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Who Should Stay and Who Should Go For New York Jets: Running Backs

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By @GregSulik

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When the New York Jets started the 2014 season, they were expecting to have one of the best ground games in the NFL behind the Thunder and Lightning pair of Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson. The Jets were right to an extent, as they finished 3rd in the league in rushing yards. However, they only ranked 17th in rushing touchdowns, and the run game was not able to carry the team to wins. Although this is a good backfield, there will likely be some turnover at the position in the offseason.

Ivory quickly established himself as the lead back, rushing 198 times for 821 yards and 6 touchdowns. Ivory’s impact as a receiver was a pleasant surprise as well, as he caught 18 passes for 123 yards and a score. That may not be impressive on the surface, but it’s pretty good for a guy who had five career receptions entering the season. Ivory is one of the few positive acquisitions that John Idzik made, and he will be back in the starting role next season. Look for him to finally get a chance to be a true workhorse, and whomever coaches the Jets next should have zero concerns about giving Ivory the ball at least 250 times next season.

Johnson did a solid job in his role, with 155 carries for 663 yards and one touchdown to go with 24 receptions for 151 yards and one score. Johnson’s performance as a receiver was actually a big disappointment, as the team thought he would be a big play threat and third down receiver out of the backfield. Those benefits never materialized for a number of reasons, and although Johnson can still play it is clear that he is nothing close to the explosive superstar he was with Tennessee Titans.

Johnson is under contract for next season for $5.25 million, though he would be just a $2 million dead money cap hit if the Jets release him. I expect that will happen, as Johnson voiced his displeasure with his limited role throughout the season. He still believes that he can be a lead back, and it makes sense for the Jets to save the money by releasing him and looking for a younger replacement.

Bilal Powell was reduced to the No. 3 role this season, rushing just 33 times for 141 yards and catching 11 passes for 92 yards. His presence as the pass protecting back on third down was very important, however, which kept him on the field. Powell is set to be an unrestricted free agent, and it will be interesting to see what happens. I believe the Jets should and will bring him back, as he is a valuable and well-rounded backup.

At fullback, Tommy Bohanon was having a solid season before being injured and replaced by John Connor. Their fate depends in large part on the new coach, as there are a few teams these days that don’t even carry fullbacks. Assuming the Jets want one on the roster, I expect both players to be in camp, with Bohanon as the clear favorite to make the roster.

Overall, this is one of the few position groups that was not a problem during the Jets’ 4-12 season. There will probably be some changes this offseason, but with Ivory leading the way the running backs are going to be part of the solution going forward.

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

Previously: Quarterbacks

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