Potential 2012 Jets Breakouts: Joe McKnight

by GangGreenMag on Feb 18, 2012 9:18 AM EST

Part 3 of my potential break out players of 2012, will shed some light on what I expect from Joe McKnight. Unlike my previous stories, McKnight is going into his 3rd year as a Jet. Some might say that he broke out last year, but I would argue that we only scratched the surface of what McKnight could do for us. Come join me after the jump to see what I mean.

The story of Joe starts with ending of Leon's. It would be a hard task to find someone with something bad to say about Leon Washington. He was truly loved by all Jets fans. When the Jets decided to part ways with him, there was automatically a big void in our football loving hearts. This set the stage for great expectations regarding Joe McKnight. Joe was even selected in the same round as Leon. The comparisons were made almost immediately. After his poor training camp, and a lackluster rookie season, most gave up hope for the kid.

In 2011, McKnight had a much better training camp, and was set to rise from 2010's ashes. He found a home on special teams. Right now, there is no other person on this team I want taking kick returns. McKnight erupted onto the scene and never looked back. He ended the season with 1073 return yards, and 1 TD. This showing of production should be reason alone to cheer, but he made strides in gaining our confidence in him as an offensive weapon also. He showed decent ability to be the LT of this team (production wise). I feel for Joe. Just as he is getting out from under the shadow of Leon Washington, he is put under LT's.

With the Jets pressed for cap space this year, an expensive replacement for LT, or even LT, might not be an option. The front office might see what some of us see in McKnight, and give him a shot at the #2 RB position. It would be a heck of a lot cheaper, and convenient. I think another RB will have to be brought in to push Powell though; Perhaps with an undrafted RB. We seem to find good backs that way. I think with a good training camp, McKnight can develop even more. I can see him being the lightning to Shonn Greene's thunder. If he does move up, you can almost guarantee to see a jump in production.

2012 predictions: 425 Rushing Yards, 2 Rushing TDs, 467 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TDs, and 2 Returns for TDs

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I think all the predictions are on the low side, well aside from returns...

Unless they bring in another stud back to split time with Greene, if he only puts up 350 rushing we will be in trouble. Greene can not be a work horse he’s to streaky and to fragile, assuming LT is gone, and no one is brought in that will be higher on the depth chart at RB, I’m hoping to at least see 500-600 yards rushing, and over 500 receiving.

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by Judgegavel on Feb 18, 2012 10:07 AM EST reply actions

I think you are right to a degree.

I think Greene could have done a lot better this year if the offensive line actually created opportunities for him. I can see Greene with close to 1300 yards if the O-line comes back strong/he stays healthy. McKnight could get anywhere from 350 to 500 if the Jets want to expose him to more than just a 3rd down back. We will just have to see how they use him.

Get busy winning or get busy losing.

by GangGreenMag on Feb 18, 2012 2:47 PM EST up reply actions

Don't forget he also has a sack

bleed green and white

by greenandwhite4ever on Feb 18, 2012 10:18 AM EST reply actions

I thought he just had a pressure that forced flacco into a pick-six

by darshv3 on Feb 18, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions

Nothing against this... but

same prediction was made last year, and he did really breakout and help the offense, defense, special teams. can we get another player? http://www.ganggreennation.com/2011/8/3/2340642/five-new-york-jets-with-breakout-potential-in-2011-joe-mcknight

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by Max Strauss on Feb 18, 2012 11:36 AM EST reply actions

It's not his fault he was so sparingly used.

by ArunK on Feb 18, 2012 11:44 AM EST up reply actions

In fairness, I was the one who made that prediction, not GGM.

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by John B on Feb 18, 2012 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

Oh makes sense. I didn't realize. Thanks John!

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by Max Strauss on Feb 18, 2012 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

I think it's finally time the Jets start to use McKnight more on offense

With LT around last year, it might have been a lot to ask for the Jets to pick McKnight over a future Hall of Fame guy.

Get busy winning or get busy losing.

by GangGreenMag on Feb 18, 2012 2:43 PM EST up reply actions

Definitely agree.

Hope the Jets don’t draft an RB after selecting two in the last two years!

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by Max Strauss on Feb 18, 2012 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

Gotta say I’m enjoying this series if for no other reason than it reminds me that we really do have a lot of exciting young talent.

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by John B on Feb 18, 2012 12:11 PM EST reply actions

Exact same reason why I like it

I’d expect Kerley to end up on this series soon too.

by darshv3 on Feb 18, 2012 12:13 PM EST up reply actions

Love Mcknight's potential in 2012.

How about another breakout possibility: Josh Baker? Some might say Cumberland, but after the injury, I would say Baker has a good chance of getting the 2nd tight end spot since he ccan play from so many spots (H-back, TE).

by JetKing55 on Feb 18, 2012 12:40 PM EST reply actions

run Joe run

he played a lot better especially out of the backfield,i expect him to get better.

by michael224a on Feb 18, 2012 6:12 PM EST reply actions

Run Greene at a 2 to 1 pace of Mcknight

And run them alot.

by manuvsteal on Feb 19, 2012 12:06 AM EST reply actions

I am hoping that Joe gets a chance and makes it

Yes we can't play in a Bowl and that is lucky for the rest of College FB' but next year we at USC will dominate.

by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 19, 2012 3:05 AM EST reply actions

Ball Protection !!

This is one area that Joe has to get much better at. He is in a nutshell “sloppy” with the ball whether it is with a KO return, a punt, or a running play….the guy exposes the ball too much and puts it on the ground for needless turnovers. We need more returns like the one against the Ravens which was a “statement” KO return(answering their TD). I agree with you all he has speed and athleticism but it is a matter of co-ordinating that with proper ball handling. That is what separates the good ones & great ones from the who’s who. None of his speed will matter a lick if he keeps fumbling as Tony & Rex will have him on the sidelines like they did with Greene. We’re counting on him alot to be a big outlet for us on 3rd down – Run & Pass. So you can see in some of the Mock’s why there have been some RB’s drafted….we need some depth …just in case. I’m trying to be optimistic but his habits haven’t changed since college….and thats a little scary.

"It's only through change we learn to grow".

by Canadian Jet on Feb 19, 2012 4:16 AM EST reply actions