Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne hasn’t been easy for opposing defenses to stop. His 6.2 yards per attempt are third most among players with at least 40 carries this season.
While the explosive back has broken free on six runs of at least 20 yards and three runs for more than 40 yards, Etienne says he’s learning when to go after those big play opportunities.
“It’s just knowing when you can shoot for the stars,” Etienne said Thursday, via 1010XL. “That’s what I’m learning about. There are some plays I want to be loose, I want to get that extra five yards, but when it’s a third-and-2, there’s no need for me to juke somebody to try to get to the outside. I just need to put two hands on the ball, get the first down, and move the chains.
“So that’s what I feel like I’m learning, to stop chasing that hoo-rah every play. Just play situational football and keep getting better every play.”
Etienne, 23, is playing in his first NFL season after missing his entire rookie year due to a Lisfranc injury. After splitting carries with James Robinson earlier in the season, Etienne has taken over as the lead back and carried the ball 24 times for 156 yards last week against the Denver Broncos.
It could be a little more difficult finding running room against a Las Vegas Raiders defense that, despite being last in sacks, is fifth best in opposing yards per carry.