The Jacksonville Jaguars have ushered in some significant changes this offseason. Regardless, it appears the plan for running back Leonard Fournette will remain the same.
Despite his recent struggles, Fournette has served as the Jaguars workhorse since his arrival in 2017. Head coach John DeFilippo was adamant that the team will continue to rely heavily on him moving forward, via the team's official website.
“We’re really looking forward to Leonard having a big year,” DeFilippo said. “I’m going to call it what it is: He’s going to be a major reason where our offense goes. I’m not going to sugarcoat that. Leonard Fournette needs to be a big part of this offense.”
“The harder he works – which he is right now – that’s going to be not only good for our offense, but good for our team.”
This is certainly an encouraging update for Fournette considering all that had transpired in the nightmare 2018 campaign. Things got off to a disastrous start after he injured his hamstring in the season opener against the New York Giants. The lingering injury had ultimately taken its toll as reports surfaced about the Jaguars concern regarding Fournette's conditioning. The former fourth overall pick wound up finishing the year with just 439 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to go along with 22 receptions for 185 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
Fortunately, it seems Fournette will have an opportunity at a fresh start under the new regime. DeFilippo caught some flak with the Minnesota Vikings for being too reliant on the passing game. He appears to be well aware of the success the Jaguars have had with Fournette as the workhorse.