Expanded Role = Harder Practice
October 13th, 2021
More work motivates some players.
This is not a story about Stylez White.
Joe’s referring to Leonard “Lombardi Lenny” Fournette. Bucco Bruce Arians was telling the world last night that Fournette sees how the Bucs are using him more so he’s dialing it up at practice.
“He’s worked really hard in the passing game. He sees his role expanding in the passing game, so he’s working really hard at it in practice and it’s showing up in games,” Arians said of Fournette on Buccaneers Total Access.
Joe found it interesting to hear the head coach acknowledge that a guy is working harder now that he’s playing more. Coaches are seeking consistency from every player, so that felt like a little insight into Fournette.
Arians added that he likes the impressive yards-after-contact coming from Fournette. And he attributed much of Fournette becoming the go-to guy out of the Bucs backfield to “he’s done it in practice.”
October 13th, 2021 at 9:31 am
Someone tell IRA that ROJO sucks
October 13th, 2021 at 10:00 am
Fournette is becoming another fine and reliable weapon in TB’s arsenal. I look for him to be a strong force the rest of the season. Great potential!
October 13th, 2021 at 10:15 am
I want his jersey. It’s a long season RoJo will make a contribution to this year championship.
October 13th, 2021 at 10:18 am
lombardi lenny really gets it…
he is buying into the system and working on the areas where and how he’s needed…
he’s elevated from the slightly disgruntled guy last year to what seems to be another level…
and it looks like brady is beginning to really trust in him…
ya gotta really like what you’re seeing from lenny right now…
do i still think rojo runs a little harder?…yes…
but lenny runs a little smarter
#LombardiLennyIsBecomingTheSystemPlayerNeededInThisOffense
October 13th, 2021 at 10:18 am
Lombardi Lenny has earned his reps. Good lesson for everyone on the team really. Work hard in practice, produce on the field and play smart, get more opportunities to play and be a contributor to the success of the team.
October 13th, 2021 at 10:47 am
This time last year, Rojo earned his playing time. By the end of the year, Tampa needed fournette.
It’s a long season, at some point Rojo may be needed at some point.
October 13th, 2021 at 11:31 am
That stood out to me during the game. He was catching bullets from Brady like a wide receiver. No bobbling or basket catching it. Just putting his hands up and catches it cleanly with his hands and instantly put it away and turn up field. He is looking better and better every week.
October 13th, 2021 at 11:48 am
Yup fournette definitely looking really good out there pass blocking has been solid, pass catching has been much improved as well as his running in general
October 13th, 2021 at 11:56 am
Playoff Lenny is playing for his next contract (as are MANY of our Bucs), and if he maintains the same pace that contract will be a BIG one. Lots of potential playoff teams right now would love to have a RB like him as a weapon.
October 13th, 2021 at 12:01 pm
Getting cut by the Jags sunk in. He now knows just showing up thinking you’re the best isn’t enough. I’m sure being around Brady helped, Lenny has grown up.
October 13th, 2021 at 12:16 pm
I’ve been super impressed by Lenny this past game. Gives me hope that we have at least 2 reliable backs (Gio, Lenny)
October 13th, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Fournette has been a highlight reel since LSU, when fully healthy.
He’s dealt with ankle sprains, and had hamstring issues, during his worst seasons.
Both of which are bad for a running back, I would think.
Full disclosure : I’m no “sports doctor”
October 13th, 2021 at 1:49 pm
Here’s what I like about Fournette…..he came back as a free agent knowing there would be competition for reps and has earned more and more reps. Rojo on the other hand has floundered and reminds me so much of Winston’s fragile mentality when we had Fitzpatrick. Rojo is who he is…..he simply isn’t an asset in the passing game on the most basic level which is just blocking, his hands are stones and his route running lacks any feel for the defense or passing lanes.
At this point if Fournette went down…..do you really think Brady is going to want Rojo back there?…OR Bernard who fits the prototypical style Brady has had throughout his career? The Bucs should trade Rojo at the deadline for depth or a prospect/pick. I don’t see Rojo coming back next year….dude will be a FA, he wants to run, this system doesn’t fit him and he likely needs a new environment. Get something for him and move on.
October 13th, 2021 at 3:47 pm
RoJo is a good back. Fournette is playing well now and should start.
It’s good Bucs have 2 solid running backs. RoJo will likely be needed at some point this year for extended playing time. If not, that would mean Fournette is getting job done and is staying healthy.
Trading RoJo would be stupid- the most you’d get is a 6th rounder and that’s not a reflection of RoJo but of the position and his contract expiring after this year.
Think , Bucs fans – this isn’t a Madden video game..
October 13th, 2021 at 3:53 pm
RoJo Is a better and more explosive runner but still has not stepped it up in the passing game and especially pass blocking.
I would not be surprised to see him traded in the next couple weeks… IF, a big IF, they feel comfortable with Bernard and Vaughn behind Lenny
October 13th, 2021 at 4:00 pm
Fournette played a great game Sunday. Yeah, it was the Dolphins…yada….yada. He showed why Jax drafted him to begin with. He will have his work cut out tomorrow night. Philly is running hot and cold and no telling which team will show up against the Bucs?
October 13th, 2021 at 5:59 pm
What, he wasn’t practicing hard before?
October 15th, 2021 at 12:21 am
Right,, listen from afar that’s what I was thinking
October 15th, 2021 at 12:28 am
It’s good to have options! Go BUCS!