Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette might run through Jets defense
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars have indicated that they want to run the football. Leonard Fournette has pounded the rock at a high level.
The Jacksonville Jaguars went into the 2017 NFL Draft looking to improve the running game. LSU’s Leonard Fournette was available for the taking. Fournette has ignited the run game for Jacksonville. Currently, Fournette is the seventh leading rusher in the NFL. He has carried the ball 57 times for 199 yards and three touchdowns. As the offensive line improves, Fournette’s 3.5 yards per carry will improve.
The Next Gen Stats on NFL.com offer interesting charts on Fournette. His average time behind the line of scrimmage (TLOS) is 2.41 seconds, which places him at No. 2. He (54.4 percent, third) and Chris Ivory (71.4 percent, first) rank in the top three in facing the dreaded eight man box.
On Sunday in Week 4, Jacksonville travels north to play the New York Jets. How will the Jaguars power running attack fare against the Jets? What will Fournette’s rushing total look like after the game?
First, the Jets run defense is ranked 27th. They are giving up an average of 133.3 yards per game. Expect the Jets to stack the box due to the threat of Fournette running wild. Next, the Jaguars offensive line is better than expected. Football Outsiders ranks the Jaguars line as the No. 5 run blocking unit through Week 3. There should be gaping holes and seams for Fournette to run through, especially since the site ranks the Jets defensive line at eighth.
Finally, Fournette is a run to daylight type of player. His Next Gen Stats charts reveal that his carries are primarily between the tackles. Since the Jaguars have added a fullback, the edge rusher gets blocked. Fournette may have his biggest day yet.
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Finally, Jacksonville has found their groove running the ball. They are the NFL’s fifth ranked rushing team and will seek to dominate the line of scrimmage on Sunday. Jacksonville should win because they have the better running attack and running back.