Tag: Leonard Fournette

Jaguars didn’t use RB Leonard Fournette properly ahead of matchup vs. Titans

But they’re not the only team in the league that has failed at times to use their most important rushers properly.

The Tennessee Titans have made some baffling decisions on offense this season — one of which was not giving the ball to running back Derrick Henry enough.

The Titans seem to have corrected that issue now, though, as Henry finished last week’s 35-32 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs with 188 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

But they’re not the only team in the league that has failed at times to use their most important rushers properly.

Just as the team did in its loss to the Houston Texans in London earlier this season, they hardly gave former LSU standout Leonard Fournette a chance to be a part of the ground attack — even though he should be the player at the heart of it.

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He finished out Sunday’s 33-13 divisional loss to the Indianapolis Colts with just eight carries for 23 rushing yards. Fournette also reeled in seven receptions for 34 yards, but didn’t account for a score.

This is curious, considering that Fournette is recognized as one of the league’s best rushers.

The fact he still finished as Jacksonville’s leading rusher at the end of the contest brings light to just how much their run game struggled, with Ryquell Armstead being the only other player to record a rushing attempt.

He had just one carry for six yards on the day.

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It will be interesting to see just how much of a workload the team gives him as they travel to Nissan Stadium to face the Tennessee Titans at 3:05 p.m. CT on Sunday.

Instant analysis: Jags get embarrassed by Colts despite Nick Foles’ return

The Jags entered Sunday’s must-win game needing to show some life and did the exact opposite.

The Jacksonville Jaguars came into Week 11’s game against the Indianapolis Colts looking to capitalize on a must-win situation but that did not happen. In fact, it wasn’t even a close game as the Jags fell flat with the final score being 33-13.

The Jags were coming off their bye week almost at full strength with just one player on their injury report, while the Colts were without their top receiver, T.Y. Hilton, however, that did not matter. The Colts offense still found success on the ground as the Jags’ defense had another terrible outing against the run. By the time the clock hit 0:00 the Colts had garnered 264 rushing yards mostly thanks to Jonathan Williams, who had 116 yards and Marlon Mack, who exited the game early with an injury but had 109 yards and a touchdown. Simply put, Week 11 marked yet another poor showing from Todd Wash, which should leave the status for his job potentially in the air.

The Jags’ offense wasn’t much better, however, and that was despite the return of Nick Foles from his Week 1 collarbone injury. The veteran had a forgettable day despite the plethora of passing attempts he made (33-of-47) and passing for just under 300 yards and a pick. Of course, those stats were padded due to the Jags being behind for most of the game. Additionally, he had some poorly thrown balls throughout the game, but it’s worth noting he’s just returning from a two-month hiatus. Still, it was not a performance fans will be happy about — and rightfully so.

The Jags also had some questionable offensive play-calling by John DeFilippo. Similar to their previous loss to the Houston Texans in London, the team didn’t give Leonard Fournette a lot of carries early and it resulted in him finishing the game with just eight total carries (for 23 rushing yards) on the whole day. With him being one of the league’s top rushers many fans will question his usage, which is puzzling, to say the least.

In all probability, the Jags have played themselves out of postseason contention although the Houston Texans lost handily Week 11 as well. Still, they will have to get over this loss quickly with a trip to the Tennessee Titans coming up. Kickoff for that game will be at 4:05 EST on Nov. 24 via CBS.

WATCH: Nick Foles throws first TD pass to DJ Chark in return from injury vs. Colts

Nick Foles is continuing where he left off Week 1 with the Jags by linking up with the receiver he threw his first regular season TD pass to.

It looks like Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles is picking up right where he left off.

The veteran put the Jags on the board with a brilliant 34-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver DJ Chark Sr. with nearly seven minutes left in the first quarter:

Chark turned on the jets and completely blew by Colts safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Marvin Tell III for the score.

The Colts are up by a score of 10-7 currently in the second quarter. The Colts’ last score came from kicker Adam Vinatieri, which gave them the lead after running back Marlon Mack previously scored a rushing touchdown.

3 Jaguars to watch on offense vs. Colts

With kickoff just a few hours away, here are three Jaguars to watch on offense vs Indianapolis.

Despite an embarrassing showing in London against the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a chance to be the provisional number six seed with a win over the Colts. Yes, the Oakland Raiders would also have to lose to an 0-9 Cincinnati team, but there’s a chance.

Head Coach Doug Marrone made the decision to go with now-healthy veteran quarterback Nick Foles after the bye week. With him only seeing the field for two series this regular season, fans will be eager to see what he has to offer against the Colts.

