) vs. Rachaad White (2.8)…— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 30, 2024
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to seriously consider Bigsby an important feature in their offense. His vision in 2024 has been impeccable as you can see in this run last week:
Tank Bigsby so far this season:
Car. 21
Yds. 172
Avg. 8.6 p/a
Keep in mind Tank has 2 games where he registered 0 and 2 carries🤯
—If fed properly, Tank is a matchup nightmare— pic.twitter.com/L52DKr6Bi5— Hunter P Stevens (@HPS904) September 30, 2024
How to Approach The Jacksonville Jaguars Offense
The Jacksonville Jaguars offense is struggling mightily. Trevor Lawrence has seen his output drop drastically. Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabriel Davis are solid receivers, but only Thomas Jr. seems to be on the same page as Lawrence. The coaching staff needs to change up the offensive approach before Lawrence’s confidence dwindles.
Lawrence obviously has had his issues this year. Having a strong running game not only eases the pressure off of Lawrence, but it opens up play action. What better way to help a quarterback through struggles than with misdirection and a clean pocket. Watch this first down play action from last week.
Early third quarter Jags down 17-13, first down play-action clean pocket Trevor Lawrence misses wide open Christian Kirk for easy touchdown
Lawrence 1-for-6 on throws 20+ yds vs Texans, woof pic.twitter.com/dgA9sa5mim
— Jared Smith (@jaredleesmith) September 30, 2024
Lawrence misses the throw, but if he connects with Kirk, it is an easy touchdown. This past Sunday, the running game clicked, which allowed throws like this to be available.
The Jacksonville Jaguars should feed their running backs early and allow Lawrence to play in games where he is not constantly chasing a lead. They do this with a ground-pounding rushing attack and time management. It is time for their offense to create chunk plays. Give Lawrence easy throws, 3rd and short as opposed to 3rd and long, and moving the chains instead of going for the home run. Feeding Bigsby the ball more could be the key to unlocking the Jacksonville Jaguars offense.
Follow me on Twitter @JoeyTheToothIDP for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!