Saturday, August 2, 2014

Jets give peek at a double-Chris offensive backfield

BY NICK ST. DENIS

If all goes as planned, the New York Jets will boast a versatile one-two punch in the running game in 2014 with Chris Johnson handling the speed and Chris Ivory the power.

It was assumed that would be the deal on a play-by-play basis. Saturday, Gang Green put a little twist into that thinking.

During the team's annual Green and White Scrimmage, Johnson and Ivory took the field a few times--at the same time, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.
"Two-dreaded monster: How's this for an intriguing look? On two plays, Chris Johnson and Chris Ivory lined up in the same backfield. That creates inside-outside possibilities, putting stress on the defense," Cimini wrote Saturday.
"Neither Johnson (five carries for 14 yards) nor Ivory (three for 2 yards) was productive, but don't put much stock in the numbers. For running backs, this was all about chipping off the rust and building chemistry with the line. For Johnson, it was his first live action on his surgically repaired knee. He came through it without any issues."
Jets offensive coordinator will play the hot hand and use Johnson and Ivory accordingly on a gameplan basis, but a Johnson-Ivory combined backfield at times could be a potential headache for opponents.

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