Gang tickled by Ivory’s big day
Chris Ivory is as likely to demand more carries as he is to seek out notoriety.
The Jets’ running back is unassuming and quiet by nature, without ego, and all about the team. So it was telling when he admitted he sees the chance for a breakout season this fall as the team’s premier back in his third year with the Jets.
“I definitely think there is more opportunity,” Ivory said after his two rushing touchdowns keyed the Jets’ seasonopening 3110 win over the Browns on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. “What they want to do right now is run first, and come to the pass and then get playaction.”
Ivory, a 27yearold Texan, received 20 carries on Sunday — tied for his third most as a Jet — and produced 91 yards and touchdowns of 10 and 3 yards, running through and around Browns all afternoon. If not for the lopsided nature of the score, Ivory certainly would have gone over 100 yards.
“Chris is a monster,” wide receiver Brandon Marshall said. “He makes our offense go.”
His productive running opened up the passing game for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who tossed scoring strikes to Marshall and Eric Decker. It forced the Browns to adjust, taking extra defenders out of the box, which led to Ivory pounding them again.
“It leaves the defense with not knowing what to do, got to worry about both the run and pass,” Ivory said.
The Jets’ offensive line loves blocking for Ivory, a running back who doles out punishment instead of taking it. His effort is never in question. He was incredulous when asked why he runs so hard.
“Why not?” he said. “It’s just part of me —it’s part of my game.”
Ivory came to the Jets three years ago from the Saints for a fourth round pick, and while he has performed well, averaging 4.6 yards per carry two years ago and 4.1 last season, rushing for a combined nine touchdowns and 1,654 yards, he never has been the featured back. He had a careerhigh 198 carries last year, good for an average of 12.3 per game. After one game, he’s on pace for 320.
“I’m just confident now. You’re not confident in yourself, who else will be?” Ivory said. “That’s the only way to prosper or progress in this game. I think the opportunity is there. It’s just about me making the plays and just being healthy.”