New York Jets: Shonn Greene Expected to Be the Lead Running Back in 2011

After a somewhat disappointing 2010 season, New York Jets running back Shonn Greene is going to be demanded a whole lot more entering the 2011 season. 

New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer told the New York Daily News that Greene is going to be the featured back in 2011:

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"“Shonn’s ready to take that next step...He’s just gotten better year in and year out. His durability this year was outstanding. You just see the confidence in his eyes. His ability to pick up pass protection stuff has been terrific the last couple years. We expect a breakout season from him. He’s a guy that’s got just huge, huge, huge potential that we think is right there ready for him to grab."

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Will Greene live up to expectations? Perhaps.

He'll need to improve his yards per-carry average if he wants to solidify himself as one of the league's top running backs.

In 2010, Greene received 185 touches and ran for a grand total of 766 yards with an average of 4.1 yards per-carry, while receiving the lesser of attempts with LaDainian Tomlinson.

No one expected to see Greene as the Jets' second running back, as Tomlinson is an aging veteran, but his development entering year two wasn't where it needed to be.

Greene definitely has the upside and potential, but it's just a matter of applying his talents on the field accordingly. He's a quick and shifty back that runs with a lot of steam, which makes him powerful and extremely difficult to bring down. 

In just two years in the league, Greene has only scored four touchdowns (twice in each season) while playing in a run-heavy New York Jets' offense—this definitely raises a red flag.

If Greene is projected to be such a solid and reliable running back in the NFL, why hasn't he produced much more in such a run-heavy offense? 

Greene has the faith and support from the Jets' coaching staff to take the role as the primary ball-carrier—he's just going to have to produce more and make the most of each and every carry.

This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa.