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Chris Ivory okay with giving up carries to Chris Johnson

By Trisity Miller

Dec 22, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory runs against the Cleveland Browns during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory runs against the Cleveland Browns during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the New York Jets added Chris Johnson in the offseason, it was a given that running back Chris Ivory’s playing time would be cut in half. But according to the running back himself, there will be no issue in regards to touches.

“No, no concerns about touches, just trying to win,” Ivory said. “It’s not my team. I’m just on the team. I’m working. However it turns up, I’m happy with whatever.”

Based solely on numbers, Johnson and Ivory had very similar statistics from the 2013 NFL season. In 16 games with the Tennessee Titans, Johnson put up his worst numbers since the 2011 season, rushing for 1077 yards along with 6 touchdowns and 3 fumbles. Johnson would also have a heavy impact in the receiving game, collecting 345 yards and catching 4 touchdowns. Over in New York, Ivory would rush for 833 yards along with 3 touchdowns and 2 fumbles in 15 games played. While Johnson toppled Ivory in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, Ivory had the upper-hand in yards per carry with 4.6 compared to Johnson’s 3.9, a stat that could be attributed to the running back due to his knack of looking for the home-run play rather than taking things play by play.

Even with his playing time and touches likely to decrease, Ivory was a fan of the move that added one of the better running backs the NFL has seen in the last ten seasons.

“I thought it was a good move. Anybody that can come in and help us I think is good for the team,” said the fifth-year running back. “He’s fast, has great speed [and] great hands. We all bring something different, so as far as complements, it just depends on the team and the scheme that they have for the guys. . . . I’ve seen him play. He can do it all. He speaks for himself.”

All-in-all, the Jets made this move in order to add a spark to their offense. Whether it be Chris Johnson or Chris Ivory, the Jets will need their running back to take focus off of the quarterback position. Hopefully the two are up to the task.