A new metric that evaluates running back play says that the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Tank Bigsby could be in for a big season.
This metric developed by Chris Trapasso, is named ATEX and takes into account two important factors when it comes to playing the running back position: missed tackles forced and explosive runs of 15-plus yards.
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The higher the ATEX score, the more efficient the running back, and the greater the likelihood that chunk runs will be generated.
Among all running backs last season, Bigsby ranked seventh in this metric and landed on Trapasso’s breakout candidate list for 2025.
Bigsby finished last season averaging 4.6 yards per rush, which was the 13th-best mark in the NFL. He also ranked third in average yards after contact, according to PFF, and was 13th in missed tackles forced, despite ranking 28th in carries.
This all resulted in big plays for Bigsby, who was 11th in PFF’s breakaway rate, which measures how often a back had a rush of 15 or more yards.
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Also contributing to Bigsby’s potential success this upcoming season is what should be improved offensive line play after Jaguars‘ GM James Gladstone reshaped that unit over the offseason.
Bigbsy will be competing with Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten for snaps this season. My guess is that all have some sort of role, but to what extent for each remains to be seen and could ebb and flow as the year progresses.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars’ RB Tank Bigsby a breakout candidate for 2025 NFL season