With the game just under an hour away, here are three players on offense to keep your eye on vs Indianapolis:

1. QB Nick Foles

He’s the player everyone is talking about. However, some fans and media members were onboard to see Minshew Mania throughout the rest of the season. In my opinion though, Marrone has done the right thing by rolling with the veteran as Jacksonville tries to make a late charge to the post-season.

The buzz around the improved aerial attack coming out of training camp was palpable. It was such a shame to see all of that momentum wiped out in the opening game. Hopefully, Foles is able to put on a show Sunday afternoon and remind us why the Jaguars felt comfortable giving him the most expensive contract in team history through free agency.

2. TE Josh Oliver

The rookie tight end was sidelined for the start of the season, but since returning to action in Week 7, his snap count is increasing more over time.

For Jacksonville, the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time as they prepare to run the table with three more divisional games. The extra week allows Foles to come back into the fray, whilst also giving Oliver the opportunity to establish himself in the offense. His return has seen Seth DeValve’s snap count drop week by week and this game will likely be the first time Oliver is used as the primary tight end.

3. RB Ryquell Armstead

The Jaguars offense has worked better when coordinator John DeFlippo uses other backs to take some of the pressure off Leonard Fournette. Over the last three games, Armstead has gradually been getting more involved in the offense. The rookie was one of a handful of standout players in England, catching five passes for over 60 yards, including a 35-yard reception which was the longest play of the day for Jacksonville.

It will be interesting to see if Jacksonville utilize him more, as he has shown his potential when asked to catch out of the backfield. That’s something Fournette is getting a chance to showcase more but Armstead may be an even better receiving tailback.

Jaguars vs. Colts: 3 keys to a Jaguars victory

The Jags must put some heat on Jacoby Brissett as they have in the past this Sunday, because if they do, it could result in a big win.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will take on the Indianapolis Colts on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday.

It’s been a tale of two records for both teams as the Jaguars currently sit at 4-5 on the year, while the Colts are 5-4 this season. A win for the Jags will put them at the No. 2 spot in the AFC South with a great deal of control of their destiny heading forward.

This is a must-win game for the Jaguars and here are three ways that they can secure the victory against the Colts on Sunday:

1. Feed Leonard Fournette the ball

Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

This one seems simple but it rings completely true.

Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette has been a force in the league ranking third in the AFC in rushing yards with 831, sitting only behind Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (1,011 yards) and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (832 yards).

The Colts struggle with high-usage running backs as they allow 4.4 yards a carry to running backs with 15 or more carries. The Colts are also ranked No. 15 overall against the rush, which is good for a 104.3 yard per game average, so Fournette should have opportunities.

Giving Fournette a high volume of carries also will ease Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles into things after an eight-week hiatus that was a result of the collarbone injury he sustained Week 1. 

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Colts vs. Jaguars: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 11

Key matchups to watch in Week 11.

A new week means another game for the Indianapolis Colts coming up Sunday. Following their two consecutive losses, the Colts are attempting to get back on track when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars in this big divisional matchup.

Among many reasons, the former AFC South leader has struggled in recent weeks, it was their loss of starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett which impacted them the most. The NC State product led the Colts to a 5-2 record and at one point and was a top-five leader in passing touchdowns before suffering a knee injury against the Steelers in Week 9.

Brissett’s importance to this team was evident last weekend when the Colts’ offense struggled mightily against the previously one-win Miami Dolphins in their 16-12 loss. Backup quarterback Brian Hoyer was responsible for three interceptions and looked incapable of getting the job done.

Here are three key matchups to watch in the Colts’ Week 11 bout against the Jaguars:

Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

RB Leonard Fournette vs. Colts’ defensive front seven

Amongst all of the skill players known on the Jaguars’ offense, one player who could and should receive the most attention from the Colts, is Leonard Fournette. The LSU product is on pace to have his best season ever to the tune of 831 rushing yards (sixth in the NFL) and a yards per carry average of 4.8.

Even though the Jaguars haven’t featured Fournette as much in recent weeks (30 combined carries in Weeks 9-10), this could be the game where they do so. So far this season, the Jaguars are 2-1 when their third-year running back receives at least 20 rushing attempts and in return, Fournette averaged 154 rushing yards per game.

Regardless of what the Jaguars’ plans are for Fournette, the Colts’ defensive front seven needs to quickly contain him in order to eliminate big plays and favorable down and distances.

