The Jacksonville Jaguars have gotten production from Bhayshul Tuten in his expanded role. How will he fare against the Patriots' stout rushing defense on Sunday?
The Jacksonville Jaguars' run game was a big question mark entering the new season, with longtime starting running back Travis Etienne leaving in free agency and Bhayshul Tuten stepping up in his sophomore campaign.
Through the first two weeks, Tuten has been solid, averaging 65 yards per game on the ground and picking up nearly five yards per carry.
Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, who has been very high on Tuten since the offseason, said the second-year Virginia Tech product is earning his stripes.
"I think in the run game, the runs probably speak for themselves," Udinski said. "The yards after contact, being able to find the reads, I think his reads themselves have improved. You see it in some of the wide zone and some of those toss plays where he's getting out on the edge. It highlights his speed and his ability to find those creases or navigate those blocks at the second and third levels, whether it's on a corner or on a safety."
Tuten found the endzone for the first time in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, lining up in the wildcat formation and powering it in on the goalline.
These early flashes are very promising for Udinski, who is relying on Tuten to be the workhorse and eat the majority of the carries.
After being taken in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Tuten recorded 83 carries for 307 yards and five touchdowns, adding 14 receptions for 79 yards and two additional scores as a rookie.
Tuten's top performance of the regular season came in Jacksonville's dominant 35-6 showing against the Los Angeles Chargers, notching 74 yards and a score.
The Jaguars' rushing attack was on fire all day long, with Etienne adding two touchdowns and starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence scampering in to the endzone.
He also had a good game in Jacksonville's lone playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, using his four carries to generate 51 yards (12.8 YPC).
One area I expect to see Tuten continue to get more opportunities in is the pass game, using his run-after-catch ability to break off big gains.
Udinski said he has seen improvement from Tuten as a pass blocker as well, adding that he is "really comfortable with him out there picking up blitzes and recognizing the different pressures."
Having Tuten blocking well on the field for passing downs allows Jacksonville to take more shots down field and utilize deep threats like Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr.
Starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence endorsed his new back as well, saying the offense should "lean" on him a bit more.
The New England Patriots' defense has been strong, especially against the run, allowing just 94 yards on the ground through two weeks.
Getting Tuten opportunities in the screen game and short passing looks could be a recipe for success against the Patriots' stout secondary on Sunday.
