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Nothing is set right now in regards to the New York Jets offense. From the top to the bottom, with the exception of Santonio Holmes, Nick Mangold, and D’Brickashaw Ferguson, nobody has a guaranteed starting spot on the team.
At the running back position, newly acquired backs Chris Ivory and Mike Goodson are expected to be the front runners in the open competition, with third year back Bilal Powell a close second. This leaves out fourth year back Joe McKnight, however, he will still be a vital part of the Jets offense.
McKnight could be entering a so called “make-or-break year” as he hasn’t really lived up to expectations. In three seasons, McKnight has just 112 carries for 502 yards and no touchdowns. What possibly is the only reason he remains on the team is that McKnight has thrived on special teams as a kick returner.
It is way too early to get a sense of the kind of offense that the Jets will be running, but what has been learned of new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg so far is that he likes to have a dynamic, fast paced, quick play offense. With four versatile backs in McKnight, Powell, Ivory, and Goodson, there may be one starter, but all pf them could potentially play multiple snaps in games. That would be something to see.
And if that doesn’t happen, McKnight is still the best kick returner on the team. Last year he continued to provide the Jets with great field position, and there is no doubt that he will continue to do so this season.
Whether it is being a versatile back in the Jets running attack or a kick returner, don’t think McKnight is going to go away with these new additions; he is still a vital part of this offense.
Stephen Conway is a New York Jets writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @stevie_con21, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
