In a historic first, an NFL team recently played two games on consecutive Sundays in London. Following the team’s upset win over the Bills, one of the key players credited their strong acclimation as a major factor in their victory.
Travis Etienne Jr., the running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars, expressed his belief that their extended time in London provided them with a significant advantage. He explained, “Having the whole week out here allowed us to adjust our bodies and avoid the jet lag that could’ve affected us during the game. It definitely played a huge part in our success.”
And indeed, Etienne played a pivotal role in the team’s triumph, recording 184 yards from scrimmage, the highest in his career, and scoring two touchdowns.
Interestingly, Etienne had a premonition that things would go well for the Jaguars before the game even began. He shared, “This morning, I had a feeling it was going to be a good day for us. Just being in the locker room, surrounded by my teammates, listening to music, I could sense that it would be a great day for me personally.”
When asked if there was anything specific that made him believe this, Etienne replied, “It was just a gut feeling. I could sense the positive energy in the locker room. Everyone seemed relaxed and eager to play. We all wanted to go out there and win the game.”
And win they did, achieving a remarkable two-game sweep in London and defeating one of the league’s top teams, the Bills.
What message does this victory send to the rest of the league?
“We’re here to stay,” declared Etienne. However, he emphasized the need for the team to remain competitive and consistently demonstrate their capabilities on the field. “We have to continue showing who we are and performing at our best every Sunday.”
If the Jaguars can maintain this level of performance, their season may extend beyond Week 18, with the team potentially securing a playoff spot and excelling in their future games.
ohn Smith is your NFL insider, providing in-depth coverage of football’s biggest league. With a passion for the game and a keen eye for statistics, John delivers game analysis, player profiles, and breaking news to keep readers updated on all things NFL.
