Lynn on RBs: We have more 'explosive' playmakers now

In an interview posted Friday on the Jets’ official web site, running backs coach Anthony Lynn quipped their ground-and-pound game “will never be dead.” But Lynn, who was promoted to assistant head coach this offseason, noted the Jets' stable of running backs is “more explosive right now” and has “more playmakers than I’ve had in the last couple of years.”

In Rex Ryan's first two seasons as head coach, Thomas Jones, Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson took over games on the ground. Fast forward two years and all three of those guys are gone. But Lynn said he's excited about the West Coast philosophy new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg will bring to the team – and, specifically, his current crop of speedy running backs.

“I think you’re going to see things open up a little bit more,” Lynn said. “You’re going to see these backs in space more than you have in the past.”

Now that Greene’s no longer in the picture (after signing a three-year, $10-million deal with the Titans), the running back competition is “wide open,” said Lynn. “And that’s what you want.”

As for his promotion, Lynn said he’ll be more involved in “decision-making meetings,” but doesn’t expect his overall role to change that much. “I’m still going to be working with the running backs,” he said. “And I’m sure I’ll work more side-by-side with Marty and helping him with some things. But I’ve always tried to do those things, and I’ve always tried to be a sounding board with whoever. I’m excited about the opportunity and we’ll just see where it goes.”

Here are some other interesting takeaways from Lynn’s web-site interview: