NFL New York Jets: 4 Reasons Why Shonn Greene Could Shine Elsewhere

Since coming into the league in 2009, Shonn Greene has been burdened with high expectations. This past season (2010) was supposed to be his year to take the starting job, and have major success with his 2009 5.0 Y/A.

Unfortunately, Greene was a disappointment in 2010, losing the job to LaDainian Tomlinson for the majority of the season.

Greene ended with 766 yards on the season, second to LT who had 914. Tomlinson also had a slightly higher average of 4.2 to Greene's 4.1 (a notable drop from 2009).

While Tomlinson recently stated that Greene is ready to take on the role of lead back, the disappointment so far leads to the question: Would Greene be better suited outside of New York?

Less Media Pressure

After attending Kirkwood Community College and Iowa University for his college experience, Greene was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2009 draft.

Coming from the midwestern media to New York is quite a drastic change, and may be affecting Greene negatively.

While Greene hasn't had any known off-the-field issues, a change in scenery may do him good in terms of media. A midwestern, smaller market, may be a better fit for Greene, where he can better focus on football.

Different Coaching Style

Nothing against Rex Ryan, but even his biggest fan must admit he has an especially aggressive coaching style. While he's proven himself to be a very able coach, and one that players generally love to play for, that style may not be the best for Greene.

Greene's coach at Iowa, Kirk Ferentz, was more of an offensive coach, and had a very different personality than Ryan.

Greene could be more comfortable under a head coach who is more offensive minded, and doesn't call as much attention to themselves and the team.

More Pass Support

While Mark Sanchez is a young, evolving quarterback, he doesn't exactly strike fear in the hearts of opposing defenses. The Jets were 22nd in passing yards per game in 2010, and 24th in passer rating.

While Greene benefited from having arguably the best offensive line in football, he still faced defenses who were largely preparing for the run, severely hindering his progress. It didn't help that Greene is a below average receiver, and has struggled in pass protection.

Still, with an elite quarterback at the helm, defenses would be less prone to stacking the box, allowing Greene more room to run.

A Chance to Be the Man

As Matt Williamson from ESPN states, "Greene is big and physical. He is built to take a pounding. He needs to be a volume runner to excel."

While in New York, Greene hasn't had the chance to take those volume carries. He has continually shared carries with LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe McKnight, Leon Washington or Thomas Jones.

It looks like this year may be when Greene finally takes the starting job; but he will still have Tomlinson, McKnight and 2011 draft pick Bilal Powell to share carries with.

Greene needs to take many more carries to get his rhythm, and a one-back system like Atlanta's may be a better fit for him.