NYJets RB Situation (1 Viewer)

[Patoons]

RB Situation:

The Jets now have three capable RBs in Thomas Jones (31), Leon Washington (27), and Shonn Greene (23). With the Jets offensive line young and gelled, we could see a solid running game in both the long and short-term.

Take the strong offensive line and bring in Rex Ryan and a smashmouth mentality to complement a strong defense; I see some nice potential. The drafting of Greene is a perfect fit here and should immediately be a bowling ball through the line. You have to love hearing these comments from Ryan:

-"I love the way guys bounce off of him"

-"He goes rolling in there and guys are going flying. It doesn't matter who it is. An offensive teammate went flying today."

-"He hits that hole, and this is a big man coming through there. He runs low. He's just a big old rascal. But they do, they bounce off him."

The problem with Greene, though, is that he will be limited in the passing game: He was limited in the passing game at Iowa with 11 career receptions. His limitations were also mentioned in the rookie camp where he struggled a bit with passes from Sanchez. Greene himself even said, "I just don't catch very well."

I've always liked Leon Washington as a Westbrook-lite type of guy. Unfortunately, he hasn't followed that path just yet and each year I'm waiting for him to break out. After Washington's rookie year production (151 car. 650 yds; 25 rec. 270 yds) I really thought he'd take off. He's got nice hands, quick feet, and has really impressed with his vision. He even exhibited the ability to carry the load in two games as a starter in 2006, having 20+ carries and 100+ yds and a TD. I'm not sure what happened in 2007 and 2008, but he wasn't used correctly. He needs to be more involved, and Jets Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer already said that he plans to do so much more this year.

Last year was fantastic for Thomas Jones. Unfortunately for him, the Jets now have a young QB at the helm, a young offensive line, and a young defense. He sticks out like a sore thumb as one of the few guys on the team that doesn't seem to belong at the age of 31.

Ryan has publicly stated that the Jets will be a running team and I'm psyched to see an aggressive smashmouth offense.

Short-term

I think Thomas Jones will be phased out beginning in 2009—the writing is on the wall with the drafting of Greene. I don't, however, think he'll just disappear because the Jets will probably have around 450 carries in 2009. But Greene and Washington will likely cut into his carries. I think we'll see a series rotation with Greene and Jones along with a sprinkle of Washington and Greene at the goal line. My projections for 2009:

T. Jones 190 car. 800 yds, 25 rec. 150 yds

S. Greene 130 car. 600 yds, 5 rec. 30 yds

L. Washington 120 car. 600 yds; 50 rec. 380 yds

I can see Greene and Washington cutting in Jones' carries a bit more in 2009, but I'm not ready to go there just yet. I need to see what happens in training camp / preseason.

Long-term

Greene = Bettis and Washington = Westbrook-lite.

I'm thrilled about the Greene/Washington combo for the next 5-6 years (assuming Washington is extended of course). Once Jones is out of the picture, we should see a 60/40 split of Greene/Washington with Washington dominating the receptions (as expected).

Fantasy Impact

From a dynasty standpoint, I'm pretty much ignoring Jones right now unless I need a RB just for 2008. Currently in PPR startups and from a pure value standpoint Washington is undervalued.

Greene's upside in PPRs is limited, similar to Jerome Bettis, Michael Turner, and Rudi Johnson, but he should be a solid #2 RB from 2010 forward.

Washington has upside in PPR leagues and I can see him outproducing my projections from above and cutting a bit more into Jones' carries/receptions and he should be a low-end #2/solid #3 RB in PPR leagues in 2009 and going forward.

 

[EBF]

Long term:

Greene = Turner

Washington = Norwood

Jones =

I think I'd steer clear of this trio in redrafts.

 

[MU Seminole]

I do not think that Greene is a special talent (though the Jets loved him at their pick) and think his selection is a great scenario for Washington. Greene's limited receiving production and lack of explosiveness suggest at least a slightly increased workload for LW, and probably retention of RB receiving opportunities. Given the new staff's emphasis on the run and the presence of a young QB, I think Leon could be in for a production bump. They'll need big play ability from the running game somewhere, and I don't see Greene providing it.

