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You might have not been watching by the point he did his thing, but Joe McKnight showed some encouraging things Monday in garbage time. He ran a punt back 18 yards and then carried 3 times for 19 yards as the game was ending. Yes, the game was over by that point. There wasn't much intensity left in the stadium. McKnight still looked quick and explosive with the ball in his hand. This begs the question as to whether the Jets should get him a few touches against the Miami Dolphins.
I say yes for the following reasons:
- He has worked his way out of the doghouse he put himself into. Despite being inactive a lot early in the season, he continued to work hard in practice. When the team needed gunner help in punt coverage, McKnight took the job and has played well. He took reps at cornerback, a position he had never played before, when injuries left the team thin there. It would demonstrate how the team values such hard work.
- The Jets want him to eventually take over for LaDainian Tomlinson as a speedy compliment to Shonn Greene. Getting Joe game experience will help that transition.
- He's really athletic and dangerous with the ball in his hands.
- He would be another weapon defenses would have to dedicate time to prepare against.
I know the Jets have to find touches for a lot of other talented players. I'm not suggesting that he jumps Greene or Tomlinson on the depth chart. I would just like to see 3 to 5 touches to see whether he can add something extra to the table.