Fantasy football managers need to pay close attention to the words of Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson.
On Thursday, Pederson shared that due to the progression shown by Travis Etienne in training camp, a massive leap could he in the cards in 2023.
After gaining a solid 1,125 yards in 2022, Jacksonville’s leader envisions his star running back potentially approaching 1,600 or 1,700 yards on the ground in his sophomore season.
“There is that skill and ability to anticipate a hole… we always talk about speed through the hole and not to a hole type of thing and he has really embraced that this training camp,” said Pederson.
“That to me is the next step for him and once 1,100, 1,200, 1,300 yards starts creeping up, maybe [eventually] he is pushing 1,600 to 1,700 yards as a rusher."
From Yesterday: Jaguars HC Doug Pederson said he thinks RB Travis Etienne may be able to rush for 1,600-700 yards.
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) August 3, 2023
“… And maybe he’s pushing 1,600-700 yards as a rusher.” pic.twitter.com/8edIFq0fBJ
The Super Bowl winning coach, in his second year leading the emerging AFC South club, has been impressed with the former Clemson standout who missed the 2021 season with a Lisfranc injury.
"He's done an outstanding job."
Only three running backs topped the 1,500 mark last season, with Josh Jacobs leading the way with 1,653 yards, so Etienne will have his work cut out to reach the 1,700 yard plateau.
Nonetheless, hearing this type of expected production should be music to the ears of fantasy football managers who invest in the talented back.