However, I'm eager to see what Jets homers have to say.

In his three years, Washington has finished as RB #33 ('06), #45 ('07) and #27 ('08) in my main dynasty league's PPR format (1 pt/rec). When Greene takes over for Jones, may LW push the top 20? Depends on one's assessment of Greene. Again, I don't see him as a special talent.

Disclosure: Washington owner in main dynasty league, FSU grad, and drafted Greene in another at 1.07 and just traded him for Witten and others.

 

[Sweet Love]

I do not think that Greene is a special talent (though the Jets loved him at their pick) and think his selection is a great scenario for Washington. Greene's limited receiving production and lack of explosiveness suggest at least a slightly increased workload for LW, and probably retention of RB receiving opportunities. Given the new staff's emphasis on the run and the presence of a young QB, I think Leon could be in for a production bump. They'll need big play ability from the running game somewhere, and I don't see Greene providing it.

However, I'm eager to see what Jets homers have to say.

In his three years, Washington has finished as RB #33 ('06), #45 ('07) and #27 ('08) in my main dynasty league's PPR format (1 pt/rec). When Greene takes over for Jones, may LW push the top 20? Depends on one's assessment of Greene. Again, I don't see him as a special talent.

Disclosure: Washington owner in main dynasty league, FSU grad, and drafted Greene in another at 1.07 and just traded him for Witten and others.

Personally, I think you are dead on with this whole sentence. Greene is a bruising back, who admittedly is not a polished receiver. Maybe he will surprise me, but I am not expecting more than a Craig Heyward/Raymont Harris-type. I think his value lies in what he allows Washington to do. It has been a long time since the Jets had a back that could knock the snot out of people and wear down defenses. Teams already have a hard time containing Washington...how are they going to adjust when the D-line is beat down in some cases?

 

[Shrek]

As an Iowa fan that watched Greene his entire career, I can tell you that his lack of receiving skills came from Iowa purposely not developing that skill with him. In his first two years, he was the backup RB and had under 40 touches per year. Then, they only had him for one year after he came back from JC (grades) and they weren't going to waste time and effort trying to make him into a receiving threat because they didn't need that from him, and why waste his last year trying to get him up to speed if they didn't need it?

I think the Jets are probably going to work on that facet of his game with him, and meanwhile continue to allow the media to downplay his skills in that regard. To immediately label him as a non-catching threat is only playing into the Jets' hands. I don't think he'll ever be Tomlinson, but he could be serviceable if he is worked with.

 

[mlball77]

While I don’t think Greene is an elite level RB talent in the NFL, I think he is special, he just doesn’t have breakaway speed and won’t be used a ton in the passing game. He isn’t Westbrook or Chris Johnson, but instead more in the mold of Bettis or Jacobs (talking about his upside, obviously). Being a bruiser and wearing down D’s is a special talent, imho, and probably in the opinion of the Jets brass. Bruisers that wear down D’s are very valuable to teams on offense and for their defense (keeping them off the field more, potentially).

I totally agree that Greene could do wonders for Washington though. If the Jets really are a run heavy team the next few years, Greene and Washington could be a very effective duo.

Edit to add: I don’t see Greene making a big impact this year, but I like his odds of being an effective grinder in 2010 and forward (valuable to his team).

 

[Chase Stuart]

2009:

Jones: 250 carries, 1080 yards, 5 TDs; 30 rec, 200 yards, 1 TD

Washington: 100 carries, 460 yards, 4 TD; 50 rec, 400 yards, 2 TD

Greene: 100 carries, 370 yards, 7 TDs; 5 rec, 30 yards, 0 TD

Total: 450 carries, 1910 yards, 16 TDs; 85 receptions, 625 yards, 3 TD

I think projecting Washington and Greene to get 1200 rushing yards is way too high, especially on only 250 carries.

