New York Jets Training Camp Preview: Running Back

As July comes near an end, NFL football moves closer and closer. In the coming days, NFL training camps will begin as teams will begin preparing for the 2015 season. For teams like the New York Jets, training camp will be extremely important as they have a new regime in place with Todd Bowles replacing Rex Ryan as head coach. The Jets are also starting to get some expectations, as they made some big upgrades to their roster, adding weapons offensively and bringing back some familiar faces on the defensive side of the ball. All of this has caused some optimism for Gang Green, making them a team to keep an eye on throughout training camp.

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While there may not be many training camp battles per say, there are still plenty of things to keep an eye on. Here at Empire Writes Back we have you covered, as we will give a position by position, or unit by unit, preview leading up to training camp beginning July 29th in Florham Park, New Jersey. The second position we will be taking a look at will be running back.

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Current Depth Chart:

Starters: Chris Ivory, Tommy Bohanon
Third Down Back: Bilal Powell
Backups: Stevan Ridley, Zac Stacy, Daryl Richardson

This group doesn’t have a true lead back, but the sum of all it’s parts could be pretty successful. Ivory is the closest thing the Jets have to a true No.1 back, and he deserves that distinction. Despite limited touches, as he has never surpassed 200 carries in his career, Ivory is very productive with his touches.

Ivory received a career-high 198 carries last season, rushing for 821 yards, averaging a career-low 4.1 yards per carry. But, he did rush for a career-high six touchdowns, and, according to analytics, Ivory was actually more productive last season than in 2013 when he averaged 4.6 yards per carry. He also became more involved in the passing game last season, catching 18 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown.

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Ivory will not be asked to do much in the passing game other than early down check down work, as that role belongs to Bilal Powell. Powell has been the Jets’ third-down back for the past three seasons, and it is something he does well. His numbers were diminished last season because of Chris Johnson being on the roster, but he is the unquestioned third-down back this season.

He is the best pass protector the Jets have currently on their roster of running backs, and is the most well equipped receiver; he has 65 receptions in his career, while Ivory, Ridley, Stacy and Richardson have combined for 128 in their careers combined. With the new coaching staff looking to become more balanced, Powell could see an even bigger role as the Jets’ offensive line has begun to wane in production in recent years.

Bohanon’s roster spot is pretty much set. He will be the fullback whenever the Jets need one, and he doesn’t have any competition currently on the roster. Fullbacks have never been a huge part of Chan Gailey’s offense, but he should stick around. Richardson didn’t compile a stat in the NFL last season, and should be considered a longshot for the roster right now. He has a chance to sneak in because his receiving ability trumps Ivory, Ridley and Stacy, but can the Jets really afford to carry two passing backs and potentially five running backs and fullbacks in total?

Oct 5, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) reacts after scoring against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

As for Ridley and Stacy, the Jets have two guys that have been No.1 rushers in their careers. Ridley rushed for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2012, as he looked like a breakout candidate. But, fumbling woes in 2013 and then knee surgery cut his 2014 short. Stacy rushed for 973 yards in 14 games in 2013, but was nowhere near as effective in 2014. The Jets are hoping at least one of those two can bounce back, because they will need it.

The combination of Ivory and Powell will not be enough to keep the Jets near the top of the NFL in rushing; they will need production from Ridley or Stacy. Right now, it looks as if Stacy has the upper hand because he is healthy and able to play. Ridley is only eight months removed from knee surgery, and could start training camp on the physically unable to play list. If that happens, he will be behind the eight-ball as the Jets can save some money as Ridley only gets paid if he makes the final 53-man roster and is active on game day.

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While the coaching staff envisions a more balanced offense, the running game will still be very important. If they can run the ball well, they will be able to take pressure off of Geno Smith, which should only help him progress. This group is arguably the biggest training camp battle for the Jets this season, as Ridley and Stacy will battle it out behind Ivory for backup reps, and eventually push him for closer to a timeshare as the summer and training camp wanes on.

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