The New York Jets‘ offensive struggles throughout their 2-8 season have been well documented, but the running back position has been one of the few that doesn’t deserve much blame. The Jets rank 3rd in the NFL in rush yards per game and are tied for 9th in rushing touchdowns. There has still been some drama at the position, but overall the Jets have to be pretty satisfied.
It didn’t take long for Chris Ivory to emerge as the lead back in the Jets’ rotation, and he has rushed 123 times for 548 yards (4.5 YPC) and 5 touchdowns while only fumbling once. Ivory has also been a pleasant surprise as a receiver, catching 12 balls for 120 yards (he had five career receptions entering the season).
Chris Johnson has not had as big a role as many expected this season, but he has still contributed in a change of pace role. Johnson has 85 carries for 360 yards (4.2 YPC), one TD, and one fumble while catching 17 passes for 116 yards and a score. His usage has decreased as the season has gone on, as he set his season high for touches in Week 1 and has only received double digit carries twice in the last seven games after hitting the mark in each of the first three contests. It will be interesting to see how the carries break down as the season goes on, as it could affect whether or not Johnson is retained next season.
Bilal Powell has seen his work as a ball carrier decrease dramatically, recording 22 carries for 102 yards (4.6 YPC) and 1 touchdown to go with 5 catches for 50 yards. However, Powell still has a key role as a pass blocker in third down situations, something that keeps him on the field and valuable to the Jets. Powell is the type of solid reserve every team needs, even if he isn’t going to put up numbers.
Finally, the fullback tandem of Tommy Bohanon and John Connor has been solid in what they are asked to do. Bohanon only had one rush for three yards and two receptions for 30 yards before getting injured, and Connor hasn’t yet touched the ball since his return to the team. The Jets use their fullbacks strictly as lead blockers, though even that usage is pretty limited.
Overall, there is very little to complain about at the running back position thus far. Johnson may be disappointed in his role, but he has still be solid when called upon and is beneficial to the Jets even if he doesn’t like the amount of touches he’s getting. Ivory has been very good, and it’s not hard to image him being among the NFL’s leading rushers if he got 20 carries a game. The grades for this position are strong at the bye week, and although the Jets have many problems, their backfield isn’t one of them.
Final Grades:
Chris Ivory: A-
Chris Johnson: B-
Bilal Powell: B
Tommy Bohanon/John Connor: B-
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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