Bucs Game Changer: Week 1

There were many moments in Sunday’s 19-3 win over the Cowboys where Bucs players showed up and made big plays. From Mike Evans’ one handed touchdown grab to Antoine Winfield Jr.’s interception, and big sacks in between. However, there was only one player who took over the game and asserted himself as this week’s game changer.

Bucs RB Leonard Fournette – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Leonard Fournette, or Sunday Night Lenny as he’s been dubbed, took over the game on the Bucs’ second drive and didn’t look back. He ended up with 127 yards on 21 carries for a 6.0-yard average on the night. He was named the Sunday Night Football player of the week and has the fifth most rushing yards in the league after the first slate of games.

After the game, Fournette spoke to reporters and told them that he gave his Sunday Night Football player of the week ball to his offensive linemen. Saying he was proud of the way his guys blocked for him and quarterback Tom Brady.

Right out of the gate Fournette was electric. After a seven-yard scamper on the first drive, the veteran running back bounced one out to the left side for a 17-yard gain on the second drive.

He also had a key 10-yard run on third and two on the third offensive possession of the game beating Leighton Vander Esch before getting pushed out of bounds.

The Bucs came out of Halftime looking to further wear the Cowboys defense out. And Fournette happily obliged, opening up the second half with a 10-yard rush. That run was propelled by a huge block from rookie tight end Ko Kieft on Vander Esch.

On the Bucs touchdown drive in the third quarter Fournette really shined. On the first play of the drive, with center Robert Hainsey out in front pulling, he got things started with an 11-yard scamper before getting pulled down.

A nine-yard run followed. Following right guard Shaq Mason who was pulling and rookie Ko Kieft, Fournette pulled off a cut back that sprung him for the healthy gain.

On the ensuing play, guard Luke Goedeke and tackle Josh Wells opened up a huge hole and Fournette plowed ahead for a 17-yards, crossing the century mark for the day.

Then in the fourth quarter backed up at their own 13-yard line Lenny did it again. This time he ran for a 14-yard scamper. It would be his last run of the night before giving way to rookie Rachaad White to finish the game out.

Fournette also had a punishing block on an unsuspecting Micah Parsons on Julio Jones 48-yard grab. That block drew the ire of Parsons on twitter post game.

With consistent runs like this, Fournette should be able to help balance a Bucs offense that has been pass-heavy over the past several years. That balance could prove key to helping develop first year starters in left guard Luke Goedeke and center Robert Hainsey, while adding an additional air of unpredictability that has been lacking. Fournette’s ability to be a game changer could end up being a season changer for the Bucs.