Not a lot of talk in these parts these days about the running backs. How do you see this position playing out? Can we expect anything from T-Big?
I expect the Jaguars’ running backs position to look and feel at least a biiit different this season than last season, though that admittedly may be me relying on one of my “hot takes” from last offseason finally coming to fruition. I thought running back Tank Bigsby, then a rookie, would have a very good season in 2023 and push running back Travis Etienne Jr. for playing time. That never came close to happening, with Etienne essentially playing the entire season as the “RB1” and neither Bigsby nor D’Ernest Jackson contributing consistently. It seemed Jaguars coaches lost a bit of confidence early in Bigsby, which – combined with their faith in Etienne – conspired to minimize Bigsby’s opportunities. The Jaguars would like that to change in 2024. So, how do I see the position playing out? ‘Tis the season for predictions, so I suppose I’ll move forward one more time with a prediction that Bigsby will matter to the Jaguars’ offense. I won’t say he’ll push for equal playing time as Etienne, but I do expect he will be more productive than last season – enough to at least somewhat ease Etienne’s workload. As for Etienne … I expect him to have his best NFL season to date if he’s healthy. I expect the Jaguars’ offensive line to be improved, particularly in the area of interior run-blocking. If that’s the case, you’ll have an explosive running back in his NFL physical prime with the right combination of experience. This could be special. Stay tuned.
Deane from Daytona Beach, FL
Yo, O-Zone! I am really loving the new DC in town! One thing he highlighted was getting back to basics: Proper stance, proper alignment, proper eye placement and proper reads. This approach will allow the defense as a whole to have a solid foundation, which is key to building anything that is worthwhile. I think of the preseason and/or during-the-season workouts of players that I was able to watch through the years like Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald, J.J. Watt and Dwight Freeney just to name a few. What they all had in common was they emphasized fundamentals! I believe that as a person moves up the ranks and has more notoriety, they forget the small things that made them good in the first place. I believe that the great ones, the one-percenters, continue to hone those small, forgotten fundamentals no matter what year they are in. That’s why I feel like our defense is going to have a new and improved identity! What says you, O-Zone???
I says Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen is impressive, and that his approach in this first offseason indeed emphasizes fundamentals and teaching. I can’t honestly say this makes him dramatically different than a lot of NFL coordinators and coaches, so I can’t honestly say the approach guarantees success. But I can honestly say the approach will give the Jaguars’ defense a chance for success. I also can honestly say Nielsen is the guest on this week’s O-Zone Podcast (self-promotion alert). It was my first chance to talk extensively with Nielsen since his January hiring. As noted, he’s impressive. It’s easy to see why players connect with him. It’s easy to see why he’s considered a rising star. I have no question this defense will be a confident, prepared group that believes in its direction when the 2024 regular season opens. That’s a good place for a new defense to start.
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