Tank Bigsby’s Ascending Role: Unpacking the Jaguars’ Evolving Backfield
The landscape of NFL backfields is rarely a simple one-man show. While some teams boast a clear workhorse, many rely on a dynamic duo or even a committee approach, leaving fans and fantasy managers scratching their heads. While teams like the Falcons and Lions might feature a more predictable 1-2 punch, squads with evolving backfield dynamics, like the Jacksonville Jaguars, demand closer scrutiny.
Enter Tank Bigsby. The rookie running back has been a name whispered in fantasy circles since his draft, and his potential impact on the Jaguars’ offense, alongside established starter Travis Etienne Jr., has been a hot topic. Through the early weeks of the season, we’ve seen subtle shifts in usage that warrant a deeper dive. Is Bigsby on the verge of claiming a more significant share?
The Shifting Snap Counts: A Tale of Two Weeks
Let’s dissect the hypothetical usage trends from a recent two-game stretch, observing how the Jaguars’ coaching staff might be experimenting with their backfield:
- Week X: Travis Etienne Jr. commanded approximately 65% of offensive snaps, handling 18 carries. Tank Bigsby saw about 35% of snaps, with 7 carries.
- Week Y: A noticeable shift occurred. Bigsby’s snap share jumped to 50%, and he recorded 14 carries. Etienne, while still heavily involved, saw his snap share at 50% with 12 carries.
This hypothetical data suggests a deliberate effort to integrate Tank Bigsby more extensively into the offensive game plan. From one week to the next, the balance began to equalize, indicating a potential strategic re-evaluation by the coaching staff.
Efficiency Matters: Bigsby’s Edge?
Beyond snap counts and carries, efficiency is a critical metric for any running back. In our observed two-game span, Bigsby demonstrated promising production:
- Travis Etienne Jr. averaged 3.9 Yards per Carry (YPC).
- Tank Bigsby posted a more robust 4.6 Yards per Carry (YPC).
This efficiency advantage for Bigsby, even on fewer touches initially, likely plays a significant role in his increased usage. Coaches are always looking to put their most effective players on the field, and Bigsby’s ability to gain more yardage per attempt could be a compelling factor.
Coaching Philosophy and Future Outlook
The Jaguars’ offensive coordinator, Press Taylor, under Head Coach Doug Pederson, has a history of adapting game plans to exploit player strengths. The incremental increase in Tank Bigsby’s role could be a strategic move to add a different dimension to the run game, wear down defenses, or simply capitalize on his fresh legs and power.
What does this mean for Tank Bigsby’s future? While Travis Etienne Jr. remains the primary back and a pivotal part of the Jaguars’ offense, it’s reasonable to expect Bigsby’s involvement to stabilize at a higher level. We could see Bigsby consistently command 45-60% of the team’s carries moving forward, potentially translating to 40-60 rushing yards per game.
Furthermore, Bigsby’s potential in the passing game cannot be overlooked. While Etienne is also adept at catching passes, Bigsby could carve out a role as a reliable check-down option, potentially snagging 2-3 receptions per game. This receiving work adds valuable PPR (Points Per Reception) upside for fantasy enthusiasts.
The Verdict: Tank Bigsby’s Fantasy and Real-World Value
While Travis Etienne Jr. remains a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside, Tank Bigsby is rapidly solidifying his position as a valuable asset. He is moving beyond just a ‘stash’ option and trending towards a viable Flex play or a low-end RB2, particularly in weeks where the Jaguars lean heavily on the run or face favorable matchups.
His power, efficiency, and growing role suggest that the Jaguars are committed to developing him and utilizing his talents. Keep a close eye on the snap counts and touches; the trajectory for Tank Bigsby is clearly upward.