 

[akaoni]

While I don’t think Greene is an elite level RB talent in the NFL, I think he is special, he just doesn’t have breakaway speed and won’t be used a ton in the passing game. He isn’t Westbrook or Chris Johnson, but instead more in the mold of Bettis or Jacobs (talking about his upside, obviously). Being a bruiser and wearing down D’s is a special talent, imho, and probably in the opinion of the Jets brass. Bruisers that wear down D’s are very valuable to teams on offense and for their defense (keeping them off the field more, potentially). I totally agree that Greene could do wonders for Washington though. If the Jets really are a run heavy team the next few years, Greene and Washington could be a very effective duo.Edit to add: I don’t see Greene making a big impact this year, but I like his odds of being an effective grinder in 2010 and forward (valuable to his team).

Another Iowa fan/alum here. With Greene what you see is pretty much what you get. He's a big back who runs with power. He has good vision and hits the hole hard. The Iowa zone blocking scheme did a lot to showcase his talents. He doesn't have great moves or speed, but he has some burst and is decent for a bigger back. Needs lots of help in the passing game. I don't see him ever being a great receiver out of the backfield, but hopefully he can improve his pass blocking, which is admittedly, pretty bad right now.

 

[JPeso]

2009:Jones: 250 carries, 1080 yards, 5 TDs; 30 rec, 200 yards, 1 TD Washington: 100 carries, 460 yards, 4 TD; 50 rec, 400 yards, 2 TD Greene: 100 carries, 370 yards, 7 TDs; 5 rec, 30 yards, 0 TD Total: 450 carries, 1910 yards, 16 TDs; 85 receptions, 625 yards, 3 TDI think projecting Washington and Greene to get 1200 rushing yards is way too high, especially on only 250 carries.

About what I'm expecting, except I wouldn't be surprised to see Jones reduced to 225 and Greene to see the upswing of that 25.

 

[Patoons]

In his three years, Washington has finished as RB #33 ('06), #45 ('07) and #27 ('08) in my main dynasty league's PPR format (1 pt/rec). When Greene takes over for Jones, may LW push the top 20? Depends on one's assessment of Greene. Again, I don't see him as a special talent.

I really think he can hit top 20 in PPR leagues. Regardless of how Greene does, I really think the Jets will continue to utilize Washington in the passing game and as a change of pace. If the use him in the running game as much as they did his rookie season and also use him in the passing game like last year, he shouldn't have a problem hitting 20.

I do not think that Greene is a special talent (though the Jets loved him at their pick) and think his selection is a great scenario for Washington.

While he's not a once in a life time guy, he's got the skills to atleast be a productive NFL back who can wear down the defense and be the Jets hammer. I think the Turner comparison is a bit aggessive as I don't think he'll ever be a top 10 RB, but he should be a solid #2 guy ringing in the TDs.

2009:Jones: 250 carries, 1080 yards, 5 TDs; 30 rec, 200 yards, 1 TD Washington: 100 carries, 460 yards, 4 TD; 50 rec, 400 yards, 2 TD Greene: 100 carries, 370 yards, 7 TDs; 5 rec, 30 yards, 0 TD Total: 450 carries, 1910 yards, 16 TDs; 85 receptions, 625 yards, 3 TDI think projecting Washington and Greene to get 1200 rushing yards is way too high, especially on only 250 carries.

Maybe it's aggresive in thinking they'll hit a combined 4.8 ypc, but maybe it's less carries for Washington at 5+ ypc and more for Greene at around 4 flat. With the fresh legs that is going to be the cycle this year coupled with the solid O-line, I really think a high ypc mark will result.I may be off my rocker, but I'm having a hard time seeing Jones hit the 1,000 yd mark this season.

 

[Patoons]

He isn’t Westbrook or Chris Johnson, but instead more in the mold of Bettis or Jacobs (talking about his upside, obviously).

Totally agree. Hopefully it's not a Lendale White.As a Jet fan, I'm just psyched so see a guy run people over.

