Big Cat Country
Welcome to Big Cat Country’s staff roundtable!
Today, we’re previewing Week 2’s matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
What is your biggest takeaway from the Tank Bigsby trade?
Dillon Appleman: This coaching staff values versatility at the running back position above all else. If you can’t consistently run, catch, and pass protect, then you’re expendable. Rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. have clearly proven to Coen and company that they’re willing to do it all behind Travis Etienne.
Travis Holmes: The future starts today? With the trade of Bigsby to the Eagles, the Jaguars continue to make moves based on their scheme, their vision for the offense, and their evolving culture. While many this offseason thought there may be a possibility of Travis Etienne being the running back to be traded, primarily due to contract reasons, Bigsby always made some sense due to his struggles with pass protection and catching the ball in this Liam Coen offense that mandates versatility. With Bhayshul Tuten ramping up, LeQuint Allen in the wings, and a team willing to surrender two Day 3 draft picks, James Gladstone continues to retool with an eye on the 2026 draft. I also have a sneaking suspicion that this season won’t end without one of those fifth or sixth-round picks being traded for a promising veteran player by the November 4th trade deadline. Time will tell.
Gus Logue: Bhayshul Tuten is the Jaguars’ running back of the future. For now, Travis Etienne is the best and most experienced player in the backfield, so he will get the lion’s share of running back touches so long as he stays upright. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Jacksonville runs the fifth-year back into the ground before letting him walk in free agency. That would clear the runway for Tuten to take off in 2026.
Henry Zimmer: I think the Jags got a good return on the Tank Bigsby trade. Two picks, with the potential for one of them being a fourth, is a great deal for a backup running back. One of these running backs wasn’t going to make it through the year on the Jags, so better to get rid of him now and give him a chance elsewhere while also making up some losses.
What’s a matchup that you’re looking forward to watching this week?
Dillon: The thought of Travis Hunter getting some corner reps against Ja’Marr Chase is too fun a scenario not to highlight here. I’m not sure how many times we’ll actually see it, but seeing it at all should be one of those lean forward in your seats moments for fans.
Travis: This seems like one of those matchups where Arik Armstead (and hopefully Maason Smith) can dominate inside. With Jacksonville initially struggling against Carolina’s run game, it will be imperative for them not to allow Cincinnati to produce a balanced attack. Fortunately for the Jaguars, Bengals starting right guard Lucas Patrick was placed on IR on...
