Nobody needs any help to start one of the game's best running backs, but while working on the Colts-Jets preview, it became clear that some of what ails New York isn't getting enough attention. It's not Aaron Rodgers' scowling (although that doesn't help).
While the Jets have been in the process of losing six of their last seven games, the problem has been not only Rodgers, the offensive line and things like Mike Williams running the wrong route. It's been the way they're getting steamrolled by opposing ground games.
In their last seven, the Jets have allowed an average of 136 rushing yards, and with 11 touchdowns on the ground. It's been even worse the last five games: at least 147 rushing yards four times, and exactly 2 TDs per game. If they don't get that cleaned up, they're going to keep on losing.
Here's how opposing running backs have fared against New York in those five games (receiving production included). Aaron Jones got hurt during their game, so that goes in as a shared effort.
| RBS VERSUS THE JETS, LAST SEVEN GAMES | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runner | Run | Rec | Total | TD |
| Javonte/Jaleel, Den. | 123 | 3 | 126 | 0 |
| Vikings committee | 71 | 44 | 115 | 1 |
| Ray Davis, Buf. | 97 | 55 | 152 | 0 |
| Harris/Warren, Pit. | 146 | 15 | 161 | 1 |
| Stevenson, N.E. | 48 | 17 | 65 | 2 |
| Mixon, Hou. | 106 | 0 | 106 | 1 |
| Conner/Benson, Ari. | 95 | 105 | 200 | 1 |
Everyone will be starting Taylor against New York this week, but I think we can also look ahead to starting Seattle's Kenneth Walker and backs from Miami and Jacksonville in the next three games after that.
--Andy Richardson