2011 Starter: Shonn Greene – 3rd Year: Shonn showed his power and explosiveness in limited time this preseason. Rex said that he improved his pass catching this off season, and while he did make more catches this preseason, he did drop a few that he shouldn't have, that part of his game is still a work in progress. He should receive the lions share of the caries this season, but will be relieved on 3rd downs by LT. I would also expect to see him rested on a few series a game by McKnight or Powell in order to try and keep him healthy and fresh for a playoff run. I doubt that Greene will come close to leading the league in touches. His pounding running style has lead to him getting dinged up, which he doesn't seem to be able to play through. Quality depth behind him and limiting his work load is going to be a key to the season. 2011 Backups: LaDainian Tomlinson – 11th Year: LT is coming into the season as the teams 3rd down back, He did not show much explosiveness during the preseason. He still has value a a leader in the locker room and is a good receiver and blocker in pass protection. He took a pay-cut to remain with the team, but I wouldn't be surprised to see his role diminish during the season and his role being over taken by a more explosive Joe McKnight. Joe McKnight – 2nd Year: Joe looks to have taken a large jump from last season. He looked explosive in the preseason and ran the ball well behind a poor 2nd team O-Line (with exception of the last game). He did put the ball on the ground once, but seems to have got back into the coaches favor and appears to be the 3rd running back on the depth chart going into the season. He will be battling with Power to be active for the games, the better special team player will stay on the active roster. McKnight will also serve as the teams back-up punt and kick returner which gives him added value. Given his explosiveness, something hard to find on the Jets roster, I can see his role on the team growing as the season wears on. Bilal Powell - Rookie: Surprise 4th round draft pick of the 2011 draft, seems to be in a similar mold to Shawn Greene, but a more polished blocker and receiver. Powell's strengths - thickly built with a low center of gravity. Finds running lanes quickly, waits to set up his blocks, and can plant and explode through holes. Very elusive in the open field and flashes the ability to get big chunks of yards after the catch. Aggressive and a very capable blocker in pass protection. Powell's weaknesses - Does not have the speed to consistently get around the edge and will not separate in the second level. Not the strongest runner and will not be able to push the pile in short yardage situations or tally yards after contact. Powell will have a hard time staying on the active roster, he will need to show some value on Special teams. If Greene misses any games, Powell will more than likely be his replacements since their running styles are similar. His value is going to be greater next season when LT is no longer with the club. 2011 Outlook: Our running game should be strong again next season if Greene is our feature back. I envision that Greene will get the bulks of the snaps. LT will start the season as the 3rd down back, and look for McKnight to take over that role as the season wears on if LT should not be productive. Powell will mostly sit and learn and be ready to contribute next season if not sooner.With young stallions like Greene, McKnight and Powell on the roster, this group could combine for a great three headed running back tandem for years to come.
Here's what's fascinating, how anyone thought the jets would go into pgh and win by, and I quote idiot jets fan "by double digits"...how did that work out??
Split LT and Greene this year, but it's gotta be full-time Greene now. Split LT and McKnight next season. Have LT teach McKnight so we can phase out LT and in 2012 it's Greene and McKnight. I think we're set at this position for a while.
Every fanbase has retards. Don't Troll us, Bro. I'm excited to see what Shonn can bring next season. He's powerful and can run right through blocks and that can wear down a defense big time as the game goes on, so McKnight and LT can make cuts and work the outside. It would also give Sanchez more time in the pocket late in games. This is only if they decide to use him as the #1 back, though.
we need a Bettis like back......a monster 275 lb back thats just makes defenses give up ..that be ground and pound
LT brings a lot to the table(leadership, mentorship, run blocking, a nose for the firstdown/endzone, pass catching), he should be kept. Greene needs to be the main guy though, that is certain.
no, we don't. Ground and pound isn't predicated on a giant running back. Its predicated on an awesome OL and RBs who can get to the 2nd level. Greene is the perfect bruiser in this system.
Greene needs to take a step up next year though. He needs to step up and win the main starting job from the start.
His fumbling hurt him early on which is a big reason why LT saw so many carries. It seemed like he got it together around the end of the season and through the playoffs so I really dont see how Greene doesn't take the majority of carries this season.
We said that last year. He is entering his 3rd year, and LT seems to be on his last legs, so hopefully that shift happens soon. Either way, Greene went from 5 ypc to 4.1 ypc this year, so that is cause for concern. I still have a lot of faith in Greene as the feature back, but he's still got a fair amount to prove and this next season will be a big one for him.
So I guess 1 or 2 jets fans speak for the whole fanbase? Thats a funny one but its probably not funnier then the shit stains you left on your couch or the near heart attack you had before Rapistberger came to the rescue with his "big time" 3 yard pass. You almost gave up "DOUBLE DIGIT" lead.. have fun gettin bent over with no lube by Aaron Rodgers
Bandwagon fan alert. Real Steeler fans don't act like this, they've been there before. When you lose you'll just have a worse draft pick and it'll hurt that much more. Btw, we did go in and win, we just chose the wrong week to do so. Good luck with "your" Yankee season.
imo, he outplayed LT for a majority of the season ... the coaching staff seemed like they were just in love with LT for some reason
Because he doesn't have limitations in the passing game and he won't tip the defense to what the Jets are going to do in terms of run or pass. That's why he was 1A
Greene's gotten better as a pass blocker, and I thought he was a pretty decent pass blocker to start with. He made a key pass block in the red zone last year against the Chargers when Sanchez hit Keller for that TD.
greene started off slow in the passing game but he came along really well both catching and pass blocking ... unless the play called for a wheel route or the rb flexing out wide greene could have handled the duties
