Leonard Fournette had a rough 2018 season. The tailback struggled through injuries and attitude problems during this sophomore seasons. Expectations for the Jacksonville Jaguars were high going into 2018. The team played in the AFC Championship game in 2017 and Fournette was a good reason for that success. Without a strong running game and a struggling quarterback, the Jags took a hard fall, finishing last season at 5-11. Fournette ended the season on a bad note and was even publicly scolded by Tom Coughlin after the last game of the season. He is currently training in Wyoming and appears to be focused. It’s paramount to the Jaguars success, as well as Fournette’s, career that the running backs stays on track.
They talking trades but I’m betting it all on myself #BugaNation pic.twitter.com/wCprOUntEd
— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) February 23, 2019
Leonard Fournette Looks to Be Focused Ahead of an Important Season
A Disappointing Sophomore Campaign
Fournette had a forgettable season on the field in 2018. He played in just eight games and rushed for only 439 yards and five touchdowns. He has averaged 3.7 yards per carry during his first two seasons. At the beginning of the 2018 season there was some hype around Fournette because he had lost some weight and was thought to be in even better shape than the previous season. But then came the hamstring injury. Of course, he couldn’t control that. But there were many rumors that Fournette missed treatments and was late to team meetings. It wasn’t a good look for the young star.
To add insult to injury, Fournette was even suspended for a game in 2018. He was involved in a fight during a game against the Buffalo Bills. When coupled with the missed treatments, the fighting showed immaturity and a lack of awareness. The disappointment surrounding Fournette’s 2018 season mounted so much so that there was speculation about trading him. It’s obvious from his twitter post that Fournette is aware of that fact.
A Fresh Start
Sometimes the best thing that can happen to someone is a fresh start. Perhaps that can happen for Fournette without a trade. Though he’s from Louisiana, Fournette has been working out in Wyoming. While it may be a surprising place for him to train, it’s not a bad idea. Being in an unfamiliar place that has less distractions can help breed growth. Just look at what training in Russia did for Rocky Balboa.
It’s definitely positive that Fournette is using some of his off-season to keep in shape. But it’s just the start of March and it will be important for him to to be consistent throughout the remainder of the off-season. There’s still minicamp, OTAs, and training camp. If Fournette can keep his focus through the start of the season and after, it will be a great help to the team, not to mention himself. The Jags will have a new leader under center in 2019. Regardless of whether he’s a veteran or rookie, it would help the new quarterback to have a reliable running back by his side. A strong running game in 2019 will be an important piece to getting the offense back on track.
A Potential Leader
Fournette was actually a team captain last season. Looking back now, to say that’s surprising would be an understatement. His maturity level was nowhere near where where you should expect a leader to be. He could stand to learn something from a fellow captain, Calais Campbell. Campbell is an experienced veteran and also won the Bart Starr award last year.
Based off of last season Fournette is not likely to be a captain in 2019. But he’s got the potential to be a leader if he wants to be. The man is talented and seems to get along well with is teammates. The 2018 season was turbulent for Fournette but he can easily turn things around.
The Last Word
Fournette is entering 2019 at a pivotal time in his young career. It’s year three of his four year rookie contract. He needs this season to be more like his rookie campaign. Can the young tailback do what he needs to get his career going in the right direction? Time will tell but Fournette has all the keys to have a successful future if he is focused and has the drive.
Main Photo
