The Jacksonville Jaguars took things to the wire when they faced the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. However, they made several mistakes throughout the game that came back to haunt them. And even with a chance to come out on top late in the fourth quarter, the Jags couldn't seal the deal and ultimately lost 31-27.
The loss is frustrating because Jacksonville came close to starting 2-0 for the first time since 2018. The silver lining is that not everything was doom and gloom. As underwhelming as players such as Brian Thomas Jr. looked, there were a few others who showed up and gave the Jags a chance to win.
With that in mind, here are five Jaguars players whose stock has gone up after two games in the 2025 season.
Eric Murray, Jaguars safety
The Jaguars left Andre Cisco walk in free agency and signed Eric Murray to replace him. This was a bit surprising because the latter was a dependable starter in all his previous stops but only had three career interceptions since landing in Jacksonville. That's quickly changed.
Murray registered an interception in just his second game with the Jags. Of course, the veteran safety is far from a one-trick pony.
Aside from making big plays, Murray has been a force against the run, posting a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 75.9 in that area. All things considered, he's been everything Jacksonville bargained for and then some.
Dyami Brown, Jaguars receiver
Although Dyami Brown got off to a slow start to his NFL career, he put it all together during the Washington Commanders' playoff run last year. When the Jaguars gave him a one-year deal in free agency, they did it because they believed his strong finish to 2024 would carry over. So far, the former North Carolina Tar Heel has proven them right.
Brown was his team's leading wide receiver in the season opener, hauling in three receptions for 52 yards. He followed that up with five catches for 57 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals. Sure, he had that one drop in the end zone, but other than that, he's turned out to be a bargain, especially in light of Brian Thomas Jr.'s struggles.
Travis Etienne, Jaguars running back
Travis Etienne firmly established himself as the No. 1 running back against the Panthers, racking up 143 yards on 16 carries. He showed in Week 2 that he was just getting started when he toted the rock 14 times for 71 yards. The former Clemson Tiger wasn't nearly as productive but still averaged 5.1 carries. Moreover, he did it against a stout Cincinnati defense.
Had the Jaguars passing game done a better job of keeping the Bengals defense honest, there's a chance that the fifth-year running back would have been more productive. One thing is certain, though, the Etienne that was a mainstay of the Jacksonville offense in 2022 and 2023 is back.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars running back
By trading Tank Bigsby to the Eagles, not only did the Jaguars pave the way for Travis Etienne to prove he was the unquestionable No. 1 in their backfield. They also showed that they're confident in Bhayshul Tuten's playmaking skills.
Back at the scouting combine, Tuten ran the fastest 40-yard dash time among running backs. He also posted position bests in the vertical jump and the 10-yard split. His burst and ability to change directions were on full display, albeit in a limited dose, in the opener. Once he got a bigger workload against the Bengals, he made the most out of it, logging 42 yards on eight carries.
Devin Lloyd, Jaguars runing back
The Jaguars declined the fifth-year option on Devin Lloyd's rookie deal early in 2025, and rightly so. Although he was a stud against the run in past years, he struggled in coverage and didn't make nearly enough plays to warrant a new deal.
The decision not to pick up the option must've been a wake-up call for Lloyd, as he's played much better in the first two games of the season. Heck, he's already registered an interception, his first one since 2023. If he continues to be consistent, it will be hard for the Jaguars to justify not paying him. And if they don't, someone else will.