The Jets Need to Sign a Veteran RB

Jan 15, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant (25) in the second half of the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field. The Giants won 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Preseason game one is in the books, and we know that there is a lot to work on. The Jets had some good moments, but there were definitely some concerns, we have talked about them all day. But one thing became clear in my opinion.

The Jets need to go out and sign a veteran running back.

I’ll go into some of the reasons.

First, take a look at the production last night. Yes, the Jets did average 4.3 yards per carry, but that was primarily due to Joe McKnight. McKnight averaged just under 5 yards per carry, but nobody else looked good. Incumbent starter Shonn Greene barely averaged 2 yards per carry. The much anticipated 2012 debut of Bilal Powell was not as explosive as it was spposed to be, with him averaging just over 3 yards per carry. Terrance Ganaway did average 4 yards per carry, but did anyone think he stood out?

A veteran presence in this backfield would do a lot of good.

Secondly, a glaring problem stood out last night with the running backs, of every string.

The problem with blitz pick up. The Bengals did a lot of stunts, overloads, and the like in order to create mismatches against the Jets offensive line. As we all saw, it worked, as a free rusher often came through to get to the quarterback. The way that needs to be thwarted is for the running back to recognize the pressure, and pick up the blitzer coming through before he can get to the QB.

That didn’t happen, therefore, some unfortunate sacks happened.

Yes it is early, but this is a major issue that needs to be fixed as well. Why not bring in a veteran running back to help with the growth process a bit?

Well, who is out there? The guy in the picture on page 1 is out there. Ryan Grant. It’s time to give him a call.

Yes he has had injury problems. But, when healthy, he has been quite the productive back. He has never averaged less than 3.9 yards per carry, and he is only 29 years old. As well, with 92 receptions for his career, is a good addition out of the backfield catching the football. He’s a guy that could help the development of the younger guys.

He could probably be had on the cheap at this point. Why not give him a call?

If not him, there is another guy that is out there. He’s a veteran, has played in the Ground and Pound before, and has always been productive while in a Jets uniform. Turn the page and I will tell you who I mean.

Jan 9, 2010; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Jets running back Thomas Jones (20) dives in for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half of the 2010 AFC wild card playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Jets defeated the Bengals 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

Thomas Jones. Remember him? Don’t groan Jets fans, he could be an asset. He CERTAINLY could be had on the cheap. He understands what it takes to be a good pass blocker. Some of Jones most productive years as a pro were in a New York Jets uniform.

Why not give him a call? Offer him a small base salary, with incentives for playing time, yardage..etc. Even if he doesn’t make the team, and he is out of gas, he can teach the younger guys. It’s a low risk, high reward idea.

Think about it Tanny.