4 steps for the Buccaneers to return to the Super Bowl

Keep riding Fournette

We never thought we’d say it, but Leonard Fournette has earned the starting job in Tampa Bay. The regular season was a challenging ride at times for the former Jacksonville starter, but “Playoff Lenny” is in full control of the Buccaneer run game as we advance.

The start of the past two games hasn’t been great, but that has been more due to play-calling than Fournette’s performance. See step two if you want to fix that issue.

After the first quarter, Playoff Lenny really steps into his own as the offense starts buzzing. When the defense has to worry about Tom Brady and his numerous pass-catchers, there usually aren’t enough bodies in the box to slow Fournette down, especially on later downs. Again, why would anyone ever run on first down when the entire world knows what the Bucs will do?

In his past two games, Fournette has accounted for 156 rushing yards, 83 receiving yards on nine receptions, and two total touchdowns. This was the Leonard Fournette we all expected to arrive at the start of the season, but we’re more than happy to take him in the playoffs.

Ronald Jones also looked great in his return after missing the Washington Game, but Fournette’s presence in the passing game is too great to pass up. Brady has found his new third-down back, and there is no reason to switch that now that the chemistry is built up.