Football Memo

Signing of Johnson makes sense for Jets

As soon as Chris Johnson was reportedly to be released by the Titans, the New York Jets were the first team that popped into my head as a possible fit.

Now it’s being reported by ESPN that Johnson has inked a two-year deal with the Jets.

It makes perfect sense for both parties. The Jets have the front 7 on defense to compete with most teams. The problem is the Jets  don’t make enough plays – especially explosive ones – offensively to compete consistently for the AFC East title.

The Jets now have added Michael Vick to compete at quarterback with Geno Smith. No matter who wins that battle, the Jets won’t get past the Patriots if they don’t make more big plays. Hoping to fill that void are receivers Eric Decker and Jacoby Ford, and now, Johnson, who joins Chris Ivory to create a pretty versatile backfield.

Johnson is definitely not the explosive back he was a few seasons ago, but he still can burn past most of the defensive backs in the league. He also is a good option out of the backfield. This element to Johnson’s game will help either Vick or Smith when they need to check the ball down while under pressure.

For Johnson, signing with the Jets will give him an opportunity in a run-oriented offense, to possibly earn an extension and show the doubters there still is some fuel remaining in his turbo tank.

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