 

[lyon812]

It should be mentioned that the future might change if Washington doesn't get re-upped by the Jets. From what I've heard about his contract demands (though I'm fully aware of how far you can trust rumors), they're pretty high--and it's a good year to get a committee back, with a few of them being FA's (as discussed in "The Part Time RBs" thread).

 

[Tau837]

2009:Jones: 250 carries, 1080 yards, 5 TDs; 30 rec, 200 yards, 1 TD Washington: 100 carries, 460 yards, 4 TD; 50 rec, 400 yards, 2 TD Greene: 100 carries, 370 yards, 7 TDs; 5 rec, 30 yards, 0 TD Total: 450 carries, 1910 yards, 16 TDs; 85 receptions, 625 yards, 3 TDI think projecting Washington and Greene to get 1200 rushing yards is way too high, especially on only 250 carries.

Last season, the Jets had 381 rushing attempts by RBs. The last time they had 450 was 2004, when Martin led the NFL in rushing attempts and rushing yards.I understand that the coaching staff turned over, in addition to some offensive personnel. But jumping up by 69 carries year over year is a lot. Granted, Baltimore had 523 RB carries to lead the league last year, and perhaps Ryan will pattern after them... is that essentially the rationale for this jump, or is there more to it?And these projections show a huge dropoff in ypc, from 4.81 last year to 4.24 this year. I could see expecting a dropoff, but can you explain the rationale behind this?

 

[Chase Stuart]

2009:Jones: 250 carries, 1080 yards, 5 TDs; 30 rec, 200 yards, 1 TD Washington: 100 carries, 460 yards, 4 TD; 50 rec, 400 yards, 2 TD Greene: 100 carries, 370 yards, 7 TDs; 5 rec, 30 yards, 0 TD Total: 450 carries, 1910 yards, 16 TDs; 85 receptions, 625 yards, 3 TDI think projecting Washington and Greene to get 1200 rushing yards is way too high, especially on only 250 carries.

Last season, the Jets had 381 rushing attempts by RBs. The last time they had 450 was 2004, when Martin led the NFL in rushing attempts and rushing yards.I understand that the coaching staff turned over, in addition to some offensive personnel. But jumping up by 69 carries year over year is a lot. Granted, Baltimore had 523 RB carries to lead the league last year, and perhaps Ryan will pattern after them... is that essentially the rationale for this jump, or is there more to it?And these projections show a huge dropoff in ypc, from 4.81 last year to 4.24 this year. I could see expecting a dropoff, but can you explain the rationale behind this?

Adding Ryan, subtracting Favre and Coles, and adding Greene makes it pretty clear to me that the Jets will be rushing significantly more often in 2009. I don't think a 69 carry increase is a lot in that case.I also think projecting anywhere near a 4.8 YPC is appropriate; 4.2-4.3 seems about right.

 

[PrimUomo]

Considering the Ravens ran about 500 times last year, I see the Jets running about 550-600 times because honestly the Jets have better running backs then the Ravens do and I don't see Sanchez as being as effective as Flacco year one.

T. Jones: 225 carries, 4.3 YPC, 6 TDs

S. Greene: 200 carries, 3.7 YPC, 10 TDs

L. Washington: 150 carries, 4.6 YPC; 65 rec, 12 total TDs

Greene doesn't need to be explosive to be great this year. All he needs is to get 3-4 yards each touch and he will have met expectations. After this upcoming year, I expect Jones to be gone and the Jets to draft a RB in the third to fifth round to replace some of Jones production.

 

[Tau837]

Considering the Ravens ran about 500 times last year, I see the Jets running about 550-600 times because honestly the Jets have better running backs then the Ravens do and I don't see Sanchez as being as effective as Flacco year one.T. Jones: 225 carries, 4.3 YPC, 6 TDsS. Greene: 200 carries, 3.7 YPC, 10 TDsL. Washington: 150 carries, 4.6 YPC; 65 rec, 12 total TDs Greene doesn't need to be explosive to be great this year. All he needs is to get 3-4 yards each touch and he will have met expectations. After this upcoming year, I expect Jones to be gone and the Jets to draft a RB in the third to fifth round to replace some of Jones production.

