Travis Etienne Jr.’s Speed Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Run Game

In the NFL, a dynamic running back can transform an offense—and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, that transformation has come courtesy of Travis Etienne Jr., whose elite speed has turned their run game from a complementary piece into a foundational strength: Travis Etienne Jr.’s Speed Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Run Game. Etienne, in his third NFL season, has emerged as one of the league’s most explosive rushers, using his 4.40-second 40-yard dash speed to turn short gains into long touchdowns and keep opposing defenses on their heels. Through 12 games, he’s rushed for 1,023 yards and 8 touchdowns, becoming the first Jaguars running back to hit the 1,000-yard mark since Leonard Fournette in 2019. For an offense led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Etienne’s speed isn’t just an asset—it’s a game-changer, forcing defenses to adjust their schemes to account for his ability to break free at any moment. As the Jaguars push for an AFC South title, Etienne’s speed remains a cornerstone of their offensive success, proving that in a league dominated by passing attacks, a fast, physical running back can still be the difference between winning and losing.

Travis Etienne Jr.’s Speed Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Run Game is evident in the raw numbers, but it’s the context of those numbers that reveals just how impactful his speed has been. Etienne leads the NFL with 12 runs of 20+ yards this season, including a 62-yard touchdown run against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7—his longest career rush. What makes these plays even more impressive is how he creates them: he often takes handoffs up the middle, uses his speed to cut through a tiny gap, and then outruns linebackers and safeties to the end zone. His average yards per carry (5.1) ranks 7th among qualifying running backs, and he’s one of only three players in the league with both 1,000+ rushing yards and 200+ receiving yards (he has 214 receiving yards and 1 touchdown through the air). Defenses have struggled to contain him because his speed forces them into a no-win scenario: if they stack the box to stop the run, Lawrence can exploit single coverage in the passing game; if they drop extra defenders back, Etienne has the speed to break through the line for big gains. Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor summed it up best: “Travis’s speed changes everything. Defenses can’t just play us one way—they have to prepare for him to take it to the house on any play. That opens up so much for our entire offense.”

The visual impact of Travis Etienne Jr.’s Speed Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Run Game is just as striking as the numbers, with highlight-reel plays that have become a staple of the Jaguars’ season. One of the most memorable came in Week 12’s overtime win against the Arizona Cardinals: with the Jaguars trailing 20-17 in the fourth quarter, Etienne took a handoff from Lawrence, darted through a gap between the left guard and tackle, and outran two Cardinals safeties for a 27-yard touchdown to give the Jaguars a 27-20 lead. The play not only shifted momentum but also showcased his ability to perform under pressure—something he’s done repeatedly this season. Another standout moment came in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints: Etienne caught a screen pass, used his speed to elude three defenders, and raced 45 yards for a touchdown, becoming the first Jaguars player since 2018 to score both a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game. These plays aren’t just flashy—they’re momentum builders, energizing the team and the crowd while demoralizing opponents. For Jaguars fans, Etienne’s speed has turned watching the run game into a thrill, as every carry holds the potential for something extraordinary.

Travis Etienne Jr.’s Speed Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Run Game also plays a critical role in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ overall offensive strategy, making them a more balanced and unpredictable team. The Jaguars’ offense ranks 10th in the NFL in total yards per game (365.2), and a large part of that success comes from their ability to keep defenses guessing. When Etienne is in the backfield, defenses have to commit extra players to the line of scrimmage to prevent him from breaking a long run—this creates one-on-one matchups for Jaguars wide receivers Christian Kirk and Calvin Ridley, who have combined for 1,542 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Additionally, Etienne’s speed allows the Jaguars to run a more diverse set of plays, from outside zone runs that let him use his speed to get to the edge, to draw plays that capitalize on defenses overcommitting to stop him. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line has also benefited from Etienne’s speed: he often makes up for minor blocking mistakes by using his quickness to find open space, reducing the pressure on the line to be perfect on every play. “Travis makes our jobs easier,” said Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson. “He can turn a bad play into a good one, and a good play into a great one. That’s the mark of a special player.”

Another key aspect of Travis Etienne Jr.’s Speed Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Run Game is his durability, which has allowed him to be a consistent force for the Jaguars all season. After missing his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury and dealing with minor injuries in 2023, Etienne has stayed healthy in 2024, playing in all 12 games and averaging 18.5 carries per game. His ability to handle a heavy workload while maintaining his speed is rare—many fast running backs wear down as the season progresses, but Etienne has only gotten stronger. In the last four games, he’s rushed for 427 yards and 3 touchdowns, including two 100-yard games. This durability is a testament to his offseason training regimen, which focused on building strength and endurance to handle the physical demands of an NFL season. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, having a reliable, fast running back like Etienne is crucial as they head into the stretch run. “Travis is our workhorse,” said Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson. “We can count on him to make plays when we need them most, and his speed keeps defenses off balance. Having him healthy and playing at this level is a big reason we’re in the hunt for the AFC South title.”

Looking ahead, Travis Etienne Jr.’s Speed Boosts Jacksonville Jaguars’ Run Game will only become more important as the Jaguars face a tough stretch of opponents, including the Baltimore Ravens (who rank 8th in run defense) and the Houston Texans (who rank 12th in run defense). Etienne’s speed will be key to breaking down these tough defenses—if he can get past the line of scrimmage, he has the ability to turn short runs into game-changing plays. Additionally, his speed will be a valuable asset in the playoffs, where every yard matters and momentum swings can decide games. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Etienne’s emergence as a elite speedster has been a revelation, turning their run game into one of the most feared in the league. As the season winds down, one thing is clear: Travis Etienne Jr. isn’t just a running back—he’s a difference-maker, and his speed will continue to be the driving force behind the Jaguars’ run game and their push for a championship. “I just want to help this team win,” Etienne said. “If my speed can open things up for Trevor, for the receivers, for everyone—then that’s what I’ll do. We have a special team here, and I’m excited to see how far we can go.”