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4 Jaguars players who didn't live up to expectations in 2023

• These four players played a role in the Jaguars' failure to make the playoffs last year.

By Carlos Sanchez

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (4) pushes through Carolina Panthers defenders on his
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (4) pushes through Carolina Panthers defenders on his / Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY
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2. Tank Bigsby, running back

While the Jaguars had to wait for Travis Etienne to contribute, they were surely pleased with what they saw once he got onto the football field. Just one year after suffering a Lisfranc injury, the former Clemson Tiger totaled over 1,414 yards from scrimmage in 2022. But as good as he was in what was basically his rookie campaign, Jacksonville needed to get a No. 2 that could take some of the load off his shoulders.

Whereas Etienne was able to come back from injury in 2022, James Robinson wasn't and he was traded to the New York Jets midseason. Having to fill the void left by Robinson's departure, the team's brass signed D'Ernest Johnson in free agency and later drafted Tank Bigsby in Round 3. Guess who had a better season in 2023.

Of course, if watched the Jags last year, you know Johnson worked his way up the depth chart and eventually solidified his place as the team's RB2 behind Etienne. Conversely, Bigsby was expected to have a big role on offense but instead fumbled most of the chances he was given.

A downhill runner at Auburn, Bigsby averaged less than 3.0 yards per carry. In his defense, the offensive line couldn't create running lanes, so some of his lack of production is justified. What's not excusable was his penchant for turning the ball over last year.

In the opener, Bigsby let a pass go through his hands that cornerback Tony Brown gladly picked. Later in the same game, he couldn't secure a live ball that defensive tackle DeForest Buckner snagged and promptly took to the house.

Things didn't get much better, as he also had a fumble against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and later tipped a pass that the San Francisco 49ers intercepted. While Trevor Lawrence shouldn't have thrown that pass, Bigsby also deserves a bit of blame for not being able to reel it in.

The point is that Bigsby was underwhelming in 2022 but the Jaguars haven't given up on him. He'll have a chance to gain their trust back and show he can form a one-two punch alongside Etienne.

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