Sorry, but there is no way this is happening. Only 8 times in the past 7 seasons (2002-2008, since that is how far back the Data Dominator goes) has a team even had as many as 475 RB rushing attempts. Only 2 teams have had more than 489, with a high of 534. (Baltimore had 523 last season.) You are projecting 575.

 

[Crippler]

Yeah. I dont see 28 Total TD's out of the RB either. Jets will be lucky to score 28 as a team. I see them as a bottom team for O with rookie QB and the loss of Coles in the end. 28 without any for Keller or Cotchery would put them tied for 26th last year. Just giving 10 more O TD's from the passing game would have them tied for 12th. Way too high

I dont like looking too far ahead because I could see the Jets drafting a replacement for Washington in a year. A guy like CJ Spiller could always end up there. You never know when someone is going to draft the next RB that slips too far in the draft and becomes too much value. You know it will happen.

 

[Patoons]

I dont like looking too far ahead because I could see the Jets drafting a replacement for Washington in a year. A guy like CJ Spiller could always end up there. You never know when someone is going to draft the next RB that slips too far in the draft and becomes too much value. You know it will happen.

If they lock up Leon long-term this offseason and have Greene, I'd highly doubt the Jets will spend a pick on a back the next few years unless Greene flops.

 

[Chase Stuart]

FYI, a note about projecting Leon Washington's YPC for 2008.

What do we know about Washington? Over the past 3 seasons, he's had 298 carries and averaged 4.9 YPC.

I looked at all RBs from 1950-2007 and noted which RBs had between 240 and 400 carries over a three year period, played on the same team for that same three team period and then the following season, and averaged at least 4.50 YPC over those first three years.

There were 99 RBs who met those criteria. They averaged 310 carries and 4.9 YPC over their first three seasons, very similar to Washington. In the 4th year, they averaged 97 carries and 4.24 YPC.

I also limited the sample to just RBs since 1978. There were 37 RBs, and they averaged 304 carries and 4.8 YPC; in year four they averaged 89 carries and 4.1 YPC.

So unless someone wants to show me evidence to the contrary, I think it's going to be tough to project anything over 4.6 YPC for a guy like Washington. Honestly something closer to 4.3 might be more appropriate. Of course, this isn't a Washington knock -- this is the case for just about any RB. Projecting over 4.5 YPC is a very tough thing to do.

 

[Patoons]

I also limited the sample to just RBs since 1978. There were 37 RBs, and they averaged 304 carries and 4.8 YPC; in year four they averaged 89 carries and 4.1 YPC.

How many of the 37 had over 4.5?

 

[Chase Stuart]

I also limited the sample to just RBs since 1978. There were 37 RBs, and they averaged 304 carries and 4.8 YPC; in year four they averaged 89 carries and 4.1 YPC.

How many of the 37 had over 4.5?

Of the 19 with >50 carries in Year N+1, 8 were at 4.5 or over and 6 were between 4.9 and 4.5, 5 were below 3.9. Those 19 RBs averaged 312 total carries in the three prior years and 4.9 YPC, and then 136 carries and 4.3 YPC in Year N+1.136 and 4.3 is actually a pretty good projection for Washington.

 

[Biabreakable]

I think the Bettis and Brandon Jacobs comparisions may be a little premature.

I dont see Greene getting a large amount of carries for one reason. They have a rookie QB. You do not want a rookie QB and a RB who does not block well on the field at the same time if you have any intention to throw the ball. If the Jets do this then they telegraph to the defense that the play will be a run when Greene is in. The defense is better prepared. And this will get more obvious as the season goes on.

