Jets vs. Broncos: Joe McKnight Must Start vs. Bills Instead of Shonn Greene

The New York Jets are a complete failure when it comes to running the football this year. They have struggled in establishing any sort of running game, which in Rex Ryan’s coaching tenure with the Jets, has been one of the pillars to his coaching philosophy. 

Through nine games this year Shonn Greene has failed as the Jets running back. Greene only has one game where he rushed for over 100 yards. He has two games where he has scored from a rushing play while failing to average more than 4 yards per gain. 

That failure to gain more than 4 yards per carry has Greene ranked 36th among his fellow running backs. Greene’s yard total in nine games this year is an an okay 573. However, it isn’t like the Jets aren’t giving him chances to have success this year. He is in the top 10 among running backs in rushing attempts with 148. 

According to Bob Glauber, after last night’s game against the Denver Broncos, Greene had his ribs X-rayed for a possible break. Now, the X-rays came back negative and he expects to play. 

Good news for Greene, as having some broken ribs is very painful. Bad news for the Jets as he will expect to continue on as the starter. 

It’s why the Jets have to pull the plug on Greene as the starter. He has gotten nine games to show that he cannot do anything this year. 

With the benching of Greene, the Jets could turn to LaDainian Tomlinson. Although, this late in Tomlinson’s career, he is no longer a running back that can be turned to as a starter. Plus Tomlinson is dealing with injuries. He was kept out of the game against the Broncos with a knee injury. So he cannot be looked upon to save this Jets team. 

That leaves one running back that the Jets need to look at to save this running game. They have to turn to Joe McKnight, who has been excellent in the return game. This year he already has a special teams touchdown. 

Last night when the Jets needed someone to move the ball, it was McKnight who led the charge against the Broncos. He led the rushing attack with 59 yards on 16 carries good for a 3.7 yards per carry. 

As the Jets head into their final stretch of games they have to find some form of a running game. They have to move away from the person who has failed to get it done, while moving to someone new. 

After last night’s loss to the Broncos their season isn’t over. They can turn it around and McKnight may just be the savior the Jets need.

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