Jets master plan is running back by committee

Brian Lewis, New York Post:

RBs Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell are listed as even atop the depth chart, and they might stay there for a while, with Ryan saying he expects to use a running back-by-committee. When you have Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell, I think that’s a pretty safe bet,’’ Ryan said. “[It’s] different than … ’09 when Thomas [Jones] clearly ended up being the guy that took the majority of the things.

It would be hard to believe that a running back who rushed for 2,000 yards in one NFL season would be part of a three team RB committee. The 4.24 40 yard dash speed may not be there, but a committee?

Chris Johnson spent the first six seasons with the Tennessee Titans compiling quite a resume with 4.6 yards per carry. A fresh start with the New York Jets has him even on the depth charts with Chris Ivory and Balil Powell. And the Brooklyn Bridge is for sale.

Chris Ivory spent his first three seasons with the New Orleans Saints and is used to being low on the depth charts. He was behind Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram with the Saints but will continue his goal line duties with the Jets. He won’t be on the field between the 20’s. It is a miracle that Chris has made it to the NFL having attended Tiffin College in Ohio, a Division II School. He is their only representative in the NFL.

The 4th year running back from University of Louisville, Balil Powell has made steady improvement. He had 176 carries in 2013 with a solid 4.0 average. He basically split the bulk of the rushing carries with Chris Ivory. For him to see his rushing totals continue, he is going to need a CJ2K collapse.

It makes for a nice story with three backs splitting time, and everybody remaining happy. These aren't the 1974 Miami Dolphins of Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick and Mercury Morris.

Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.

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