Position by Position Overview: RB

As we pull into the beginning of training camp there are a few things to report on the running backs front. Thomas Jones is in camp despite his unhappiness with his contract situation. Leon Washington arrived to camp late by a few hours but only missed the first team meeting and was out there training with the team the first day. Both have expressed unhappiness about their contracts but it appears that Jones has accepted that he is not getting a new one and Leon has some renewed hope that a deal is near.

1. Thomas Jones
2. Leon Washington
3. Shonn Greene

Thomas Jones:

Jones comes into training camp after a career year last season in which he led the AFC in rushing with 1,312 yards. More importantly he became the workhorse back for the Jets and many believe that he was widely underutilized in the later games of last season. Although Jones has crept up to 30 years old (the age of decline for a running back) there is still reason to believe that he can produce his same old solid numbers. He has just under 2,000 rushing attempts for his career which could indicate that he is not quite spent. The only thing that is bothersome about Jones is that he is looking for a new contract. He signed a four year contract two years ago with the money front loaded in the first two years. Jones needs to abide by the contract HE signed and get back on the field.

Jones will once again put up solid numbers. As a prediction I would say somewhere around 1,100 rushing yards and 10 TDs. I believe his numbers will decline from last year a little with such factors as age and Leon Washington's increased role playing a factor.

Leon Washington:

Widely regarded as the most popular Jet, Leon has been looking for a new contract all offseason. However, unlike Jones, Washington greatly deserves a new contract. He has played for about 500,000 every year and has put up numbers that far exceed his paychecks. He is explosive in the open field and is one of the top three most dangerous kick returners in the league. Every time he touches the ball he has the chance to go the distance and look for him to get many more touches this season under Rex Ryan.

Shonn Greene:

Drafted out of Iowa, Shonn Greene is a rookie running back who is going to try to prove that he has the ability to replace Jones as the full time starter. (in a few years) Greene, NJ native, runs hard and will play a large role in the power running offense that the Jets are hoping to establish.

Overall Outlook:

The running backs are the most talented group on the offense and have the chance to do some real damage this season. Look for Leon Washington to get more carries/touches and Thomas Jones to put slightly decreased numbers. However, the thunder/lightening combination of the two should serve the Jets well in 2009

Next up : WRs