Ad Disclosure
NFL analyst Bucky Brooks explains why Leonard Fournette will change the way teams defend the Buccaneers
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making big moves this offseason. In addition to adding QB Tom Brady and TE Rob Gronkowski, the Bucs also signed former LSU star RB Leonard Fournette recently.
The team already had a starting running back in Ronald Jones II, but having depth at the position is never a bad thing.
So, how does Fournette fit in Tampa Bay? NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks wrote that having a beast like Fournette in the backfield will force opponents to respect the run more, opening things up for the Tampa Bay passing game:
“Perhaps Bruce Arians really sees Ronald Jones II as the Buccaneers’ RB1, but signing Leonard Fournette was all about getting the Bucs a workhorse back with the potential to change how defensive coordinators defend the team’s star-studded lineup. … Against the Buccaneers, employing loaded-box tactics will expose defensive backs to one-on-one coverage against a pair of Pro Bowl pass catchers (Mike Evans and Chris Godwin) and three of playmakers at tight end (Rob Gronkowski, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate). With Tom Brady utilizing the play-action passing game to lure defenders to the line, the mere presence of Fournette upgrades Tampa Bay’s offense.”
Indeed, it will be tough to prepare for the Bucs this season. Will the new-look Bucs make a playoff run? We’ll find out starting next weekend.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
