McNight was NEVER the answer as a RB for the Jets. He's a 3rd down back running against teams stacked against the pass, yet only had a 3.1ypc average. That's worse than horrible. No the Jets best chance for a back up lies with either Powell or Gannaway, neither have any NFL experience but at least they aren't proven failures like McNight. That being said, it makes perfect sense for the Jets to go ground and pound for 2 major reasons. They have a QB with accuracy and decision making problems. and WR's who are short of either heart, health or experience. Secondly it looks like the rest of the league is going to speedier, smaller DLmen to create pass rush, to combat a passing game that the Jets don't have anyways. So running the ball down their throats is a perfect strategy. Sanchez is best when he is throwing from play action. The fewer throws he makes limits his opportunities to make the big mistake. Thus running the ball consistently will take time off the clock, make throwing the ball easier when you do throw, and lessen the number of potential turn overs. Its the smart thing to do. Keep Sanchez under 25 throws per game and the more likely it is that you will win. The key problem I see for the Jets even with this strategy is the lack of a single true blocking TE who is also a legit passing threat, let alone 2. Cumby is a Keller clone and, from what I hear, the Aussie experiment isn't working out all that well. The Jets badly need an Anthony Fassano type TE to go along with Keller. It would make running the ball much easier.
It's not the YPC that concerns the most. Some of that blame goes to play calling, and some to play design and some to snap decision of the QB at the LoS. What's really troubling is the fumble problem McKnight has. If he can't protect the football, he is worth less than useless as a running back. (1) You speak like Tom Brady would have thrived under Schottenheimer's guidance. Good fucking riddance. Name ONE QB that actually reached his peak under Schottenheimer's guidance. I can count at least two QBs that hit their career's rock bottom under his guidance instead. (2) Know the roots of the offensive system that was born in YOUR hometown, for crying out loud. It is the elements at work - you can't go pass-happy and expect to win a lot of games, come the chilling winter of Northeast. Jets do not play in a dome, so Sparano's installation as OC in fact makes perfect sense - it remains to be seen whether this hiring will turn out to be a successful one or not, but at least the logic behind it makes sense. Say the same thing to Sam Bradford at the season's end - only Bradford won't have the protection or running attack to bail him out. INCOMING: DEER IN HEADLIGHT! Emmitt Smith relied so heavily on the blocking prowess of Jay Novacek, right? Yeah, I am impressed by your rock-solid logic.
I disagree. Since most QBs are right-handed, most teams tend to be "right handed" as well, and like to run to mostly to the right side of the OL, over the RG and RT. If the Jets were serious about being a running team, they would have grabbed Dave DeCastro, a likely Pro Bowl RG for the next decade, in the draft. Then, they would have drafted an OT to replace Wayne Hunter sooner rather than later. Since they did neither and will go with the same OL and the same RB who got them ranked 25th in rushing in 2011, I'm skeptical that they will find success with the "ground and pound". Wanting to be a run-first team doesn't translate into being a successful run-first team unless you have the personnel, and I don't think the Jets do.
He talks the talk, but I think most fans in Miami would say he doesn't walk the walk on accommodating his players' strengths. Say, Bradford has a significantly better year than last season and the Jests offense stinks it up? I'm sure it will still all be Schottenheimer's fault. :rofl: You actually compare Shonn Greene to Emmitt Smith??? :lol: Seriously???
