The year 2022 has been extremely successful for Travis Etienne. Still, Jacksonville Jaguars officials expect the running back’s performance to improve as he continues to work on himself

Travis Etienne missed the entire 2021 season due to injury, but played in all 19 games (including playoffs) for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022.

After James Robinson was the starter at the beginning of the season, Etienne outperformed his rival during the course of the year and ended up with 1,296 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

Pederson praises Etienne: “Developed well “

The numbers are quite respectable, yet head coach Doug Pederson and running back coach Bernie Parmalee expect the 24-year-old to perform even better in the future.

“We saw it this offseason, he developed well there. Once we get the pads on and start our running sessions, we’ll see if he sees the gaps better,” Pederson is quoted as saying by “Jaguars.com. “

Last season was “kind of a rookie year” for Etienne because of the previous shutout, he said. “It’s like the passing game: there’s a lot to learn, a lot to know and understand, and he’s picked it up really well. I’m looking forward to this year and what he can achieve and even more to build on last year,” said the head coach, who expects it to be “a big difference” for his charge.

Jaguars: interplay between O-line and Etienne key

A big help in Etienne’s continued development should be the Jaguars’ offensive line. The advantage: Large parts of the group already know each other from last year, and they also added a talented player in first-round pick Anton Harrison.

“As a runner, you have to be in tune with the line. You have to understand the combined blocks of the linemen, who’s working with who to block who. And you have to anticipate where the play might come in,” explains Parmalee

NFL 2023 season: Jacksonville Jaguars kick off against Indianapolis Colts

In addition, the 55-year-old said he also worked on mental aspects with Etienne during the offseason. Obviously, it was all about staying calm and not making any rushed plays: “Anyone can get the ball in their hands and get going. Travis is so talented that he makes a lot of things look easy. But you leave so much out if you don’t stick to the plan. It’s more about patience, too.”

The public will not see if the ball carrier can improve again for at least a few months. The Jaguars kick off the regular season against the Indianapolis Colts on 10 September, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions opening the 2023 season a few days earlier.