What Chris Johnson's Big Week 1 Performance Means for the New York Jets

There were too many penalties, missed opportunities and turnovers, but the New York Jets still managed to dominate the Oakland Raiders and win their Week 1 contest by a score of 19-14. 

Although a stingy performance by the defense was critical to the victory, it was the offense's ability to run the ball at will that allowed the Jets to control the game throughout. 

Gang Green racked up 212 rushing yards on just 34 carries, good for an astronomical 6.2 yards per carry. 

While Geno Smith and Chris Ivory were both major contributors in that effort, it was Chris Johnson's consistency at finding holes and carving up Oakland's front seven that really opened up the field. 

Johnson did benefit from great blocking by New York's offensive line, but he showcased superb vision, elite speed and surprising power. 

Simply put, Johnson looked revitalized in his new uniform. 

Although his longest run of the day was just 11 yards, the former 2,000-yard runner picked up chunks of yardage on seemingly every touch, and he ended the contest with 68 rushing yards on just 13 carries for a terrific 5.2 yards per carry. 

The three-time Pro Bowler also contributed heavily in the passing game, catching all five of his targets for 23 yards and a touchdown. 

New York hasn't had a running back who can serve as a pass-catching threat since LaDainian Tomlinson at the beginning of the Rex Ryan era, and it adds a needed extra dimension to the offense. 

However, can Johnson continue to perform at an elite level throughout the season? 

There's no reason why not. Johnson is still a couple years from hitting the dreaded 30-year-old mark, and he's yet to show any decline in his speed or elusiveness. 

The timeshare with Ivory, and to a lesser extent Bilal Powell, will also help keep the East Carolina product healthy and fresh throughout the year. 

The Jets also face a favorable schedule in terms of run defenses. None of the NFC North teams showed an ability to stop the run a year ago, and several of Gang Green's AFC opponents also struggled in that regard. 

In fact, in a quick look at the team's opponents over the next several weeks, only a couple defenses pose a real threat to halting Johnson's production. 

Opponent	NFL Rank in Yards Allowed	NFL Rank in Yards Allowed Per Carry
Packers	25th	29th
Lions	6th	20th
Bears	32nd	32nd
Chargers	12th	27th
Broncos	7th	10th
Patriots	30th	24th
Bills	28th	23rd
Chiefs	22nd	26th
Steelers	21st	21st
Dolphins	24th	18th
Vikings	16th	13th
Titans	20th	17th

The Packers ranked 25th in the league in rushing yards allowed and 29th in opponent yards per carry in 2013. 

The Bears were dead last in both categories, as the defense allowed a staggering 2,583 rushing yards and 5.3 yards per carry. 

The Jets' next two opponents, the Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers, weren't strong against the run either, giving up 4.2 and 4.6 yards per carry, respectively. 

In terms of divisional competitors, Johnson won't be facing any elite defensive fronts. The Dolphins ranked 24th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed, while the Bills placed 28th and the Patriots 30th. 

With decent blocking from the offensive line, the 28-year-old could be in for the most efficient season of his NFL career, save for his historic 2009 campaign. 

The Jets need Johnson to be terrific in order to make a playoff run. With a favorable schedule, another solid running back keeping him fresh and consistent blocking from the offensive line, the former first-round pick should be just that.