The Jets signed Chris Johnson yesterday, and he will join a backfield that already had Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. Pretty safe to write off Powell's contributions, at least until Ivory gets hurt, but how will the Ivory-Johnson situation shake out?
The New York Daily News says the Jets envision a 1-2 punch in what will likely be a run heavy offense. But who is the 1 and who is the 2?
Johnson is guaranteed $4 million this season, considerably more than Ivory. That seems to imply he will be the lead dog. But Ivory runs with more power and offers nothing as a receiver, so it makes more sense that he will be the early-down runner with Johnson in the passing-downs role. Johnson isn't Marshall Faulk but averages 45 catches per season.
Ivory also has some injury concerns, with hamstring woes last preseason. He appeared in only 6 games in each of his two previous seasons with the Saints, though some of that was due to New Orleans' crowded backfield.
Odds are Ivory will score most short touchdowns, although the Jets will use a quarterback who can be a threat near the goal line as well. It appears that Johnson will get more touches, and snaps, while scoring any longer touchdowns. Given his contract, he figures to be the busier player.
If I were walking into a draft today, I would select Johnson first. I don't know that I would have much interest at all in Ivory.
--Andy Richardson