Leonard Fournette had an incredibly rough season for the Jacksonville Jaguars last year. He even faced rumors that the team could look to trade or release him this offseason. Despite all of the rumors, he is set to enter the 2019 NFL season as the starting running back alongside of new quarterback Nick Foles.
While last season was a nightmare for the young running back, it is still way too early to give up on him.
Last season with the Jaguars, Fournette ended up carrying the football 133 times for 439 yards and five touchdowns. He only played in eight games due to injuries. If he wants to keep his job, a big season in 2019 has to happen.
In his rookie season with the Jaguars in 2017, Fournette showed his potential. He racked up 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns on 268 attempts, while also catching 36 passes for 302 yards and a touchdown. Jacksonville needs a season like that to help lead Jacksonville back to the playoffs.
Needless to say, this is going to be a make-or-break season for Fournette. He is still one of the most talented running backs in the league and is going to be given every opportunity to shine.
Let's dive in and take a look at three early goals that Fournette should set for himself in the 2019 season.
3. Stay Healthy and Play All 16 Games
One of the biggest keys for Fournette this season is going to be his availability. He only played in half of the team's games last season and that has to change going into 2019.
Being able to stay healthy and play every game this season should be one of the top goals for Fournette to focus on. He can't control injuries, but taking care of his body and preparing well for the season can be controlled. Hard work this offseason should turn into a lot of success on the field.
2. Rush for 1,000 Yards Again
Secondly, Fournette needs to get back to being a major threat in the backfield for the Jaguars. He showed what he is capable of in his rookie season and needs to live up to the hype in 2019. Rushing for 1,000 yards this year would help him get his career back on track immediately.
Jacksonville's offense will be much more balanced than it has been in years past. Foles will be able to make more plays through the air than Blake Bortles did, which should open up the running game. Fournette will no longer have to face stacked boxes, which should help him reach the 1,000-yard mark this season.
1. Lead the Jaguars to the Playoffs
Finally, the Jaguars need to get back into postseason contention after missing the playoffs last year. Just two short years ago, Jacksonville was one of the best teams in the AFC and were considered Super Bowl contenders. If Fournette gets back to playing at a star level, there is no question that they will be a playoff caliber team.
It's going to be an entertaining season for the Jaguars. Fournette is ready to return to stardom and these three goals will help him get there.
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