The 2018 NFL season was one that Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette would like to forget.
With only 439 rushing yards in eight games, Fournette was absent a majority of the season with injuries, inappropriate on-field behavior, and an offseason run-in with the police that left many questioning the former LSU star’s tenure with the Jaguars.
But 2019 can be a year in which Fournette silences the doubters with a comeback season.
A major reason as to why Leonard Fournette can bounce back is what he’s shown since the Jaguars season ended. Fournette traveled to Wyoming to work with his former LSU strength and conditioning coach, Ben Iannacchione.
“I just want to take it back to the foundation, start back from the bottom and go up,” Fournette told Jacksonville reporters.
With a desire for a fresh start, Fournette can certainly take it up a notch in 2019 with a healthier body and new mindset.
2018 was also a year the Jaguars saw many of their offensive linemen go down with an injury, which significantly affected their offensive approach.
It all started with left tackle Cam Robinson going down with a torn Achilles in Week 2. Then went center Brandon Linder in Week 10, combined with nagging injuries to left guard Andrew Norwell and right tackle Jermey Parnell.
While injuries are always an uncertainty in the NFL, having all offensive lineman back healthy for the Jaguars, with the addition of right tackle Jawaan Taylor, should bring an immediate boost to the running game.
It wasn’t too long ago when the Jaguars boasted the best rushing offense in the NFL with 2262 yards. That season — which was his rookie year — Fournette rushed for 1040 yards in the regular season, 242 yards in the playoffs, and 13 rushing touchdowns.
Looking toward the upcoming 2019 season, there’s one big reason Fournette will be able to position himself in the higher echelon of running backs: Nick Foles.
The former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl 52 MVP brings one of the biggest position group upgrades in the entire league.
Foles brings competent and consistent quarterback play to the Jaguars, something the team hasn’t seen in quite some time.
Having Foles means the Jaguars will no longer be a one-dimensional squad. Defenses will no longer be able to stack the box against the Jaguars without risking a big play downfield.
With only 3.3 yards per carry in 2019, Fournette couldn’t find space due to defenses knowing who was getting the ball. Having Foles shakes everything up and will keep opposing defenses on their toes.
Fournette will also have the opportunity to develop as a dual-threat running back with Foles under center.
Foles is best when the ball gets out of his hands quickly, which would put Fournette in multiple pass-catching scenarios when there are no options downfield.
Fournette improved his catch percentage from 75 percent in 2017 to 84.6 percent in 2018.
Make no mistake, the Jaguars are built to run the football and play excellent defense, but having Foles opens up the playbook and creates more opportunities for the supporting cast.
There will be times this season when Fournette is called on third and two or fourth and goal from the one. There could even be times when Fournette is called to run the ball 10 or more times in a single drive. This is what training in Wyoming and getting his body in shape is for.
Perhaps the biggest wild card for Fournette this season is himself. Removing himself from the childish decisions that have brought his maturity into question is vital for success this season. Whether it be skipping the team photo, fighting with an opposing player, or appearing disinterested on the sidelines, Fournette needs to act like a professional football player. It’s make-or-break for him.
Jacksonville needs Fournette to make a playoff run. He could even be the one to put them over the top.
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