The New York Jets are entering the 2021 NFL season with a rookie quarterback behind center. Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in the NFL draft will have a lot of pressure on him this season. The Jets look to employ a unique strategy to help their quarterback. Everything in their offense begins with the Jets running game. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleer is approaching it with a committee of running backs. Similar to the Mike Shanahan offense in Denver and Washington expect to see a lot of backs in varying scenarios.
After the failed LeVeon Bell experiment a running back group is certainly a creative alternative. Who are the faces in this Jets running game system? They’re definitely not household names. La’Mical Perine showed potential last season as a power back his rookie year. Ty Johnson, rushed for 254 yards and a 4.7-yard average last season, and the Jets also added rookie Michael Carter in the 2021 draft. These are the most intriguing names in the Jets running game. However, there are more backs in the stable.
The Strategy
Using multiple backs prevents the defense from getting used to one look as well as using backs with fresh legs.
“Not having the same [back on every play] is key,’’ LaFleur said. “The defense gets used to hitting someone and all of sudden the tempo changes. It keeps the defense honest.’’
LaFleur who hails from the Mike Shanahan system saw success with a similar strategy in San Francisco. The 2019 49ers, who ran the ball 498 times for 2,305 yards (second in the NFL) and scored a league-high 23 rushing TDs with no back running for more than 772 yards.
A constant flow of fresh legs, fresh looks, and differing skill sets? That has to be exhausting for a defense, right? Jets defensive coordinator commented saying:
“Each guy brings a little something different,’’ he said. “But the system itself is the strain, because there’s this run game that is scientific and so deliberate in the way they do everything, the way they block, the way they scheme you and the way they target you, which makes it an absolute pain in the ass from the that standpoint.’’
Not only do the Jets have the backing of the defensive coordinator they are facing in camp. Their running backs have also bought in. Each back was given tape on past Shanahan (both Mike and Kyle) offenses and how each worked in their respective systems.
“They wanted us to understand the background and the different ways the offense works,’’ Carter said. “We look forward to wearing teams down.’’
The scientific approach allows the Jets to focus on the correct skill sets in their connect scenarios. Looking at it that way does sound impactful.
“We’ve all got different skill sets,’’ Coleman said. “Having a fresh guy out there definitely frustrates the defense. That should be a really good advantage for us.’’
How will it work in the Jets offense is yet to be seen. However, one thing is clear how their running game performs will be key to the success of their rookie quarterback Zach Wilson. Who it should be mentioned is also a threat on the ground.
