Moeller: Jaguars' Running Game Is An Early Dice Roll

 It’s the beginning of June, but it’s not too early to try and figure out the Jaguars’ running game.

Remember though, these were your 13-4 AFC South Champion Jaguars, who had most of the answers last season until they couldn't handle Josh Allen in the playoffs. 

Long-time staple Travis Etienne is gone after he accounted for 1,107 rushing yards, and he appeared destined for a huge season after his 143-yard performance in the opening win against Carolina.

Three weeks later, Etienne was a major factor with 124 yards in their huge 26-21 win in San Francisco. 

But, like in the past, Etienne’s inconsistencies began to surface again. He wouldn’t hit the 100-mark again even though he averaged nearly 14 carries a game. 

From there, his high water marks were 86, 76, 73, 74, and he had 67 against the Bills in their playoff game.

Despite the Jags’ 13- 4 record - that most people may have already forgotten - it became obvious that Etienne wouldn’t be re-signed and not in their plans. He could have seen the writing on the wall with the drafting of Brayshun Tuten and LeQuint Allen. 

Etienne flew to New Orleans, where he could be a missing piece for an upstart Saints’ club.

So, where does that leave the Jags? Are you worried?

Tuten and Allen have risen to the top of the chart, and ex-Commander Chris Rodriguez Jr. was brought aboard as a veteran presence. Rodriguez may have been the quietest 900-yard -plus rusher in the league last season.

Tuten began to find his niche, running for 307, while Allen was limited to 94. You can throw in journeyman Ameer Abdullah and DeeJay Dallas, and rookie J’Mari Taylor. 

The Jags are looking for Tuten and Allen to take major steps, and Rodriguez will be the insurance policy. Their pecking order will be determined in training camp and preseason games.

Chances are, this will be running back by committee and by designated down. With Travis Hunter on a limited offensive basis, the Jags should have a deep receiving corps, especially with top pick tight end Nick Boerkircher.

Head coach Liam Coen already had stated the running game will be an evolving issue.

“Yeah, it's a group that has a lot of opportunities for them,” said Coen recently at the team’s first day of OTAs. “It's a wide-open room. It's truly wide open.”

It’s likely Coen will be tight-lipped until the season. He and the Jags’ brass apparently early on will look to Rodriguez for his experience.

"Bringing Chris in only continues to provide those opportunities for those guys. I've really liked how Tuten [RB Bhayshul Tuten] has run it this spring so far and the way he looks as opposed to last year at this time,’ added Coen. “I think Chris will be a good added thump that we continue to need and get some of those hard yards, which is very difficult to see at this time of year." 

Anyway you look at it, the Jags will have a changing of the backfield guard, and there’s already plenty of anticipation and anxiety over it.   

Hey, though, don’t worry. It’s only June, and your Jaguars will figure it out.

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