Jaguars’ Once-Questioned RB, LB Units Proving Doubters Wrong
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back and linebacker units rivaled for the title of the most uncertain group heading into the 2026 season.
Letting former stars running back Travis Etienne Jr. and linebacker Devin Lloyd walk in free agency were two of the most highly criticized moves of Jacksonville’s offseason. But both groups have proven stronger than initially presumed.
Prior to Week 1, Pro Football Focus ranked the Jaguars’ running back room worst in the NFL. But in Week 3 against the New England Patriots, Jacksonville had its most effective day on the ground yet.
For the first two weeks, Bhayshul Tuten did the bulk of the work. He posted 28 carries for 131 yards across both contests, while his counterpart in the committee-style backfield, Chris Rodriguez Jr., struggled to find his footing and find his place in the offense.
But against the Patriots, the two worked in tandem to deliver an impressive performance in the run game. They combined for 23 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns — with Tuten leading the way and posting 15 carries for 73 yards and one of the touchdowns.
Tuten has taken the majority of the snaps to start, while Rodriguez has been a staple for the crew on third down.
“The way he runs, it’s awesome, and especially in [third down] situations,” coach Liam Coen said of Rodriguez Wednesday. “I thought we did a better job when he was in this past week of creating a little bit more room and momentum so that he can get going and get to the second level, which is when he does get his shoulder square and gets downhill.”
Expected third-string running back LeQuint Allen Jr. has yet to get much time on the field, but Ameer Abdullah has given the unit a bit more juice. Abdullah has added 10 carries for 45 yards across the first three contests, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, second only to Tuten (4.7 yards per carry).
Overall, Jacksonville recorded a season-high 137 rushing yards Sunday, contributing to the balanced offensive attack on display at EverBank.
“When you can run the football, the pressure it takes off of the quarterback and obviously the skill players in ways to where it’s not every down is so critical, not every throw is so magnified,” Coen said Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the linebacker unit is also characterized by a big two and a solid supporting cast.
Foyesade Oluokun was the sole proven returning linebacker heading into this season, and he has certainly upheld the high expectations. Throughout the first three games, he’s recorded 17 tackles (10 solo), an interception and a pass defended. Against New England, he also added two quarterback hits.
Ventrell Miller has been a positive surprise, though, stepping seamlessly into the large role Jacksonville desperately needed. The former Gator has led the team in tackles in each of the Jaguars’ first three games, logging a season-high nine in Week 1.
“Ventrell did exactly what I felt he would do,” defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile said after Week 1. “He’d be really physical, was on the screws in terms of knowing what to do, and was very disciplined on some things. They gave him some tough reads in the game, and I thought he really did a great job with it.”
He’s totaled 24 tackles (14 solo), a sack, a pass defended and a forced fumble.
Branson Combs and Dennis Gardeck have also strengthened the front seven, combining for 19 tackles so far.
“It’s just the mentality,” Miller said. “We just want to be the most physical, smartest unit in the league right now, so continue to build on things at practice. A lot of things we can correct from just watching the film, but it was a good start. We’re just trying to continue to get better.”
Category: Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL
