JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For those concerned about the Jaguars’ offense, I think Week 2 against the Broncos was far closer to the team’s floor than their ceiling. Both the Broncos’ pass rush and secondary rank among the best in the NFL.
Even so, Trevor Lawrence still made several impressive throws and Parker Washington nearly eclipsed 100 yards receiving on the day. However, I think it’s the Jaguars’ run game that could take this offense to the next level, specifically Bhayshul Tuten.
Through two games, Tuten has 28 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown. His 4.7 yards per carry is really rather solid. But it isn’t his standard numbers that warrant more carries. It’s his ability to create yards for himself.
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Tuten’s 4.47 yards after contact per attempt (2nd), 11 missed tackles (T-3rd), five explosive runs (T-5th), and 12 rushes of 15+ mph (1st) all rank inside the Top-5 at his position. In fact, the next closest running back to Tuten’s 12 runs of 15+ mph is Jahmyr Gibbs with just nine.
Tuten is tied for the fastest active running back (w/ Devon Achane) in the NFL with his 4.32 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. But if anyone still had their doubts about his speed, the NFL-leading runs of 15+ mph should put them to rest.
When you combine Tuten’s ability to avoid tackles, create yards after contact, and speed, it’s only a matter of time before he starts to break off big gains for the Jaguars.
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Tuten’s running mate, Chris Rodriguez Jr., hasn’t seen the same success this season, averaging just 3.0 yards per attempt. Rodriguez’s 2.50 yards after contact per attempt, two missed tackles, zero explosive runs, and zero rushes of 15+ mph all fall short of Tuten’s numbers.
It should be noted how different the two players’ jobs are. Rodriguez is primarily the team’s short-yardage back; however, oddly enough, he’s seen fewer stacked boxes than Tuten has. I think Rodriguez still has a role as the team’s short-yardage back, but I think it’s only a matter of time before Tuten breaks off some big runs if given the workload.
Few have been better at creating yards for themselves this season. A strong rushing attack could be the very thing this offense lacked through the back half of last season. Tuten’s explosiveness and speed only add one additional threat to an offense that already threatens teams downfield.
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