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Jaguars vs. Colts: Week 11 staff picks and predictions

A majority of the Jags Wire staff are going with the Jags over the Colts this week in a must-win.

After having a week off to settle ourselves for a potential late-season playoff push, it’s now time for the Jacksonville Jaguars to re-take the field and string some wins together. Their first opponents in that process will be their longtime rivals in the Indianapolis Colts, who desperately need a win as well. In a game in which should be a key moment for both team’s postseason aspirations, here are our staff predictions for Week 11:

James Johnson (@Sportsgrind_Don): Jags 27, Colts 24

I’m not banking on the Jags making the playoffs but that doesn’t mean they can’t win this one. That said, I’d personally be going with the Colts if they had receiver T.Y. Hilton. However, with him being ruled out, it could be a lot for Jacoby Brissett to overcome, especially coming off an injury.

Meanwhile, on the Jags’ end, they will have Nick Foles returning. I wouldn’t bank on him lighting up the scoreboard but he at least has Leonard Fournette by his side. I also think Foles will link up with his good friend Chris Conley for a clutch reception at some point in the game.

Phil Smith (@PhiltheFilipino): Colts 19, Jags 17

Nick Foles makes his return to the starting lineup this week and we’ll finally (hopefully) get a full games worth of film on him. Jaguars fans hope to see Foles lead the Jags on some magical playoff run, but I think the fanbase needs to be more temperate with their expectations. As Jay and I have discussed on “The Jags Den Podcast,” I don’t believe this team has what it takes to make the playoffs. I see Indy coming away with a win in an ugly game.

Jacob DeLawrence (@_Jdela): Jaguars 24, Colts 21

The Jags are on the road this week as they face their division rival in the Colts. This is a matchup of returning quarterbacks as both Nick Foles and Jacoby Brissett have previously missed time. Both teams need a win to improve their playoff chances. Expect a heavy dose of Fournette to lighten Foles’ load. However, I can see Foles making enough plays for the Jags to escape with a win.

Daniel Griffis (@GriffisNFL): Jaguars 27, Colts 23

This is as much of a must-win game as fans will find. The Jaguars can get to 1 game back from the wild-card if they win and things play out their way this weekend. The Jags have to be hungry for this one and with Foles back, expect this team to be ready to go.

Robert Ricks (@rrickswriting): Colts 23, Jaguars 16

The Jags will need to bounce back after a tough loss across the pond in London against the Texans. This will be a low scoring as both QBs will be easing their way back from injuries. However, the Colts will find a way to possibly sneak out a tough victory.

Jags vs. Colts: 5 matchups to watch in Sunday’s AFC South showdown

Myles Jack is going to have his hands full with Marlon Mack but that’s just one of many key matches to watch when the Jags and Colts meet.

The preparations for Sunday’s AFC South battle are now behind the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts and all that is left to do is take the field and see who the better team is. With it being a divisional game in which both teams feel is a must-win, the battle is going to come down to a few key matchups. Here are five matchups that we’ll be watching as both teams duke it out at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday:

LB Myles Jack vs. RB Marlon Mack

Marlon Mack will enter Sunday’s game as one of the Colts’ top weapons, while the Jags’ defense will enter it ranked 22nd against the run. They’ve had several blunders against the run as fans witnessed against the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans (Week 9). In both of those games, they allowed over 200 rushing yards, which can’t happen against Marlon Mack, who is the league’s ninth leading rusher with 753 yards.

With the Colts ruling two of their speedster receivers out in T.Y. Hilton and Paris Campbell, they might elect to run the ball more than they ever have this year. It will then fall on Myles Jack as the defense’s enforcer at linebacker to make sure Mack doesn’t get out of hand. The Jags’ defense will need to be fundamentally sound, too, by not allowing a lot of broken tackles which Mack is good at taking advantage of.

DL Calais Campbell vs. OG Quenton Nelson

As we witnessed last year, there are going to be times where the Colts’ best offensive lineman, Quenton Nelson, lines up against the Jags’ best defensive lineman in Calais Campbell. The veteran had some success against Nelson last season, who was then a rookie, but he’s a significantly better player this year, upping his Pro Football Focus grade from a 74.3 in 2018 to an 89.4 this season.

As previously stated, the Colts could look to run the ball and Nelson is a big part of what makes them successful there, so it will be imperative for Campbell to keep him from reaching the second level. Campbell and company also need to win against Nelson during passing downs as Jacoby Brissett has shown the tendency to hold on to the ball too long in the past.

