In the NFL, nothing supports a quarterback better than a strong and reliable run game. It brings pressure off the quarterback and brings more focus to the box. Therefore, opening the field for the pass game. Simply put, it is a formula that any successful team can employ week in and week out.
Unfortunately, this is one of the many ways the New York Jets have failed Sam Darnold. Of course, a handful of the blame goes to the putrid run blocking the Jets have had over his career. Though, when things click on the ground, Darnold has shown those flashes of what made him the third overall pick. After all, prior to this winless season, Darnold was 5-2 in starts where the Jets had over 100 yards rushing with 15 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.
In Sunday’s heartbreaking loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Jets provided Darnold that efficient run game, and he had his best game of the season. It is no coincidence. And that is why the Jets must build off of it in their final four games in order to be competitive.
New York Jets Must Build on Sunday’s Strong Rushing Performance
How the Breakout Performance Came About
After a hard collision on the second play of the game, starting running back Frank Gore went into concussion protocol. Already, the Jets were short-handed, with rookie third-round pick La’Mical Perine having gone on injured reserve. But waiver wire pickup Ty Johnson and practice-squad call-up Josh Adams were up to the challenge.
The duo got off to a slow start, though sparked the offense to a comeback in the second half. Johnson finished with one touchdown on 22 carries for 104 yards, and Adams had eight carries for 74 yards. Most notably, they combined for six carries and 64 yards on the game-changing 96-yard touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter. If not for their efforts, the Jets would never have made this a game in the first place.
Credit to the Offensive Line
Again, during the Darnold era, the Jets’ run blocking has been horrible. This season, it has improved but remains inconsistent. Then, on Sunday, the unit had one of their best performances of the season. The Jets backs had six carries over 10 yards and posted over 200 total yards rushing for the first time since Week 5 of 2018. Without a doubt, this may have been their best group effort in paving way for the ground game.
Who Will Be the Lead Back Going Forward?
As it stands, Gore’s status is unknown. He never returned to the game, and if he cannot play against the Seattle Seahawks, it will only be the third game missed in the past ten years. If Gore cannot go, Johnson and Adams certainly proved against the Raiders they deserve a chance to carry the load in Week 14.
But then what? Adam Gase, who was notorious for using committee backfields, barely even did with Perine healthy. It was the future Hall of Fame back Gore who saw 21 touches against the Miami Dolphins, while Johnson and Adams combined for four total. If Gore is healthy again, will Gase return to him as the bell cow? Or do Johnson and Adams get the touches they deserve?
The New York Jets Remaining Schedule
Gang Green currently sits at 0-12, and it seems like this past Sunday was their best chance to win a game in 2020. Mainly because their schedule enters its toughest stretch yet, going against four playoff hopefuls. The Jets now play four strong run defenses in the Seattle Seahawks (8-4), Los Angeles Rams (8-4), Cleveland Browns (9-3), and New England Patriots (6-6) to close their historically bad season.
Nobody is expecting the Jets to win any of these contests, let alone come close. Nonetheless, it would be a treat for the Jets to put some points on the board. Give fans one last glimpse of Darnold’s potential if he truly is on his way out. And the best way to do that is by building on their magnificent rushing performance this past Sunday.
