Anyone see him today? Box score looks decent just want some eye tests
Bigsby got the start. Only 2 carries, but he had a real nice 19 yard reception that showcased his vision. (New Orleans did not play their ones on defense, for what it is worth.)
Etienne was the first RB off the bench. He looked explosive on a big 16-17 yard run up the gut on 2nd and 2, running hard and shedding tackles. He followed that up with a strong run on short yardage to put them into first and goal. I thought Etienne looked considerably better than last season, but it is one series against backups, so perhaps the only takeaway is that he was second in the RB rotation today, for whatever that is worth.
Tuten entered the game along with Mullens at QB in the waning minute of the first quarter on the Jags' 3rd drive. Tuten looked solid, running hard and getting everything blocked for him, and more. He has good forward lean and keeps his legs moving, something I really wanted to see from him. We know he has speed to rip off the long runs, but I was most interested in how he runs inside. The corner market isn't always open. Also, his hands look very natural and soft, but he was only targeted once.
LeQuint Allen handled the running duties on the next series. He is a plodder, but he displays good vision and patience. Allen also looked decent in pass pro. I don't know that Allen will make the squad, but he is worth mentioning.
Tuten quickly substituted back in for Allen, and you could definitely see the contrast in burst from Tuten, but what impressed me most again was his inside running. Three consecutive runs and a score. The O-line looked dominant, but Tuten did his part.
Allen came in on the next series. He has excellent hands, and he is a creative runner, but he looks dreadfully slow and deliberate. His pass pro and A+ receiving ability could earn him a roster spot, but he is not going to unseat any of the backs ahead of him for regular duty work. He could definitely find some receiving work, however.
Tuten opened the second half in the backfield. More of the same from him. His ypc from this game won't tell the whole story. He ran under control and almost strictly up the middle. Very efficient work from him. I was impressed with his inside vision and physicality. He really battled for every yard. His final statline is a ho-hum 10 carries for 35 yards and 1 TD, along with the one reception for 6 yards. As I say, that really doesn't tell the whole story and is no cause for concern. Perhaps the concern is that Tuten was 3rd in the rotation. There has been some rumbling about a potential Etienne trade. No idea if that happens, but if it does not, opportunities for Tuten may be limited in a crowded backfield.