Lenny leading the way for the Bucs on the ground

The Buccaneers finally have a running back that's bringing balance to their pass-heavy offensive attack. Leonard Fournette has stepped up his game and taken ahold of the primary running and catching position.

"To be honest, it’s just hard work, that’s all," said Fournette. "Throughout the week, we have a game plan, and I just try to follow it as much as I can down to the core, to help my team out and put it in a better position. That’s all I’m doing."

Fournette put a bruising display against the Eagles, going over the 100-yard mark in combined yards for a third straight game. He had a game-high of 81 yards on the ground and hauled in 46 through the air. 

Receiving had been a struggle for the former first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"Lenny’s been really, really good, really solid, run and pass, and pass protection," commented Bruce Arians. "He’s playing as a really good three-down back right now at a high level."

Arians had been tough on Fournette. When he first arrived last season, Arians threatened to cut him if he couldn't accept his new role of sharing time in the backfield. He's matured through the tough coaching and it's brought out the talent that he showed in college.

"Because, you know, he’s got the power, he’s got the speed and the shakes, too," stated Shaquil Barrett. "Like the one out here, he just put the foot in the ground and cut up on the guy, broke his ankles. He looked real good. I’m proud of my boy Lenny, man. He went off."

Getting tough love from Arians has been one benefit, but learning from Tom Brady has gotten Fournette to playing to his talent.

RELATED Tom Brady believes he could play well into his 50s

"Trying to tell me what he likes, what he thinks the route should be, and I just follow him," said Fournette. "From being cut now to being a part of helping this organization and this team win, I’m going to start with that. And also, my coaches and my teammates trusting me, knowing and believing I can get the job done at the end of the day.

Fournette is running in the right direction and carrying the Bucs' ground game with him.