Thomas Jones on the other hand is a veteran. Coming off a not too shabby of a season. He can see things Greene hasn't dreamed of yet and that helps a QB too. The coach doesen't have to worry about Jones missing his assignment and getting their rookie QB killed.

Moving forward I think Greene gets every chance to build on his role in the offense at least through 2010 and 2011. Washington may be the better player and hold back his ops in those 2 years if extended however.

From what most have said Greene is a good player and will see 200+ carries at some point. I don't think that is 2009 but 2010 and 2011 is more likely.

Thomas Jones has kept Cedric Benson on the bench before. I wouldn't count him out so quickly.

 

[Chase Stuart]

The Ravens had no problem with Flacco and McClain or Flacco and Rice on the field last year. Telegraphing the run doesn't matter if you can run effectively.

 

[Reaper]

2009:Jones: 250 carries, 1080 yards, 5 TDs; 30 rec, 200 yards, 1 TD Washington: 100 carries, 460 yards, 4 TD; 50 rec, 400 yards, 2 TD Greene: 100 carries, 370 yards, 7 TDs; 5 rec, 30 yards, 0 TD Total: 450 carries, 1910 yards, 16 TDs; 85 receptions, 625 yards, 3 TDI think projecting Washington and Greene to get 1200 rushing yards is way too high, especially on only 250 carries.

About what I'm expecting, except I wouldn't be surprised to see Jones reduced to 225 and Greene to see the upswing of that 25.

IMO Washington Gets those swing carries plus some of Greene's.... I think it's the Thomas Jones / Leon Washington show and Greene is going to be a short yardage specialist for this season......

 

[Patoons]

I think the Bettis and Brandon Jacobs comparisions may be a little premature.

The comparison was meant for his career and not necessarily this season.

Thomas Jones has kept Cedric Benson on the bench before. I wouldn't count him out so quickly.

He was also a great deal younger and in his prime when he kept Benson on the bench.

 

[Biabreakable]

I think the Bettis and Brandon Jacobs comparisions may be a little premature.

The comparison was meant for his career and not necessarily this season.

Thomas Jones has kept Cedric Benson on the bench before. I wouldn't count him out so quickly.

He was also a great deal younger and in his prime when he kept Benson on the bench.

Benson was also the 5th overall pick. Greene is a 3rd.Just playing DA again as it seems someone has to.

 

[Biabreakable]

Also Bettis was a 1st round pick. I don't think Greene deserves to be compared career wise to him yet.

 

[Patoons]

Also Bettis was a 1st round pick. I don't think Greene deserves to be compared career wise to him yet.

I can respect that at this point given the fact that training camp hasn't started yet. Once the season starts, I'm not sure I care all that much about where he was drafted.Right now, I guess Bettis type is where a lot of guys, including myself, see the styles lining up.

 

[mlball77]

I think the Bettis and Brandon Jacobs comparisions may be a little premature.

Please don't get me wrong, I was purely speaking about upside. Bettis was a great RB, and Greene will be lucky to be even close to the player Bettis was. And Jacobs is a muich bigger (and taller) player. They are not perfect comparisons at all, but I was more talking about the upper end of what I believe Greene is capable of. Another fair comparison of his high end would be Rudi Johnson, although I think Greene has a bit more power, and that is why I went with Bettis and Jacobs. I guess I just see his upside being higher than that of Raymont Harris or Ironhead Heyward, as one poster mentioned, but both of those players were effective for a few years (and mabye that is what we are looking at with Greene?). Only time will tell... and frankly, the latter mentioned players may be better baseline comparisions, with Bettis/Jacobs/Rudi being his ceiling if everthing breaks just right for him.

 

[Dope]

All of the comparisons to Jerome Bettis have me, as a Jet's fan and Greene owner, salivating.

To me, what made Bettis special as a big back was that he was kinda light on his feet. He could dance a little.

He didn't have top end speed to run away from a lot of guys, but he had that little bit of shifty combined with big power to get past the front of the dense into the 2nd level.

I've never really seen Shonn Greene play. Does he have the light feet to be able to do that sort of thing?

