Jets “Two Starter” Backfield

So when the New York Jets cleaned house in their backfield it was naturally assumed that Shonn Greene was going to become the teams featured back, with LaDainian Tomlinson playing a supporting role. That was the thought. The most recent post on ESPN’s Jet’s Blog suggest otherwise thou.

According to running backs coach Anthony Lynn, “I see myself as having two starters.”

What Lynn meant is this: Playing time will be determined, in large part, by game situations and matchups. As he explained the other day, “It depends on the flow of the game. If we’re better off in our big personnel, Shonn will get more touches. If we go little, like we did last year with Leon (Washington) in our nickel package, L.T. will get more touches. It’s all situational.”

ESPN’s Rich Cimini broke things down even further and showed that Leon Washington and Thomas Jones had an almost 50/50 split on touches. That is something I just can’t see happening here. Tomlinson is no longer a difference maker, he’s not a player that HAS to get his touches. He can be a productive player in spurts but not someone who can be a major player in a playoff caliber teams offense.

Personally, I think RB Coach Lynn is being overly optimistic here. He probably has visions of the old Tomlinson, the one who dominated the league while with the San Diego Chargers but LT is not that kind of player anymore. He’s no longer that guy who can also do the grunt work in rushing scenarios, he needs the field to be opened where there is space to maneuver. And that is the reason I still can’t see him doing much more then third down duties, or the occasional second and long.

If he’s used as Leon was in 2009, I worry about LT even being able to make it through the entire season. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer did tell the New York Daily News a couple weeks ago that LT was going to have to earn his playing time. Meaning he’ll have to participate in preseason games, something he rarely did in San Diego. With a player his age you know what that means, extra touches means more wear and tear on an aging body.

Basically, while Lynn thinks he’s got a dual back, two starter backfield he really doesn’t. And you know what, even if he does it’s not going to be his decision on who plays. If Schottenheimer feels LT can’t cut it, he’ll be on the bench waiting for his third down opportunities. Which I’m pretty certain is the only down he’ll be playing, barring injuries of course.

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Tags: LaDainian Tomlinson, New York Jets, NFL, Shonn Greene