Positional Analysis: Running Backs

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Positional analysis: Running backs

January, 18, 2012

Jan 18

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By Rich Cimini

This is part two in a nine-part view of 2011, a position-by-position analysis:

Position: Running back

Overall grade (on a scale of 1 to 10): 7.5

Depth chart: RB Shonn Greene (15 starts/578 plays), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (1/424), FB John Conner (8/378), RB Joe McKnight (0/112), RB Bilal Powell (0/27).

2011 headline: Too little, too late.

Gold star: N/A

Disappointing: Conner.

Stat check: The Jets finished 22nd in rushing offense even though they faced nine of the 13 lowest-ranked rushing defenses (total of 11 games).

Analysis: Greene, named the "bell cow" (Rex Ryan's words) before the season, took forever to get going. He was borderline dreadful over the first six games, demonstrating none of the special qualities that marked the fabulous finish to his rookie season in 2009. He ended up rushing for 1,054 yards, thanks to an impressive 4.6 per-carry average over the second half. There were very few "wow" moments for Greene, whose longest run was only 31 yards.

No doubt, Greene was hurt by the struggles of the line, but he wasn't able to make yards on his own. He averaged only 2.0 yards-after-contact, 30th in the league. On rushing inside the 3, he scored on only three of seven attempts -- disappointing for a power back. Truth be told, QB Mark Sanchez was their most effective goal-line runner. Greene helped himself with a reasonably strong finish, but you have to figure he'll have some competition in 2012. He might be a co-cow.

Tomlinson, who willingly accepted his reduced role, more than held his own as the third-down back. He averaged 10.7 yards per catch and finished with 395 yards-after-catch, 27th in the league among all players -- not bad for a Hall of Fame-bound antique. As a runner, he clearly lost a step, flashing his trademark elusiveness only on rare occasions. But he looked fantastic in the final game, so go figure ... Conner, hyped by Ryan as the next great fullback, was hardly an impact player in his first season as a starter. He wasn't used much early because of the one-back offense and he never seemed to catch up. It was a learning experience ... McKnight displayed tremendous athleticism, but he was undisciplined at times, ignoring his reads.

2012 free agents: Tomlinson (UFA).

On the bubble: N/A

Note: Play counts from Pro Football Focus.