 

[akaoni]

All of the comparisons to Jerome Bettis have me, as a Jet's fan and Greene owner, salivating.To me, what made Bettis special as a big back was that he was kinda light on his feet. He could dance a little.He didn't have top end speed to run away from a lot of guys, but he had that little bit of shifty combined with big power to get past the front of the dense into the 2nd level.I've never really seen Shonn Greene play. Does he have the light feet to be able to do that sort of thing?

He has a few moves in him, but he's not that elusive. There are a couple of highlight youtube reels out there with a few of his nicer moves, but on the whole he's a north-south, hit the hole hard and get his 4-6 yard kind of back. Personally, I think that the Rudi comparison and ceiling is probably just about right for Greene.

 

[mlball77]

All of the comparisons to Jerome Bettis have me, as a Jet's fan and Greene owner, salivating.To me, what made Bettis special as a big back was that he was kinda light on his feet. He could dance a little.He didn't have top end speed to run away from a lot of guys, but he had that little bit of shifty combined with big power to get past the front of the dense into the 2nd level.I've never really seen Shonn Greene play. Does he have the light feet to be able to do that sort of thing?

I think akaoni summed it up pretty succinctly in post #8 above. Good power and vision, with more burst than most give him credit for. He simply doesn't have breakaway speed. So to answer your question, no, I don't think he is all that light on his feet necessarily... at least not nearly to the level of Bettis, who was a special player for sure....Oops. Looks like akaoni already covered this in the post above.

 

[Dope]

Thanks, guys.

I actually can see a totally creeper season from TJ this year.

Something along the lines of 1200-1400 and 10-14 TD's.

He's got a helluva o-line to run behind...one that keeps getting better.

(of course I just traded for TJ in my dynasty league)

 

[Sebowski]

2009:Jones: 250 carries, 1080 yards, 5 TDs; 30 rec, 200 yards, 1 TD Washington: 100 carries, 460 yards, 4 TD; 50 rec, 400 yards, 2 TD Greene: 100 carries, 370 yards, 7 TDs; 5 rec, 30 yards, 0 TD Total: 450 carries, 1910 yards, 16 TDs; 85 receptions, 625 yards, 3 TDI think projecting Washington and Greene to get 1200 rushing yards is way too high, especially on only 250 carries.

About what I'm expecting, except I wouldn't be surprised to see Jones reduced to 225 and Greene to see the upswing of that 25.

IMO Washington Gets those swing carries plus some of Greene's.... I think it's the Thomas Jones / Leon Washington show and Greene is going to be a short yardage specialist for this season......

I agree. I don't see Greene doing much of anything this year. They will run Jones into the ground, and he'll be happy to do it as an audition for his next job. Jones has flourished in this situation before. Washington will also improve on last year.

 

[Patoons]

Ryan envisions Greene, who's supposed to be a powerful, between-the-tackles runner, as a fourth-quarter weapon.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2009...l-have-nfl.htmlIt seems more speculation from Cimini here since there's no direct quote, but this is where I see them using him as the hammer.

 

[Reaper]

Ryan envisions Greene, who's supposed to be a powerful, between-the-tackles runner, as a fourth-quarter weapon.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2009...l-have-nfl.htmlIt seems more speculation from Cimini here since there's no direct quote, but this is where I see them using him as the hammer.

Of course you need a tight game or a lead to use The Hammer.... But:Said Jets coach Rex Ryan, “If you’re going to say what quarter is going to be [RB] Shonn Greene’s quarter, I would say it’s going to be the fourth. Everyone in the ballpark will know “Hey, Shonn, jump on in there.” He’ll pound it. The other guys get the good yards and let Shonn get the dirty yards. I see him being that kind of back, I really do.”

Also - It sounds like from camp that the defense is really laying into Greene trying to make him as tough as can be. I'd bet that Rex specifically told them to give him the treatment.

 

[mlball77]

Really is sounding like a 3-headed RB monster.