Why Evan Engram's Continued Confidence Can Help Him Have Another Career Year
The Jaguars’ offense has already faced its fair share of ups and downs through just five weeks of the season. The team struggled against the Texans but luckily seems to have turned a corner in London, winning both of its overseas games. Part of that success might be due to the confidence level of one of their players, tight end Evan Engram.
Last offseason the Jaguars’ front office was in desperate need of offensive weapons to help the young Trevor Lawrence develop into their franchise passer. General Manager Trent Baalke spent big at receiver, bringing in Christian Kirk on a four-year, $72-million contract.
While the Kirk deal was no doubt a huge boost to the Jaguars’ offense, another deal has proven just as crucial, the free agent signing of Engram. In his first year with the team, Engram immediately looked back in form after a few disappointing seasons at the end of his time in New York. Engram hauled in 73 balls for 766 yards and four scores.
This year, Engram might even top that. Early signs in 2023 already show just how important Engram has become to the Jacksonville offense and to Lawrence. Through the first five games, Engram has seen 35 targets, tied with Calvin Ridley for second on the team. He isn’t the downfield threat Ridley might be, however, big No. 17 is just as crucial to this offense.
Engram has been a checkdown, yards after the catch specialist for Lawrence, turning easy throws into first downs time and time again. Engram currently leads all tight ends in yards after the catch with a staggering 175 of his 260 receiving yards coming that way. It’s certainly been a huge help for Lawrence as the Jaguars’ QB has a 83% completion rate when targeting Engram.
When asked about Engram’s impact, Lawrence had this to say, “I think he’s a guy who’s really a spark for us. He brings a lot of energy; you get the ball in his hands, and he can make a lot of plays. He’s great, he’s really great after the catch and that’s something that is definitely a strong suit of his.”
Lawrence added, “Honestly, he’s a great route runner too. We have so many guys we want to get the ball to and you see the receivers and those guys, they flash. Evan is a great route runner; I think he’s a mismatch for a lot of safeties and linebackers on him. That’s something that you always try to take advantage of.”
Engram is on pace for a career year. If he keeps it up, Engram will end up catching 99 balls for 884 yards, both would be personal bests for the former Ole Miss Rebel. Jaguars’ head coach Doug Pederson also mentioned Engram’s heightened confidence.
“Evan is in a good place. There was a lot of outside criticism on him about the drops and different things, but he’s a hard worker, he works on that and he works on his craft. He wants to be a pro, his confidence level right now is extremely high and I think it’s easy or safe to say that’s well behind him now,” said Pederson.
In an offense loaded with talent, Engram has done plenty to remain a focal point as the Jaguars get ready for a divisional matchup Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, a team with a suspect secondary. If Lawrence looks his way, Engram will no doubt be there to deliver.
