Why Shonn Greene, Ground 'N Pound Is Key to Jets' 2012 Playoff Hopes

New York Jets  quarterback Mark Sanchez threw for 82 yards and won. 

Imagine that. 

He was 11-of-18 through the air, averaged 4.6 yards per attempt and finished the game with a 109 QB rating. 

You know what that means—it means the Jets implemented their famed ground-and-pound rushing attack and made it the focal point of their offense. 

Shonn Greene, a guy who averaged an absolutely pedestrian 2.8 yards per rush heading into the Week 6 clash with the Indianapolis Colts, ran for 161 yards on 32 carries and scored three touchdowns on the ground—precisely the type of game Rex Ryan envisioned the powerful runner frequently having in 2012. 

While Greene is clearly not overly explosive, he is, currently, the best running option for the Jets. 

And with him, the ground-and-pound offense is the attack most conducive to success for Gang Green. 

It's not even that Mark Sanchez is totally inept as a passer—he is relatively inaccurate compared to the rest of the signal-callers in the NFL, but can make plays— it's the fact that New York's roster is significantly lacking in receiving talent and Sanchez struggles with consistency. 

The offensive line, when fully healthy, can be devastating, as we saw on Sunday. 

Sure, it helps when the defense plays better and the Jets offense can run the ball with a lead, but either way, the establishment of the run has to be priority No. 1 for Gang Green. 

Though Greene isn't a dynamic runner, he has experience in New York's scheme and, theoretically, the size to be the feature back in the ground-and-pound offense of which Ryan has always dreamed.  

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