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New York Jets’ Backfield Lacks Clarity Again

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By @GregSulik

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John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Just when you thought the New York Jets‘ running back situation had been figured out, it got plunged back into confusion yet again. Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson were supposed to be a 50/50 tandem at the start of the season, but Ivory clearly outperformed Johnson and emerged at the lead back. With the addition of Percy Harvin and the use of Bilal Powell as the pass protecting back, it was thought that Johnson could be forced to the sidelines.

However, Johnson continued his recent up and down play with a big up against the Kansas City Chiefs, rushing 11 times for a season high 69 yards and catching two passes for a season high 32 yards. Johnson’s carries totals over the last four games read 3, 13, 3, 11, showing how inconsistent his use has been. However, on a day where Ivory managed just 8 carries for 22 yards, Johnson managed to find gaps in the defense and show flashes of his big play ability.

In fairness, this was the first game all season in which Johnson outplayed Ivory. That being said, he was given double digit carries for just the second time in the last six games while coming off a week in which he made no secret of his displeasure with his role in the offense. The fact that he responded well means that the Jets have to consider getting him more touches going forward, re-starting the dilemma on how to split carries in the backfield.

Given that Ivory has clearly been the better player all season, he should certainly remain the starter and get the majority of the carries. However, moving back towards the early season strategy of giving Johnson more carries as a change of pace could be on the cards for the Jets. The passing attack looked a little better with Michael Vick at the helm, and if the Jets can continue to have a strong rushing attack they could finally find some balance and productivity in their offense. Using Johnson more frequently as a receiver out of the backfield and change of pace back could help keep defenses off balance and open up other opportunities.

It will be interesting to see how the Jets use Ivory and Johnson next week, and expect to see more balance between the two. Ivory should still be the workhorse, but Johnson proved against the Chiefs that he is still worthy of getting his share of touches.

Greg Sulik is a New York Jets writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @GregSulik or add him to your network on Google

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