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The Seahawks easily beat the Jets 28-7 yesterday and Rex Ryan must be envious of how Seattle wins games. The Hawks are using a good running game, defense and timely passing to be on the lookout for a playoff spot. This is the same formula the Jets used in 2009 and 2010 to get to the AFC Championship game. However, things have gone wrong for New York thanks to highly questionable personnel decisions by general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Mark Sanchez gets a lot of heat from the team’s unproductive offense, but the spotty running game is the main offense’s culprit. It’s easy to forget that the Jets with Mark Sanchez beat Peyton Manning and the Colts on the road in the playoffs. They also defeated Tom Brady and the Patriots on the road in the playoffs the following week. Sánchez is not and will not be an elite quarterback who can carry out an offense. However, if Sanchez is given a good running game, he can be effective in game action.

Tannenbaum decided that Shonn Greene was the back-to-power leader in New York’s “ground and hit” offensive philosophy. Greene (15 carries for 58 yards (3.9 per) against Seattle) is a decent number two running back, but he’s just not good enough to anchor a running game. Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch (27 carries for 124 yards (4.6 per), 1 touchdown vs. New York) is the kind of bell back the Jets desperately need. The Jets passed Doug Martin in the 2012 NFL Draft and the explosive rookie has done wonders to help trade Josh Freeman. New York also struck out Joe McKnight’s pick in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft. The hope was that McKnight could provide the running game with some big plays because of his speed and quickness in a supporting role. However, McKnight has been an attempted runner and unproductive. The Jets are mediocre as a running back and that’s a big reason why “roll and hit” on offense too often turns into “throw and duck.”

An often pedestrian Shonn Greene isn’t the only reason for New York’s disappointing running attack. The Jets’ offensive line has taken a step back in the past two seasons with right tackle and left guard as weak points. By contrast, Seattle has improved their offensive line the past two seasons and they do a good job opening holes for Marshawn Lynch to pass.

The Jets will likely miss the playoffs for the second straight season. The pressure is mounting on Mike Tannenbaum to right the boat. The big question this offseason will be: Does Tannenbaum decide Sanchez is the offense’s scapegoat or not? The Jets are basically starting over if Mark Sanchez takes the knockdown. Quite possibly the best way to do this is for New York talent screeners to find a running back who can create himself and solidify the offensive line.

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