(05-13-2019, 04:36 PM)NYC4jags Wrote: (05-13-2019, 04:27 PM)rpr52121 Wrote: There are two flaws with the Fournette situation. One is what he needs to fix with his run style, and one is with how the Jags need to maximize his skills.
I feel like we have all pigeonholed Fournette too much as "a power back". That is definitely one of his most elite traits, but Fournette does have above average acceleration and can be effective when being decisive on a one cut, or even using a short hop in space. I'm not saying he will ever be Alvin Kamara or anything close to that, but he does not have to be that. Instead of seeking out contact on nearly every run, if he used a little bit wiggle, he could break a few more tackles, take less punishment over the course of the season, and make more big plays.
Also, Fournette actually has pretty decent hands. At LSU he was used as a returner and often was running routes. The Jags have significantly under utilized this option, because Fournette's other elite trait is his top-end speed. So why not try to get him the ball in space or over the top by using wheel routes or deep overs/posts after motioning him out. I would be very surprised if he cannot outrun the LB/Safety they put on him and get some separation over the top. I really hope Deflippo's uses some of this with a more accurate QB.
As far as asking him to make a cut, hop, or "use wiggle" - I think that is a dubious proposition given what I've seen from him.
He doesn't often make the best decisions in those situations.
I think they will definitely be using him in the passing game. His hands are no secret and everything we are hearing from and about the Flip/Foles combo suggests lots of involvement of backs catching out of the backfield.
Fournette's vision issues, contact decisions, and lack of lateral agility are an uphill battle for the coaching staff. It will be interesting to see how they scheme around that and utilize his straight line speed.
I feel like he does it sometimes, but then sometimes he doesn't trust it. Like the Chargers game in his rookie season. When he was decisive he made Perryman and other miss and got few extra yards. When he stutter stepped or just didn't make a decision and go, it allowed the Chargers to size him up and make clean tackle. He doesn't need top 5 in NFL lateral agility to pull this off with his size and power. He just has to react and go.
He definitely has vision issues at times, but I feel that is at least in part due to his habit of just relying on power and lowering your shoulder. By opting for that nearly all the time, he stops being patient and keeping your eyes up and looking for holes to avoid the contact.
Granted by this point, it may be impossible to coach that out him. But I'm hoping that ain't the case.
