Rookie has the explosion and one-cut ability to produce vs. Chargers. Matt Bowen
I don’t expect the game plan from Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to change this Sunday when New York travels to San Diego to take on the Chargers.
What we saw in the last two wins over the Bengals is New York Jets football as we know it now. QB Mark Sanchez is responsible for three routes: the 3-step slant, the 9-route down the field to WR Braylon Edwards and the movement routes — such as the boot and the play-action game.
It’s simple and it’s effective because the Jets can run the ball so efficiently and with production.
But it’s time for rookie Shonn Greene to become the feature attraction in the Jets backfield. I’m not trying to take away anything from Thomas Jones, who can move the sticks, but from my perspective Greene looks fresher and more explosive when he gets to the second level, and his vision out of the backfield reminds me of veteran running backs.
Even trying to put my bias aside for a fellow Iowa Hawkeye, I think Greene’s production — on a playoff stage — speaks for itself.
Against the Bengals, Greene carried the ball 21 times for 135 yards, including a 39-yard TD run on a flip pitch that showed us the difference between running a 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and running in pads on the field.
However, outside of that one run, it was obvious from my perspective that Greene was hitting the hole with more explosion, and once he did get to the second level, he kept his pads low and finished runs. I’ve talked about top NFL backs being “one-cut” runners — as in, they take a handoff, make one cut and get downhill. They don’t dance, and they don’t waste time making a decision with the football in their hands. The Vikings’ Adrian Peterson is a “one-cut” runner as was the Titans’ Chris Johnson this season.
Greene was that on wild-card weekend. And if I’m Schottenheimer, I use him as a first option out of the backfield Sunday in the power game that the Jets have installed since day one of training camp.
Yes, Jones without a doubt will still be a factor if the Jets are going to pull the upset. Good running teams need to have a balance and need to have fresh legs in the backfield, but that still doesn’t discount the fact that I would rely on Greene to get me the most production out of the game plan.
Ride the rookie and don’t change what’s worked if you are the Jets. A simple passing scheme, take one chance per half down the field with Edwards and continue to rely on the ability of the running backs.
Just use Greene as the feature back.
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This kid was a steal in the 3rd round. I can see Greene getting 25 carries and Jones getting close to 15. Only way to keep the ball out of Rivers' hands.
Your fellow Hawkeye did me righteous last week and won me some cash but they don't have enough firepower to take down the Bolts on their home field, not gonna' happen.
Mr. Bowen, are you sure you're not confusing football with foosball or soccer? I'm at a loss as to why you write about this sport of which you appear to have no knowledge. Perhaps you should try some other vocation, such as ventriliquism. I wish you luck in your future sir.
Fabio- You are an idiot.
Please, send us your write ups on the Jets running game, game plan, the routes Sanchez runs, etc. Go to some other message board and stop wasting our time.
Everyone has some balls when they are behind a computer screen.
I second the statement on Fabio. Hey dude, go over to ESPN and read about the Patriots and the Cowboys, and Favre. That is all you get from those fools. I come here everyday to read about football and the X's and O's.
Which you have no clue about. And, if you are going to leave a stupid comment, at least give us an argument jack ass.
Simply constructive criticism sirs.
Makes me laugh when people take shots at a guy's football knowledge when the guy is being paid to write about football. lol. But yeah, Greene was good in the Cincy game. Benson really blew me away with his game as well
Fabio, "constructive?"
You didn't offer any advice. What are you talking about? Go home.
You called it Matt...great prediction.
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Jan 14, 2010
03:24 PM
This kid was a steal in the 3rd round. I can see Greene getting 25 carries and Jones getting close to 15. Only way to keep the ball out of Rivers' hands.