Losing Leon Is Huge Blow For Jets

SB Nation’s Gang Green Nation weighs in on how losing Leon Washington for the season affects the Jets and what they do to replace him:

This one hurts badly. I don’t doubt the Jets will continue to have an excellent running game considering their offensive line and duo of Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene. Neither is a game changer like Washington, though. He’s the kind of guy defenses have to game plan around. He’s a great decoy who always draws attention even when he’s not getting the ball, which opens things up for others. You can split him out to receiver if you want. Neither Greene nor Jones is as dynamic of a threat.

Where do the Jets go from here? Greene will replace him as the second back. He’s obviously a different player, but Sunday showed a glimpse of what he will become. I’m also guessing Danny Woodhead shifts back to running back. He’s not going to be needed much at receiver anymore with Jerricho Cotchery and Brad Smith coming back and David Clowney playing well. Perhaps the Jets try and turn him into a similarly versatile, speedy weapon. He has a lot of athletic ability.

Rookie Sean Shonn Green Greene had a huge day in Washington’s absence on Sunday, rushing for 144 yards on 19 carries and two TDs. Regardless, over the course of the season, you’d probably rather have a versatile play-maker like Leon Washington in there than a rookie back.