Travis Etienne
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Travis Etienne powered the Jaguars’ win with 143 rushing yards, a 71-yard run, and relentless energy that proved why he was the player of the game.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 26-10 win over the Carolina Panthers had several strong performances, but no player stood taller than running back Travis Etienne. With 143 rushing yards on just 16 carries—an eye-popping 8.9 yards per attempt—Etienne was the difference-maker. His balance of explosiveness, vision, and consistency not only powered Jacksonville’s offense but also set the tone for how the Jaguars want to play this season.
The Defining Run That Changed the Game
Etienne’s day was highlighted by a 71-yard burst that flipped the momentum after a rain delay. It wasn’t just speed that made the run special—it was his patience, field vision, and ability to capitalize on his teammates’ effort.
“First of all that was my first offensive play after the rain delay, so I felt like I really should have stretched a little more before I got out there,” Etienne joked. “I remember (Brenton) Strange coming across getting a great block for me, I just kinda set that up then I saw the safety kind of made a move off of him, and then I was just running. I had the ball in my right arm—I wish I would have had it in my left—but then I saw Dyami come over with a great block. I slowed down a little too much because I hadn’t had a long run in forever. I kinda lost track of the linebacker. I’ve gotta get 20 more yards on that, man. I’ve gotta get in there on money and keep working on my speed because we can’t have that no more—we gotta finish those.”
That run set up a touchdown and deflated Carolina’s defense. For Etienne, the play wasn’t just about yards—it was about executing what he had trained for all offseason.
“My preparation from this offseason just kinda propelled me forward,” he explained. “Just knowing that I put the work in, when I was out there I was able to play free, and it showed when the lights were on.”
Preparation, Motivation, and a Complete Performance
Beyond the long run, Etienne’s complete performance stood out. He added three receptions for 13 yards, serving as a reliable outlet in the passing game. More importantly, he showcased patience in reading blocks, toughness in finishing runs, and ball security throughout the game.
Head Coach Liam Coen praised his running back’s presence.
“You could feel him all day, you could feel him having a little more burst than the other guys on the grass,” Coen said. “He looked fresh, he took care of the football. Proud of him.”
Etienne admitted there was extra motivation with his younger brother on the other sideline.
“We don’t work hard to not come out here and put our best foot forward,” he said. “And with my little brother on the other sideline I had a little extra motivation. Kinda wanted to show him how to run the ball—show him how it’s done.”
From preparation to execution, Etienne’s performance embodied the identity the Jaguars hope to carry all season: disciplined, explosive, and resilient. If this game was any indication, Jacksonville has a true difference-maker in the backfield. One ready to turn opportunities into game-changing plays.