Shonn Greene was prepared for the frustrating questions each week for much of the first half of the New York Jets’ season.
What’s going on with the running game? Where’s the “Ground-and-Pound’’ approach that coach Rex Ryan was so fond of?
Well, the Jets are pounding opponents again on the ground, and the offense has shown signs of efficiency. Just in time for perhaps New York’s toughest stretch of the season.
“Obviously,’’ Greene said Wednesday, “we have our identity back.’’
Thanks to Greene and a rejuvenated rushing attack, New York has returned to being a run-first offense which has helped set up Mark Sanchez and the passing game.
“I just think we’re playing Jets football,’’ Ryan said. “I feel that we’re a much more confident team playing this way, this style.’’
There are still mistakes to be cleaned up, as evidenced by a shaky first half in a 27-11 victory at Buffalo last Sunday. But the Jets (5-3) have three straight victories, with a first-place showdown up next with the New England Patriots (5-3) on Sunday night.
The last time the AFC East rivals played, back on Oct. 9, the Jets were sent to their third straight loss. Ryan insisted he saw some improvements, a few things New York could build on. The Jets haven’t lost since, and it’s no coincidence the re-emergence of the running game has occurred during that stretch.
“We’re starting to come into our own as an offense,’’ Sanchez said.
The Jets ran for a modest 97 yards against New England in the first meeting, including 83 by Greene. It was the third straight game New York was without All-Pro center Nick Mangold, and his impact on both the running game and offensive line was clear as Colin Baxter tried to fill in.
Mangold went down with a sprained ankle in the second game of the season against Jacksonville, and Greene had 49 yards rushing. Greene followed that performance with 59 yards against Oakland and only 23 against Baltimore.
“We never make excuses, but I wanted to,’’ Ryan said. “He’s the best center in football. Kind of like the Darrelle Revis of corners, that’s what Nick Mangold is at center. So, having him out obviously was a great loss to us.’’
Added tight end Dustin Keller: “He’s the quarterback of the o-line, gets everybody where they need to be. He’s really irreplaceable.’’
Mangold returned for the sixth game of the season against Miami, and Greene rushed for 74 yards. The third-year running back followed that up with 112 yards against San Diego and then 76 against Buffalo last Sunday.