A year ago, there were big hopes for Travis Etienne.
He and Trevor Lawernce were going to be the Jaguars’ new one-two offensive punch. They already had a tight link from their days at Clemson.
Etienne was the Jags’ second first-round pick in 2021 with Lawrence. He was viewed as a steal in most football circles, and one who could make an immediate impact.
Unfortunately, like most of his teammates, Etienne’s optimistic outlook suddenly soured. He suffered a season-ending foot injury in the preseason. It was just one sign in many that cast a dark shadow over the Jags’ season.
A year later, everyone waited in anticipation to see what Etienne would do this season. The preseason vibes were strong, and the Jags realized they had their breakaway back to complement workhorse James Robinson.
Seven weeks into the season, those hopes for Etienne have become a reality. He is now the Jags’ lead back with the trading of Robinson to the Jets a few days back.
The Robinson trade should raise some eyebrows. He didn’t have a touch in the team’s loss to the Giants. However, he did gain 54 yards against the Colts two weeks ago when Etienne racked up 86. Robison had 100 yards on 17 carries in the win over the Chargers, but he never was quite the same after that performance.
Jags’ officials stated that he experienced knee soreness. This was the back they enthusiastically waited to return to full health from his Achilles injury at the end of last season. He had a breakthrough rookie season in 2020, topping the 1,000-yard mark.
But the scene has changed as the Jags get ready to tangle with Denver in London Sunday. It is now Etienne’s show. He has sold Jags’ officials, notably with an impressive 114-yard effort against the Giants last week. The combination of speed, balance, and elusiveness apparently is the real deal.
The 23-year-old who is truly in his rookie season is the Jags’ new workhorse. Etienne is likely to get between 15 to 20 carries per game, and he’ll get his share of passes out of the backfield as well.
His ability to remain upright while shedding tackles and freezing defenders with a juke and a hop easily can remind anyone of a small version of Saquon Barkley. Etienne isn’t likely to have Barkley’s 1,307 rushing yards and 91 receptions for 729, but his 415 rushing yards and nine receptions for 100 yards is enough for the Jags. His receiving numbers are bound to increase.
Etienne’s elevated status also is a sign of the Jaguars’ new approach in their new climate under head coach Doug Pederson. They aren’t afraid to take a chance and move their agenda forward.
He’ll look for another breakout game against a Denver run defense that is ranked 15th and has allowed an average of 112.3 yards per contest. They gave up 155 against the Jets last week. The Broncos also will have Russell Wilson back in the fold.
At 2-5, the Jags are faced with a “must-win” situation Sunday morning in Wembley Stadium - a place once believed to be the Jags’ new home - if they are to gain some more traction in their slow climb toward overall respectability.
And Etienne is the latest one to help lead the charge. Those once hopes for Etienne are now a stark reality and an integral part of the major rebuild.