Counting carries AND receptions, LT is on pace for his 2nd lowest total of his career, trailing only 2009. Given that he was injured most of last year and says he's as healthy as he's ever been, he should be able to easily handle the workload he's been given. The team has used him perfectly thus far, and if McKnight keeps improving, they may even be able to bring him down a couple of carries per game. I would tend to doubt they change anything, though. Greene and McKnight are getting an ideal number of carries to stay healthy and contribute.
Obviously not "bitchin" about our running game as we just rushed for over 250 yards yesterday Im just worried that at the end of the year we will have more to worry about it then we do right now. We have 2 backs with bad injury histories and one of them is in his early 30s. Thats what Im worried about. I was hoping Mcknight would be able to take some carries but he hasnt exactly worked out to be what we hoped originally.
I'm not to a point of criticism for coaching staff, but I am a bit concerned about LT getting beat up as the season goes on. If they get in position late in the year where the division/playoffs are wrapped up I think it'd be beneficial to lay off LT for the last 2 games or so to ensure he's at full capacity come play off time. Greene is playing a little tentative right now, as it appears that fumble week one is in his head. He's been productive for the most part, but I don't see him showing that same aggressive burst at the second level he displayed last year. I see a guy fighting to get to the second level,but then becomming passive in attaining further yardage to ensure ball security. I believe he'll work his way out of this,especially as the Ol continues to improve. With that said, It's hard to argue against riding the hot hand LT has in the meantime.
Well there is always a chance one or both of them will get dinged up eventually. I'm not a fan of holding them back just for that reason. I mean, anytime you generally go out to play it safe - something happens. Like its Murphy's Law or something. You run em, and use them best you can. Let the chips fall as they will. I think if we are lucky, McKnight will be more ready by the end of the season if he gets spot work all along... of course I'm not gonna hold my breath on that one.
There really is no pleasing Jet fans. If Shonn got 30 touches and LT got 12 people would be bitching in a few years about how we put too much mileage on Shonn when we didn't have to.
You have to also remember that they have LT in for a majority of their passing plays, so even when he isn't getting touches he's running routes or having to block some big players physical players. I would say they will probably need to lighten his load a little as the season wears along, but for now we need to get out to a good start and it looks like he is giving us the best chance to win. I would start letting him spend some more time on the sideline after the Packers game. It would be great to have Chauncey Washington to put in there for garbage time carries because we really don't need Greene getting needlessly beat up, but hopefully McKnight as able to get some valuable experience late in some games.
Did you read Iggy's post above? He's right on the money, currently LT is averaging 17 touches a game including receptions. 17 x 16 = 272 Also as Iggy mentioned that would be lower then just his rush attempts alone in 08, in 09 he was very limited and only played in 14 games and had a total 243 touches. LT said it himself he feels like he did in 07, and he had 375 total touches that year. I think for now everyone needs to stop worrying so damn much. I understand it's in a Jets fans nature to think the worst but just picture LT as being healthy all year long. Why worry about it?
Just because he feels like he did in 07 doesnt mean he is exactly the same now as he was then. Hes still 3 years older. And its not like I started this thread complaining It was more asking whether this is a legit concern because we are very dependent on our run game still and with Greene and LTs injury troubles in the past and our lack of depth at the position makes me nervous.
Again, I'm not freaking out or anything like that. For the time being I'm fine w/ the number of carries LT is getting. All I'm saying is that it is a situation that bares watching as the regular season goes on. Lt may have most of the skills many questioned prior to this season...but he is still a 31 year old running back, and 31 year old running backs can wear down alot faster than 22 year old running backs. He obviously is capable of carrying us through the playoffs based on what I've seen thus far this season. All I'm suggesting is that we ensure he is at full strength if/when the playoffs become inevitable.
Right, but I think that's kind of the point? It's more critical that Greene is healthier in the playoffs as he's probably more capable of getting 'hard' yards. I know this is a different offence, but the Colts game went to pieces last year at least in part due to Greene getting hurt. I am totally fine with LT getting the carries he's getting.
I'm with the OP. I'd certainly like LT to be strong in the playoffs. (I feel like an ass talking abotu the Playoffs at 3-1).
They are doing it just fine, considering that many thought he was done as a starter and eating crow now, the Jets saw what he is capable of and unlike the years with Herm running Curtis to the ground, LT is getting very very light work And unlike the days in San Diego we for the most part have been working on getting him in space instead of in between the tackles which should preserve LT even more.
