New Orleans Saints: Three keys to overcome the Jacksonville Jaguars
By Jason Reed
2. Attack the running lanes and contain Leonard Fournette
Although Minshewmania has been sweeping across the country as Garnder Minshew has become a star, the motor of the Jacksonville Jaguars is Leonard Fournette. That was the case two years ago when they reached the AFC Championship with Blake Bortles and that is the case this year as well.
Fournette had a sluggish start to the year with two decent games to start the season and then a terrible game in Week 3 that he was in the negative for most of until breaking out a long run in the fourth quarter.
However, over the last two weeks, Fournette has looked like the marquee back that the Jaguars want him to be. The third-year back has rushed for 333 yards on 52 carries with one touchdown the last two weeks.
When Fournette gets going the Jaguars’ offense is notably better and is gives Minshew more room to operate and succeed. When the running game is not going it really does stall this offense and make it look like a shell of itself.
The key with Fournette is plugging the running lanes and maintaining a patient approach. Fournette is someone that takes his line getting to the line of scrimmage. As long as the Saints can plug those lanes and not over commit to stopping Leonard in the backfield then they should be able to contain the third-year back.