New York Jets: Running Game in Transition
On the first day of the 2016 free-agent period, the New York Jets said goodbye to one proven performer and hello to a versatile offensive weapon.
The New York Jets just missed out on the playoffs this past season. Todd Bowles’ club finished 10-6 but a midseason slump would eventually cost them a postseason invitation. And there were those identical 22-17 losses to the Buffalo Bills.
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This was a club ranked 10th in the NFL in total offense while only three teams in the league allowed more total yards per game. The ground attack was also ranked 10th thanks mainly to running back Chris Ivory, who led the AFC with 1,070 rushing yards.
But as was originally reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, Ivory became a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars when the free-agent period opened at 4:00 pm ET. While Ivory’s departure was hardly shocking, it comes at a time where both Bilal Powell and Stevan Ridley are about to hit the free-agent market as well.
In 2015, the Jets opted for experience over youth at quarterback and traded for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who responded with 3,905 yards through the air and more than twice as many touchdown passes (31) than interceptions (15). Of course, the well-traveled veteran – like Powell and Ridley – may also be looking for another team this upcoming season as he and the Jets have not gotten together on a new deal.
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Back to the ground attack and the
informs us the Jets have agreed to a deal with versatile
, who became expendable with the Chicago Bears after missing three games last season combined with the play of 2015 fourth-round draft choice
.
Ironically, while the Jets ranked 10th in the league in rushing this season the Bears were right behind then at 11th. As for Forte, he played in 13 games and still led the club with 898 yards rushing and tied for the team lead with seven total touchdowns.
In 2014, the two-time Pro Bowler set an NFL record with 102 receptions, the most by a running back in a season. In eight years in the Windy City, Forte’s forte was his hands, totaling 487 catches for 4,116 yards and 19 scores. During his career with the Bears, the 2008 second-round pick form Tulane amassed 12,718 yards from scrimmage and 64 touchdowns.
Is he an upgrade over Ivory? That’s hard to say because the two performers have very different styles. And while Forte has a few more years on him and comes off an injury-shortened 2015, he offers Chan Gailey’s offense more options and could make like even easier for wide receivers Brandon Marshall (his one-time teammate in Chicago) and Eric Decker.
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Now if we can only figure out who will be handing off and throwing the veteran running back the football.