Leonard Fournette says he ‘could be in better shape’

The fat lady has sung on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ playoff hopes this season and a big reason why is a failed investment in both phases of the offense.

Blake Bortles was an unmitigated disaster but this team spent big in free agency and the draft the last few seasons to beef up their offensive line. The result? They went from first in total rushing yards last year all the way down to 19th this year.

And their bell-cow running back — specifically his missed time due to injury — is a huge reason why.

In addition to season-ending injuries to three of their five starting offensive linemen, Fournette has missed seven games this season due to injury and suspension. He’s gained just 396 yards on 115 carries on the season — a disappointing 3.4 yards per carry — and just four touchdowns.

In a confusing move by the Jaguars coaching staff, Fournette got just one carry in the second half of last Sunday’s loss to Washington. Well, it was confusing until we heard from Fournette himself yesterday.

“I could be in better shape,” Fournette said, according to Phillip Heilman of the Florida Times-Union. “I’m fine, though.”

Fat chance the Jaguars offense gets back into gear with head coach Doug Marrone giving backup running back Dave Williams more chances as the season winds down, so Fournette will have to look towards 2019 for redemption.