To describe Jacksonville’s s first half in Week 3 as “rough” might be the understatement of 2023.
In no particular order, the Jags found themselves down 17-0 suffering a missed field goal, a blocked field goal, and a second fumble in as many weeks from Jamal Agnew. And that’s not even mentioning the remaining two series ending in punts that respectively featured a dropped touchdown from Calvin Ridley and Travis Etienne tripping to fall short on a 3rd down run that would have been a sure 1st down.
While Etienne is mentioned as the least of the first half's ills, he was also essential to what success the team found in the second half. Heading into this contest, Etienne averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 30 attempts for 117 yards.
While hosting Houston on Sunday, the former Clemson Tiger carried it 19 times for 88 yards while also hauling in four passes for 50 yards.
His presence in the ground game helped pull the Texans' defense forward to open up the air attack. This set up the Jags to get a 1st and goal on the one-yard line from a defensive pass inference committed on Ridley in the endzone. Rookie Tank Bigsby pounded in the points on the next play.
The same could be said for Christian Kirk breaking loose for his 26-yard score. Houston having to respect the run set up Lawrence’s second pass for six on the afternoon. Kirk’s score was the first passing touchdown in nine quarters from Lawrence.
For all the woes surrounding mistakes on defense, special teams, and offensive protection, the bright spot on the day is Etienne. He’s showing that he is no longer a young player they are looking to develop. He has emerged as a reliable contributor.
The Duval Devout hope that he can keep the effort up as the rest of the team looks to collect themselves to head to London and battle the Atlanta Falcons.
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