Jaguars RB coach Jerry Mack saw progression, a refocus out of Tank Bigsby this offseason

Jacksonville Jaguars running backs coach Jerry Mack understands the struggles second-year running back Tank Bigsby saw in his rookie season. Though at the University of Tennessee while Bigsby was at Auburn, Mack was familiar with the former standout SEC football player.

After seeing success at the collegiate level, Bigsby was thrown a curveball by the differences in the NFL from college. And after running into a wall professionally, Bigsby struggled to put the train back on the tracks.

But this offseason has been one of refocusing for Bigsby as he continues to get adjusted to life in the NFL.

“Just a refocus. I think he understood last year, being new to the National Football League, everything was extremely fast for him,” Mack said when asked about Bigsby’s growth this offseason. “I think now things are starting to slow down for him. He understands his role in this offense. He's understanding the ins and outs of the offense a lot better as well.”

Through 17 games, Bigsby only recorded 132 yards and two touchdowns on 50 carries. He struggled to find footing and catch on as Travis Etienne became the bell cow for the Jaguars.

It was a stark difference from his college days where he rushed for 2,906 yards on 541 carries for 25 career touchdowns. But according to Mack, Bigsby has pushed those struggles behind him and is looking much improved this offseason.

“I think when you first start, it's about confidence. And I think he lacked some of the confidence because of the struggles that he had last year,” Mack said. “He came in this offseason with a revitalized type of attitude and his mindset is totally different. He wants to be great. He wants to be successful.”

The team wants to see Bigsby’s success, too. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor talked about how vital getting an effective rushing attack is for the overall success of the offense.

He put emphasis on getting Bigsby going more, noting that the team probably could’ve done a better job using him during the 2023 season. The rookie struggles could’ve been a blessing in disguise for the second-year back, though.

As his play time dwindled, his ability to watch and learn grew. He was able to see the game from an up-close vantage point and Mack thinks it helped him as Bigsby prepares for a bigger slice of the pie.

“He [had] an opportunity to kind of sit back last year, see exactly what this league is all about,” Mack said. “And he's been great so far this offseason, just the way he's attacked every single day.”

Juston Lewis is a Jacksonville Jaguars beat reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on the website formerly known as Twitter at @JustonLewis_.