The Jacksonville Jaguars lost another close game, this time in London 21-17 to the Denver Broncos, but former Clemson football superstar Travis Etienne had a big day in his new role as the featured back for the 2-6 team.
Etienne ran for 156 yards and the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter on 24 carries (6.5) and had a 49-yard run.
Trevor Lawrence was 18 for 31 for 133 yards, with a touchdown, but had two costly interceptions that cost the Jaguars in the end.
Lawrence’s first interception came in the end zone in the first half, but his second came after Denver retook the lead late in the fourth quarter, allowing the Broncos to effectively run the clock out.
All six of the Jaguars losses have come by one score and with a play here or there it could have been a much different season for the rebuilding team.
Still, there has to be excitement around the team, Etienne shows the dynamic running ability he showcased at Clemson.
On the season Etienne now has 571 yards on 92 carries an average of 6.2 per carry. He also had 3 catches for 6 yards and has 17 receptions for 157 yards on the season.
Sunday was the second consecutive week that Etienne had a run of 49 yards, and has other 30 and 48 yards on the season.
Last week the team traded James Robinson, who had been sharing time with Etienne, to the New York Jets for a conditional sixth-round pick that could turn into a fifth-rounder.
The Jags have lost games by 6, 8, 7, 7, 6 and 4 points on the season, falling to 0-6 on the season in one score games.
Clemson football alum Travis Etienne had a big day, but Trevor Lawrence interceptions doom Jags
As much as Etienne’s stock has soared, there has to be questions around Lawrence’s inability to get the team over the hump with another up and down performance.
Lawrence looked good early with a beautiful 22 yard touchdown pass to Evan Engram, but threw an ill advised interception on a first and goal pass that should not have been thrown.
Then on the first play from scrimmage after the Broncos scored, Lawrence threw an interception on a pass intended for Christian Kirk that effectively ended the game.