The Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t bring in Liam Coen and Grant Udinski to call plays. They brought them in to rethink how the offense flows. More importantly, how its most versatile weapons can be unleashed. At the center of that vision is former Clemson product running back Travis Etienne. A player long praised for his speed, agility, and pass-catching ability, but not always used to his fullest potential.
This year feels different. Under Coen and Udinski, Travis Etienne isn’t just a running back. He’s a movable chess piece.
A System Built for Multiplicity
The new Jacksonville Jaguars offense leans into tempo, spacing, and adaptability—qualities that perfectly complement Etienne’s skill set. Instead of being tethered to a single role, Etienne is lining up in multiple spots, forcing defenses to account for him on every snap.
As Liam Coen explained:
“That’s an evolution like so much of what we were able to do last year in Tampa with those backs kinda evolved. Week one, Travis has kinda given us the opportunity to do that. He’s lined up in multiple different spots and has handled the workload we’ve given him. That is different than lining up behind the quarterback or beside him, so I’ve appreciated how much he has been able to do.”
That versatility is more than a wrinkle—it’s a foundation. By lining Etienne up in the slot, motioning him outside, or using him as a decoy, the Jaguars can stress opposing defenses in ways they couldn’t before.
Beyond Just Running the Ball
For years, Etienne’s explosiveness as a receiver felt like an untapped resource. At Clemson, he thrived in space, routinely turning short passes into highlight runs. In Jacksonville, that part of his game will finally resurface.
With designed routes built for him—swing passes, screens, and wheel concepts—Etienne becomes more than just a safety valve for Trevor Lawrence. He becomes a mismatch nightmare. Linebackers struggle to track him in coverage, while safeties risk giving up chunk plays if they hesitate.
What makes this shift so important is that it maximizes the quality of his touches. By embracing Etienne’s receiving ability, Coen and Udinski not only diversify the offense but also add an element of unpredictability that can wear defenses down.
The Bigger Picture
Travis Etienne’s role symbolizes the broader philosophy Liam Coen and Grant Udinski are instilling in Jacksonville. It’s not about plugging players into rigid roles; it’s about tailoring the scheme to the unique gifts of its playmakers.
If executed well, this could be the season Etienne transitions from being seen as a productive running back to being recognized as one of the NFL’s most complete offensive weapons.
The question isn’t whether Travis Etienne has the tools—he’s always had them. The real intrigue is how far this coaching staff can take him now that they’ve built an offense designed to unlock every layer of his game.
And based on the early signs, the answer may redefine the ceiling not just for Etienne—but for the Jaguars’ entire offense.
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