Mike Goodson: The New York Jets “Felt Like Home”

Dec 16, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Mike Goodson (25) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 15-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Goodson wasn’t available as an unrestricted free agent for very long. He made two visits, and he found the decision to come join us in Florham Park quite easy:

“I took a visit to Cincinnati first and I had a nice visit,” the 6’0” 210-pound running back said. “But when I got to the Jets, man, it was just a good fit. It felt like home. I had a great meeting with Rex [head coach Rex Ryan] and the guys up there. It was just a great fit.”

We have talked before about Goodson, and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.  He posted one season of 40 receptions, which we all know that Shonn Greene could never DREAM about.  He also runs for a 4.5 yards per carry for his career, and sees, as we do, how well he could fit in the West Coast style offense of Marty Mornhinweg:

“I definitely think it highlights the things that I do well in my game,” Goodson said, “catching the ball out of the backfield, being able to isolate some linebackers, run some routes and also run the ball up between the tackles. So I think it’s going to be good.”

When Mike had the opportunity to start 3 games in 2010, he posted 2 100+ yard rushing performances, and a 136 all-purpose yard performance, showing his true potential when given the chance to play.

Mike Goodson feels that, despite his limited roles in the past, he is ready to take the reigns:

“You can say a lot of different things,” he said of his limited roles, “but I’ve been fortunate enough to play with a lot of good backs on the teams that I’ve been on and most of them are big-money guys — Darren McFadden, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart. So at the same time, learning from those guys, I also had to play behind them, so it was tough. But I think it’s put me at a position now where I can come in and be able to make those types of plays, and be that guy or that running back, that every-down guy.”

You have to love the excitement this young man has to be here. We want guys that want to be Jets. He will get every chance to excel when camp opens this summer as well. Maybe we have finally found our “bell-cow” running back that we have longed for.