Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 Vital statistics for 2019 season
8
He was the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. And at times, running back Leonard Fournette has looked like one of the league’s better players at his position. But “at times” has become the keyword as the talented performer has been unable to stay on the field consistently in each of his first two seasons in the league.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
As a rookie, he wound up playing and starting in 13 games, finishing with 268 carries for 1,040 yards and nine scores. Fournette added 36 catches for 302 yards and one touchdown. During the team’s three-game postseason run, the 6-0, 228-pound pro totaled 70 attempts for 242 yards and four touchdowns.
A year ago, injuries once again limited his playing time. He appeared in only eight contests and touched the ball only 155 times. It added up to 624 total yards from scrimmage and six trips to the end zone. That included 439 yards and five scores via the ground. Is it any wonder why the Jaguars finished 19th in the NFL in rushing this past season one season after leading the league in this category?
The Jaguars have a new starting quarterback in Nick Foles and capable wide receivers in Dede Westbrook, Marqise Lee and newcomer Chris Conley, late of the Kansas City Chiefs. There’s not a lot of proven depth behind Fournette in the backfield, meaning it is imperative he stays healthy this season if the Jacksonville offense is to succeed.