Anthony Lynn has a tough job these days. The Jets running backs coach must find touches for three running backs the team feels are capable.
Dividing the time between Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell is Lynn’s responsibility, and last week’s split against the Bears drew some criticism.
Ivory was averaging 4.4 yards a rush and running over Bears defenders when he ran the ball or caught it. But he had zero touches in the fourth quarter.
Lynn explained this week that each back has situations they are in for, but the Jets had just two possessions in the fourth quarter, and he decided Johnson best fit the first drive and Powell the final drive.
The story goes on to say that Lynn said Ivory’s situational areas are short yardage on first and second down, goal-line and in their four-minute offense, which means they have the lead. The Jets have been trailing so it's cut into Ivory's time the past two weeks. But Lynn thinks Ivory's role could expand and added: “If Ivory continues to play like that, which I think he has from Day 1, sure, he may end up getting more touches and being the lead bell-cow, but I think keeping those guys fresh and keeping them healthy is important.”
There are a lot of "ifs" and "coulds" in there but it seems like the Jets have a plan when they are going to use each back. With Ivory playing the best of the group, it makes sense he gets more work, at some point, but that likely won't be anything the team announces ahead of time. Out of this group, Ivory looks like the back to have from a fantasy standpoint, but may only offer RB2 or flex numbers.
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