New York Jets running backs coach Anthony Lynn said Monday that short-yardage backs don't necessarily have to be of the power variety, because “some guys have that unique ability to get skinny in a hole, find a soft spot."
That may be true, but at the moment, the power guy is the leading candidate to take the bulk of Gang Green's goal line attempts this coming season.
“If we were playing tomorrow, Chris Ivory would be on the goal line, obviously,” Lynn said, via the NY Daily News. “Sometimes in those situations you have an extra defender that you can’t block, and you need a back that can take him on.”
The 222-pound Ivory, who led the Jets in carries inside the 15-yard line last year, finished 2013 tied for third in the NFL in yards after contact per carry, according to ProFootballFocus.
With the addition of Chris Johnson, Ivory's role as the battering ram of the team will be magnified with Johnson slated for the bulk of the in-space touches, given his world class speed.
Regardless of who does what, the team has an intriguing stable of backs that also includes the well-rounded Bilal Powell. Despite his lack of flashiness, Powell could see ample time on passing downs given his improved blocking skills.
“If we were playing tomorrow, Chris Ivory would be on the goal line, obviously,” Lynn said, via the NY Daily News. “Sometimes in those situations you have an extra defender that you can’t block, and you need a back that can take him on.”
The 222-pound Ivory, who led the Jets in carries inside the 15-yard line last year, finished 2013 tied for third in the NFL in yards after contact per carry, according to ProFootballFocus.
With the addition of Chris Johnson, Ivory's role as the battering ram of the team will be magnified with Johnson slated for the bulk of the in-space touches, given his world class speed.
Regardless of who does what, the team has an intriguing stable of backs that also includes the well-rounded Bilal Powell. Despite his lack of flashiness, Powell could see ample time on passing downs given his improved blocking skills.
