OBJ vs. Ramsey leads list of Week 1 matchups for New York Giants
By Henry Buggy
Alec Ogletree & B.J. Goodson vs. Leonard Fournette
The New York Giants run defense starts up front with Damon Harrison, Dalvin Tomlinson, and B.J. Hill, but it’s Big Blue’s inside linebackers who will often find themselves in one-on-one matchups with Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette.
Jacksonville’s second-year running back is a bulldozer with top end speed in the open field, making it Alec Ogletree’s and B.J Goodson’s responsibility to slow him down. The Jaguars posted the league’s best rushing attack last season, and Fournette finished with the eighth most rushing yards (1,040) in the NFL, according to Pro Football Reference.
The 6-foot, 228-pound running back can also make plays out the backfield as a receiver. That’s something that likely concerns Giants fans given Ogletree’s play in pass coverage this preseason. Fournette will undoubtedly get his touches and will have an impact on Sunday’s game.
It’s about limiting his chances when the ball is in his hands and not allowing the big play. Harrison, Tomlinson, and Hill will look to clog the running lanes and make it difficult for Fournette to find space, but it’s Goodson’s and Ogletree’s jobs to wrap him up when he does get past the line of scrimmage. Arm tackles won’t cut it on Jacksonville’s bruising tailback.