Fantasy Index

Factoid

Juiced up Jaguars

Liam Coen has Jacksonville running game humming

I will be curious to see how well the Jaguars can run the ball tonight. So far, it’s looking like Liam Coen has put together one of the most improved ground games in the league – again.

Coen’s work in Tampa Bay last year (as an offensive coordinator) was remarkable. The Bucs had finished last in rushing each of the two previous seasons. His play-calling and design insights helped lift them up to No. 4, with over 1,000 more rushing yards on the season.

A month into this season, it’s looking like he’s having a similar impact on Jacksonville. The Jaguars averaged only 102 rushing yards last year. They’re up at 144 so far, with Travis Etienne leading the way.

In the 32-team era, only 16 teams have improved by at least 40 yards per game in rushing. Coen has done it twice, and in his only two seasons as the head honcho in charge.

MOST IMPROVED RUN TEAMS (last 10 years)
YearTeamYds/GPrevDiff
2022Atlanta159.985.474.5
2024Tampa Bay149.288.860.4
2024Washington154.193.660.4
2022Chicago177.3118.758.6
2018Seattle160.0101.858.2
2019Baltimore206.0152.653.4
2025• NY Jets144.491.852.6
2024Philadelphia179.3128.850.5
2022NY Giants148.299.348.9
2017Minnesota122.375.347.0
2016Tennessee136.792.843.9
2017LA Rams122.178.343.8
2025Jacksonville144.0101.742.3
2019Arizona124.483.940.5
2020New England146.6106.440.2
2019Minnesota133.393.340.0
2017Jacksonville141.4101.939.4
2023Miami135.899.236.6
2018Baltimore152.6116.036.6
2024Green Bay146.8112.134.8
2025• Dallas134.4100.334.1
2020Miami105.572.333.3
2021Philadelphia159.7126.733.0
2020New Orleans141.6108.632.9
2025• Las Vegas112.679.832.8
2020LA Rams126.193.732.4
2016Dallas149.8118.131.6
2024Baltimore187.6156.531.1

—Ian Allan

11 Reader Comments:

Ian Allan (Fantasy Index)

Redmond, WA
2025-10-06T20:36:48Z
(Three other 2025 teams -- tagged with dots -- are improved by at least 30 yards per game.)

Jake Frack

Tuckahoe, NY
2025-10-06T22:30:24Z
I see a lot of teams at the top of this list that improved dramatically after acquiring or drafting a running QB. Mariota, Jayden Daniels, Lamar and Justin Fields (twice) were (are) all in their first full season as starters on 6 out of the top 7 teams on the list.

Cody Hager

Portland, OR
2025-10-06T22:33:04Z
A fun statistic about the Jags and Liam Coen's system. The 2025 Jaguars have already broken the record for offensive illegal shifts in a season (called against them but not always penalized due to other teams declining the penalty). And it's only been 4 weeks so far.

Ian Allan (Fantasy Index)

Redmond, WA
2025-10-06T22:45:20Z
That's a fascinating stat. Had not heard that one. Thanks for sharing. Will keep an eye open for illegal shifts tonight.

Philip Haines

De Pere, WI
2025-10-06T22:51:50Z
Cody, that is interesting. Did you happen to track the Bucs in that area last year? You’ve made me curious…..

Cody Hager

Portland, OR
2025-10-06T23:34:03Z
I don't know about the Bucs teams but Todd Bowles seems like a no nonsense type coach that wouldn't put up with a lot of pre snap penalties. Coen's system has a lot of pre snap motion and shifts in attempts to confuse the defense and scheme guys open. Sadly, it's also confusing his own team. Along with the illegal shifts, the Jags WRs lead the league in drops this year. Passing game has been a rough bet for fantasy managers this year.

Ben Hogevoll

Siletz, OR
2025-10-07T01:51:24Z
The big problem is the Jags QB! HORRIBLE!!!

Robert Cummings

Los Angeles, CA
2025-10-07T03:21:42Z
Agree with Ben. And I just saw him stumble himself into a win...

Brack Varnon

Pearland, TX
2025-10-07T09:46:38Z
Lawrence made mistakes, but sure can fling it

Ben Hogevoll

Siletz, OR
2025-10-07T14:42:56Z
He can also pick his nose.

Dwight Dummer

Warren, OR
2025-10-07T16:09:01Z
Great throw on the game winning drive to Brian Thomas, nice that he held onto the ball better this game. Didn't seem like Lawrence had as much time to throw the ball and overall played well last night considering the time he had. I'll probably continue to hold him as my 3rd QB in a superflex league with just one hand over an eye instead of both eyes completely covered up. Progress.
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