New York Jets: Expectations for Zac Stacy

ByRobert Brewer|

The New York Jets made headlines earlier this week as they named Geno Smith the team’s starting quarterback in the middle of May. However, a trade earlier in the month involving the St. Louis Rams may hold the key in stabilizing the Jets’ offense in 2015.

Enter Zac Stacy.

The Jets acquired the 24-year old running back in exchange for the 224th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. A fifth-round draft choice in 2013, Stacy had a very promising rookie year by collecting 973 rushing yards and eight all-purpose touchdowns. This past season saw Stacy fall out of favor as the more explosive Tre Mason toted the rock more often as the season progressed. Stacy ended 2014 with just 293 yards on 76 carries.

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Once Georgia tailback Todd Gurley was drafted by St. Louis in the first round of this year’s draft, Stacy saw the writing on the wall and requested a trade. The Rams obliged and shipped the third year pro off to the Big Apple. Now let’s examine what Stacy brings to the Jets’ backfield.

At 5-foot-9 and 216 pounds, Stacy is a powerfully built runner that is low to the ground. He excels between the tackles and his low center of gravity gives defenders a unique challenge. Tackling Stacy as he burrows through the line of scrimmage is like trying to tackle a bowling ball. For such a small back, I think Stacy possesses very good body lean and usually falls forward while fighting for extra yardage.

The knock on Stacy is that he is more quick than fast. Stacy simply lacks that extra gear to blow by defenders and take it the distance. Furthermore, I think Stacy’s physical running style has a very short shelf life in the NFL. The lack of elusiveness will translate in Stacy taking more of a pounding than other backs. Lastly, Stacy’s stocky frame and short arms limit his catching radius, not a good scenario on third down situations.

While he has his limitations, I think Stacy has landed in a good situation in New York. Stacy will not be expected to carry the load on offense as he will likely be part of a fluid rotation in the Jets’ backfield. This role may serve to mask some of Stacy’s weaknesses while also extending his career.

Oct 19, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Zac Stacy (30) is introduced before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Gang Green will feature a three pronged rushing attack that will include Stacy, free agent acquisition Stevan Ridley, and last year’s team rushing leader Chris Ivory. All three backs have similarly physical running styles that can wear down a defense and keep each player fresh for the fourth quarter.

We still don’t know what to expect from the Jets’ passing attack. Therefore, getting back to the ground and pound philosophy will be New York’s best chance for success. The Jets have the luxury of having a veteran offensive line led by Willie Colon, D’Brickashaw Ferguson and six-time Pro Bowler Nick Mangold. That being said, I can envision the Jets having one of the strongest rushing attacks in pro football this year.

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

This is certainly good news that can alleviate much of the pressure on Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bryce Petty or any other quarterback the Jets are willing to trot out onto the Metlife Stadium field this year.

While Stacy does not possess much flash and dash, his steady and consistent production will be just what the doctor ordered. A powerful New York Jets’ rushing attack will serve as a great deodorant for their inconsistencies at the quarterback position.

Next: New York Jets: Expectations for Stevan Ridley

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