Travon Walker: Player Spotlight Monday

The Monday player spotlight (brought to you on a Tuesday because life happens) goes to Jaguars DE Travon Walker who almost had himself a monster day against the Bengals Sunday. Walker was credited with 5 total tackles, a sack, a pass deflection and 3 QB Hits to go along with a team high 6 pressures. He was everywhere against the Bengals as both a pass rusher and run defender.

Let's start with the obvious and say that Walker should have had a forced fumble that would have been recovered for a fumble if it weren't for a poorly officiated play. On the play Walker is lined up at DE to Burrow's right. He beats the Bengals RT to the inside and pushes into the guard to open up a stunt for Armstead. Before Armstead can come around on the stunt Walker shoves the guard into Burrow's lap. Burrow appears to be trying to check the ball down to his running back to his left but before he can cleanly release the ball Walker meets him at the top of his release and the ball travels backwards behind the line of the scrimmage. The play was ruled an incomplete forward pass on the field then challenged by Jacksonville only for NFL replay to come to the same wrong decision. Walker should have been credited with a forced fumble an an amazing pass rush rep but instead gets the pass deflection.

Now that we've addressed an absolute robbery that happened on Sunday let's move on to Walker's huge red zone sack that helped hold Cincy to a field goal late in the 2nd Quarter. The play before Walker's sack the Bengals have 1st and 10 on the Jags 20 after a turnover. It looks like the Bengals and Jake Browning are going to take advantage and tie the game at 14. The Bengals go play action and try to roll Browning out to the right on the play. Walker reads the fake correctly and makes a mad dash and makes a mad dash for Browning. He quickly pushes Bengals TE Drew Sample out of his way and cuts Browning off before he can start turning up field. He puts the pressure on and chases Browning to the sideline where he is forced to throw it away setting up 2nd and 10. The next play the Jaguars bring 6 against the 6 man protection of the Bengals. The Bengals pick everything up correctly but Walker absolutely destroys the RT for the Bengals and swallows up Browning for an 8yd loss. After picking up 15 yards on a 3rd and 18 the Bengals kick a field goal. Travon Walker almost single handedly killed the Bengals drive.

Walker made a ton of game changing plays on Sunday that showcased why he was taken number 1 overall by the Jaguars in 2022. This coupled with how he is being used in new DC Anthony Campanile's scheme could lead to a massive season for Travon Walker and earn him a big extension to stay in Jacksonville.

The last thing I want to touch on is the Travon Walker and Arik Armstead stunt that was on full display against the Bengals. When Jacksonville rolled it out led to a pass deflection by Walker, several pressures, and a sack by Arik Armstead. Its a unique way to get Travon Walker with a full head of steam headed towards the guard and give Armstead an advantage against a tackle. Look for this combination to lead to a lot of pressure and sacks from Walker and Armstead in the future.

Honorable Mentions

Devin Lloyd

Lloyd finally looks like he's breaking out as a star in this new Jaguars defense. His pass coverage grades are through the roof and he finally seems to be in the right spot more often than not. He also had what should have been the game winning INT on a terrific read of a late Browning throw over the middle.

Foyesade Oluokon

Oluokon built on what should be an all pro resume he's putting together this year. He's been the Jags best player through two games and I'm not sure it's close. He's just simply been that good. He added 7 more tackles, a sack, and two TFLs to his stats against the Bengals.

Bayshul Tuten

Tuten made the Jags front office look like geniuses for trading Bigsby and giving him more touches this Sunday. Tuten carved up the Bengals defense with 8 carries for 42 yards and 2 receptions for 32 yards. He also scored his first NFL touchdown on Sunday on an 8yd reception. He and Ettiene now form one of the most explosive backfields in all of football. Look for another big game for Tuten next week against a poor Texans run defense.