USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (28) runs the ball against Detroit Lions outside linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports| Credit: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (28) runs the ball against Detroit Lions outside linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports| Credit: Reuters
Sunday’s Divisional Round fixture between Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints proved to be a thriller of a game. Both teams exchanged blows in the opening half but ended the 3rd quarter on a 20-20 stalemate.
But ultimately, it was the Buccaneers who won by a 10-point margin and sealed a spot in the NFC Championship game this year. Tom Brady was the star once again, but it was RB Leonard Fournette who made headlines with yet another strong display in the NFL Playoffs.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 23, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (28) runs the ball against Los Angeles Rams defensive end Michael Brockers (90) during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The former Jacksonville Jaguars man rushed for 63 yards on 17 carries last night. He did not have any rushing touchdowns had 1 receiving touchdown and 55 receiving yards. A week ago, Fournette had 90+ yards with 1 rushing touchdown against the Washington Football Team.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Leonard Fournette grabs headlines once again
The Buccaneers made a smart move by bringing in Leonard Fournette last year. The young running back burst onto the scene with the Jaguars in 2017. But an injury in 2018 hampered his progress as he saw his relationship with the Jaguars management deteriorate.
After they declined to take up the 5th-year option in his rookie contract, the Jaguars waived Fournette in August 2020. He subsequently signed for Tampa Bay as a free agent.
He penned a short 1-year deal with Bruce Arians’ team. Now, after 2 strong displays in this year’s NFL Playoffs, Fournette joins a group of elite NFL stars.
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Leonard Fournette has joined Arian Foster, HOF Franco Harris, & HOF Marcus Allen as the only players in NFL history with 350+ rush yards, 5+ rush TD and 1+ rec TD in their first 5 career playoff games#Bucs @_fournette
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) January 18, 2021
As the stat indicates, Fournette is now in an elite bracket of Running Backs as far as the NFL Playoffs are concerned. HOFers, Marcus Allen (Los Angeles Raiders) and Franco Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers), enjoyed immense success during their NFL playing days. He is also at par with 2-time NFL rushing touchdowns leader, Arian Forster, who is a Houston Texans legend.
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In 13 regular-season games, Fournette rushed for 367 yards with 6 TDs. He has been a crucial cog in the Buccaneers’ offense in the Playoffs thus far. We expect some more of the same firepower against the Green Bay Packers next weekend.
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