Jaguars Coach Denies Etienne Trade Rumors, Praises Star's OTAs Performance

Jacksonville, USA - As the Jacksonville Jaguars continue their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) for 2025, the air is thick with speculation and excitement. Head Coach Liam Coen took center stage after Day 7, fielding questions about talented running back Travis Etienne Jr. Amid swirling trade rumors, Coen firmly asserted that these claims are „absolutely inaccurate.“ He highlighted Etienne’s commendable offseason work, which reflects both his vision on the field and overall versatility.

Etienne is no stranger to the spotlight. Entering the final year of a contract worth approximately $6.14 million, he’s been a mainstay in the Jaguars‘ backfield since returning from injury in 2022. Throughout his career, he boasts impressive statistics with 2,691 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 132 receptions contributing to 1,046 receiving yards. Last season, despite battling injuries, he managed to gain 558 rushing yards and score two touchdowns. Coen plans to further evaluate Etienne’s capability in gaining tough yards when contact practices commence in July, paving the way for an intense training period ahead.

Coaching Praise and Concerns

It wasn’t just Etienne who caught the coach’s eye. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is said to have shown considerable improvement during OTAs, with coaches expressing satisfaction with his progress compared to earlier months. However, not all news is rosy. There are rising concerns about the team’s defense, especially regarding the players‘ confidence in defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. There’s something to be said about tackling these internal doubts, as effectiveness can wane dramatically when the trust isn’t reciprocated between leadership and players.

Amidst this, a lighthearted anecdote about Trevor Lawrence playing with mittens during practice surfaced, showing the upbeat atmosphere within the camp, even as serious matters loom. This blend of humor and heavy scrutiny nearly encapsulates the Jaguars‘ current state—there’s optimism mixed with a clear understanding of the work required.

Offensive Developments

The offense isn’t sitting idle; it’s reshaping itself with new additions and roles. The departure of tight end Evan Engram has opened doors for Brenton Strange, who has stepped up impressively. During OTA No. 7, he showed confidence, catching every pass thrown his way, a reassuring sign for the offense. The Jaguars have also been proactive, adding free agents Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey to bolster their offensive line, along with drafting new talents to fill the gaps.

As the Jaguars near the end of their OTAs—with a mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 10-12—the competition remains fierce. Coen remarked on the competitive balance evident in practices, where both offense and defense are stepping up. This dynamic, according to the coach, led to practices being “cleaner,” reflecting fewer dropped passes and improved fundamentals.

Trends in the NFL Landscape

Looking beyond Jacksonville, the NFL as a whole is evolving too. The 2024 season introduced the Dynamic Kickoff to address the historically low kickoff return rates, which hit a record low of 21.8% in 2023. In a refreshing turn, the 2024 season boasted a return rate that climbed to 32.8%, with innovations in kickoff strategies keeping teams on their toes. The Jaguars adopted specific strategies in their kickoff game, aiming for the left side of the field, contrasting with other teams’ approaches.

This year also saw a significant dip in average passing yards per game, reflecting a shift in how teams approach offense. The use of multiple safeties in defenses is becoming more standard, with two-high safety looks seeing a jump from 44% in 2019 to 63% in 2024. Overall, the league continues to adapt, crafting a new style of play that Jaguars fans will surely watch with keen interest as their own team aims for success.

As June approaches, the Jaguars and their fans hold their breath for what’s next—a season ripe with potential awaits, full of new faces, competitive spirit, and strategic innovations. Will the coaching concerns be quelled? Will Etienne continue to thrive? Only time will tell as the countdown to the season begins.

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