CB Tre Herndon vs. WR Zach Pascal

The Colts may be without Hilton and Campbell Sunday but that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have threats through the air. In fact, Zach Pascal statistically has 13 less receiving yards than Hilton, who leads the team in receiving with 360 yards. He also has on less touchdown than Hilton, who has five. That said, with a 75.0 PFF grade to his name, he’ll be the Colts’ best receiver on the outside Sunday.

Like most opponents have, the Colts will likely target Tre Herndon early and often and will likely target him when he and Pascal are lined up against each other. It’s on Herndon on whether or not he’ll be up for the task as he’s had some highs and lows since the Jags traded Jalen Ramsey.

RB Leonard Fournette vs. LB Darius Leonard

We’ll call this one the Battle of the Leonards.

As we’ve said multiple times, fans should expect a physical one in between the tackles. With Leonard Fournette only receiving 11 carries Week 9 against the Houston Texans, coordinator John DeFilippo should be looking to get him more involved Sunday because he’s the engine for the Jags’ offense.

Meanwhile, Darius Leonard is viewed in the same light for the Colts’ defense. He’s been a tackling machine, accumulating 10 or more tackles in four of the games he’s played in. Simply put, that points to him being very active if Fournette receives more than 20 carries as he should.

WR D.J. Chark Jr. vs. CB Kenny Moore II 

This matchup is simply a battle between the Jags’ best receiver and the Colts’ best corner who will see a lot of each other Sunday. Chark has emerged as the Jags’ best receiver this year and is one of the league’s most improved players with just under 700 yards to his name for six touchdowns. With Nick Foles returning to the lineup, the two could be looking to link up deep as they did for the Jags’ first touchdown of the year.

Moore seems to be an improved player, too. He currently has a PFF grade of 73.1 and has been good for the Colts’ passing defense which is tenth against the pass. However, at 5-foot-9, Moore will be at a height disadvantage against the 6-foot-4 Chark when they line up against each other, which could set the second-year player up for another 100-yard day.

Leonard Fournette says Jags’ current roster is the closest team he’s ever played for

Leonard Fournette has stepped up as one of the Jags’ locker room leaders and has taken note to how close the Jags 2019 roster is.

With the playoffs nearing, the Jacksonville Jaguars will have a tough stretch of games coming up but running back Leonard Fournette believes they have the locker room to whether the storm. Upon meeting with the media this week, the third-year tailback stated that the Jags’ current locker room is the closest he’s ever been a part of, which is something he believes will help the Jags as they chase the playoffs.

Fournette’s statements come after the Jags have already been through a lot of adversity as Nick Foles missed eight games and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey was traded. However, instead of folding and handling things like 2018’s locker room would have, the Jags rallied behind rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew II and  came away from the first half of the season 4-5. Sure, that’s not an impressive record to the eyes, but things could’ve been significantly worse.

Fournette, who came into the season with a lot of critics, has also stepped up on the field and in the locker room. He started the offseason by trimming down and training in Wyoming. Afterward, he came back to Jacksonville with a new mindset to be one of the locker room’s leaders, which has shown in his actions and his younger teammates have especially followed his lead.

Fournette will enter Week 11 as the AFC’s third-leading rusher with 831yards to his name. That’s a figure which indicates he’ll finish the season with a career-high, especially with the NFL season reaching the point where the run game is crucial.

4 Jaguars the Colts must game plan for in Week 11

Watch out for the these Jaguars in Week 11.

After last week’s embarrassing loss to the Miami Dolphins at home, the Indianapolis Colts desperately need a rebound on Sunday when the Jaguars visit Lucas Oil Stadium. This is the first time these two teams meet this season.

The Jaguars will be going through a quarterback change this week as Nick Foles will be making his first start since he broke his collarbone Week 1 against Kansas City. Gardner Minshew has held down the fort but has ultimately struggled in recent weeks.

The offense will look different with Foles under center no doubt, but the way this season has gone anything can happen. Outside of the quarterback position, there are plenty of talented players on Jacksonville’s roster.

Here are four Jaguars the Colts must game plan to win in Week 11:

(Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports)

RB Leonard Fournette

The Colts have been getting better in run defense, but Fournette may be one of the better backs the Colts get to face this season. Averaging 4.8 yards per carry, he is a tough, downhill runner who can not be brought down with arm tackles.

Fournette has 831 yards on the year but only has gotten in the end zone once. The Jaguars struggle in the red zone and rarely turn to their running back in key third-down situations. Regardless, the Colts front seven must be able to stop Fournette if they want to pick up a win. By stopping him, the rest of their offensive scheme will suffer.

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