The New York Jets having been trying to get their ground game going this offseason after having difficulties running the ball in recent years. The team signed Mike Goodson in the offseason with the idea that the he would be the primary running back and take pressure of the quarterback. Well, that idea did not pan out as Goodson was arrested on multiple charges. Now Chris Ivory, also signed in the offseason, hopes to be the new featured running back for the Jets.
As Goodson's legal process shakes out, Ivory is the most productive back on the Jets roster after spending time in a crowded backfield with the New Orleans Saints. He is ready to have a breakout year and prove that he can handle a larger workload.
"I was always going to have that opportunity. But it was just a tough situation over there. We all had our roles, just hard to fit four backs in a system. I think more carries will allow my full potential to show...You kind of have to accept sharing the ball," Ivory said.
The running back spent three years in New Orleans, sharing the run game with Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas. In those three seasons, he totaled just 256 carriers, averaging 5.1 yards per rush. He had his best year in his rookie season, running for 716 yards and five touchdowns. The depth chart was crowded. Now, after the Jets picked him up via trade, Ivory has the chance to be in the spotlight.
New York's starting running back last season, Shonn Greene left for the Tennessee Titans early in the offseason. This leaves Goodson and Ivory as the two most accomplished backs along with Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight. Goodson is likely on his way out of New York. He was arrested on multiple drug and weapons charges that could land him in jail. The Jets are waiting for the legal system to do its work before deciding on Goodson's future, but it is assumed he will likely be released from the team.
This will leave Powell and McKnight as the lone competition. Powell was a second-year player 2012, rushing for 110 yards and four touchdowns. McKnight has three seasons with the Jets under his belt. He rushed for 179 yards last season and zero touchdowns.
