Shonn Greene's Fumble Struggles

by John B on Dec 17, 2009 12:01 PM EST

NJ.com's Manish Mehta profiles Shonn Greene's fumble problem.

Greene’s resume at Iowa wasn’t littered with fumbles – he coughed it up just twice in 307 carries last season – but he’s been shaky at the next level. The 5-11, 226-pound running back has lost three fumbles in just 71 carries this season. Greene’s latest fumble wasted a 25-yard gain last week against the Buccaneers.

"He takes it harder than anybody," right tackle Damien Woody said. "You don’t want to be known as a fumbler."

To that end, Greene kept the ball high and tight to his chest in practice on Wednesday. Rex Ryan dispelled the notion that the team signed running back Chauncey Washington this week from the Cowboys practice squad to send a message to Greene, who has gained 353 yards (4.0 ypc) for the league’s top-ranked rush offense.

They won't say it in public, but there's no question to me the Washington signing had to do with Greene. Washington's strengths are too similar to Greene's. I don't think Washington takes over for Shonn right off the bat, but the team can't have a back who keeps putting it on the ground. It was for insurance. Thomas Jones has to sit sometime, and there needs to be a back capable of spelling him.

The good news for Greene is his condition is curable. A lot of running backs have overcome fumble struggles, most notably Tiki Barber.

How many more fumbles would it take for you to want to see Greene benched?

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Comments

I think it is more a question of timing

instead of how many. Potentially his next fumble could cost us a playoff spot. I wouldn’t want to put more pressure on the kid, but at this point in the season one more fumble from him and I can see him on the sidelines much, much more the rest of the season.

by Togaman7 on Dec 17, 2009 12:18 PM EST reply actions

Receiver out of the backfield

Greene has said he has bad hands. TJ is ok, but neither of these guys are Leon.

Chauncey is supposed to have better hands. I think the idea is to give another option for short or 3rd down plays, since as Rex admitted at his press conference, if Shonn is in you know its not a pass to him.

But to be fair, this guy was signed off a practice squad, he’s not about to come in and start. He’ll be a role player if he plays at all.

by JetsFan1991 on Dec 17, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions

Yeah, I don’t see Chauncey Washington playing anytime soon.

As for RBs receiving out of the backfield, it looks like they’re trying to incorporate Woodhead more and more into the offense (although so far he’s starting out wide and going to the back instead).

and the home of the... JETS!!!

by dvdvil on Dec 17, 2009 9:34 PM EST up reply actions

I think we may well see him returning some punts as early as this Sunday, not sure why just a feeling. Doubt he gets any action in the back field, but you never know with Schotty

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by David_Wyatt on Dec 17, 2009 9:40 PM EST up reply actions

They may do it just to confuse the opponents. “Washington returning punts???” lol.

Also, I looked for his stats but I couldn’t find any for kick returns, NFL or college.

and the home of the... JETS!!!

by dvdvil on Dec 17, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions

C'mon John B. Your quasi-bench-calling is unwarranted.

Yes Greene put it on the ground 3 times. I don’t think we can’t point to any one of them as costing the Jets a game (maybe u could make the argument for the 2nd Miami game, but there were plenty of other reasons for that loss to put it on the fumble).

Sanchez has singlehandedly cost this team at least 3 losses; and nobody is calling for his benching. If anybody should be benched for turnovers its Sanchez. But I think Mark deserves to start every game, and Shonn deserves to get carries every game.

by Crackback on Dec 17, 2009 12:41 PM EST reply actions

Disagree

Sanchez is playing a significantly more difficult position to adjust to as a rookie. There’s a much less steep learning curve for a running back, and protecting the ball should come naturally.

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by John B on Dec 17, 2009 8:16 PM EST up reply actions

You can't be serious...

Sanchez has 17 ints and 10 fumbles (lost 3), not to mention a dismal completion percentage.
Greene has 3 fumbles (lost all 3).

Sanchez has single-handedly lost at least 3 games. Even so, I don’t think Sanchez should miss a start, but he should be benched during a game for multiple turnovers. Greene should be permitted to have some room for growing pains too.

But if you’re not gonna call for Mark’s benching, whose turnovers have been far more detrimental to the team in terms winning games and making the playoffs, then to call for Greene’s benching is completely hypocritical.

C’mon John B. Where’s your objectivity???

by Crackback on Dec 18, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions