The Jets wasted no time in fully solidifying their running back depth chart this offseason, bringing back Bilal Powell while signing Matt Forte and Khiry Robinson away from the Bears and Saints.With a decent chunk of change invested in the running back position, what is Chan Gailey’s plan to do with the talented, versatile trio? Let’s take a look.
1) Multi-back sets
While it would be surprising if the Jets trotted out all three of their backs on the field in a diamond formation, two could be on the field frequently. Having two dangerous ball carriers in the back field helps create misdirection, which Chip Kelly had often utilized while at Oregon :
The linebackers bite on the outside run while the interior offensive line opens up a perfect lane for the ball carrier to get to the second level of the field.This style of rushing attack can also eventually open up one on one match ups on the outside (which both Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker dominated last season) by forcing an extra safety into the box.Quincy Enunwa’s value increases with the usage of this formation, as he would serve as a vital lead blocker and short range target off of play action.
2) Passing game
Sure, it might be obvious to state running backs get involved in the passing attack, but the Jets addition of Forte brings a legitimate 3rd receiving target. Quincy Enunwa and Kenbrell Thompkins flashed when given targets, but the reliability of Forte could invaluable in an offense that will not over rely on the quarterback to make big plays.Chan Gailey loves to get his interior line out in front in the screen game and with a trio of pass catchers in the back field, expect plays like the ones below to become a staple in the Jets offense :
3) Red zone versatility
While still effective, the Jets red zone rushing attack became a bit predictable with Chris Ivory as the work horse. When on the field, they forced inside carries or ran play action.
While the new trio does not pack the same inside punch as Ivory, their versatility will force the opposition to account for a wider range of plays :
Between Forte’s creative route running, Powell’s explosiveness and familiarity in the offense, and Khiry Robinson’s violent running style, the Jets new backfield has a lot of promise. With some creativity under Chan Gailey (who is coming off of a very impressive debut season in New York), it could be a big year for the new rushing attack.
1) Multi-back sets
While it would be surprising if the Jets trotted out all three of their backs on the field in a diamond formation, two could be on the field frequently. Having two dangerous ball carriers in the back field helps create misdirection, which Chip Kelly had often utilized while at Oregon :
2) Passing game
Sure, it might be obvious to state running backs get involved in the passing attack, but the Jets addition of Forte brings a legitimate 3rd receiving target. Quincy Enunwa and Kenbrell Thompkins flashed when given targets, but the reliability of Forte could invaluable in an offense that will not over rely on the quarterback to make big plays.Chan Gailey loves to get his interior line out in front in the screen game and with a trio of pass catchers in the back field, expect plays like the ones below to become a staple in the Jets offense :
While still effective, the Jets red zone rushing attack became a bit predictable with Chris Ivory as the work horse. When on the field, they forced inside carries or ran play action.
While the new trio does not pack the same inside punch as Ivory, their versatility will force the opposition to account for a wider range of plays :
Between Forte’s creative route running, Powell’s explosiveness and familiarity in the offense, and Khiry Robinson’s violent running style, the Jets new backfield has a lot of promise. With some creativity under Chan Gailey (who is coming off of a very impressive debut season in New York), it could be a big year for the new rushing attack.
