Big Cat Country Q&A: Should we be concerned about Leonard Fournette?

Let’s answer some Jacksonville Jaguars questions after yesterday’s Week 8 win over the New York Jets!

Chris from Fernandina Beach, FL

Q: How concerned should we be that if you take away Leonard Fournette’s 66 yard run he had 18 carries for 10 yards?

A: Concerned? Fournette complained of a stomach virus after the game and he said his sprint on the opening drive just threw him for a loop for the rest of the game. Despite that, he carried the load on the ground, added seven catches for 60 yards, and was excellent in pass protection. In franchise history, no running back has gotten to 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 8 games. He did it yesterday. In franchise history, no running back has gotten to 3,000 yards from scrimmage before their 30th career game. He did it yesterday. He’s having a Pro Bowl season that can turn into an All-Pro season if things break right his way. Be encouraged — Fournette is turning into a very good running back.

Kevin from Charleston, SC

Q: Do the Jaguars make a trade on Tuesday or stay put?

A: They stay put.

David from Frisco, TX

Q: Does Gardner Minshew’s performance next week against the Houston Texans (and specifically if we win or lose) determine if he’s benched or not?

A: Yes and no. If he has an awful game (like what he had against the New Orleans Saints) it would fuel the fire for Nick Foles to come back in. But personally, it would be a mistake to bench Minshew. He’s setting all time NFL records for rookie quarterbacks. He’s 4-3 as a starter with a team that just traded away its most talented player. The locker room loves him. The fans love him. He’s winning games. I think anything other than “Minshew is our guy unless he’s injured” would be a mistake.

Keith from Jacksonville, FL

Q: Is Nick Foles a mortal lock to become starter in three weeks?

A: No.

Trevor from Ellsworth, ME

Q: What would it take for Dave Caldwell to be let go?

A: Shad Khan.

Braeden from Orange Park, FL

Q: Can Leonard Fournette be a Pro Bowl player this year if he has 1,300 rushing yards but only like three touchdowns?

A: He’s on pace to run for 1,600 yards and total over 2,100 yards from scrimmage. The question isn’t about him being a Pro Bowler... it’s about him being an All-Pro.

Jimmy from Jacksonville, FL

Q: What team does Jalen Ramsey get traded to and for what amount of compensation?

A: I think the favorite is the Kansas City Chiefs for two first round picks and a player. A dark horse candidate could be the Philadelphia Eagles or Baltimore Ravens.

Al from Mt. Dora, FL

Q: Are we a playoff team? And I don’t just mean because of our weird division.

A: Not yet, but we can be.

Michael from Raleigh, NC

Q: I know we just played the Jets but I didn’t see a weakness in our team. Is there?

A: Linebacker, tight end, and offensive line stand out immediately.

Alex from Chapel-en-le-Frith, UK

Q: Where do you see the Jaguars finishing in the division? Can they make it to the postseason?

A: I think whoever wins Sunday will eventually get an AFC Wild Card seed. The Indianapolis Colts are a good football team and I think they take the division. It’s between the Jaguars and Texans to win a playoff spot.