Jaguars: Can Storm Johnson give the running game a boost?

With starting running back Toby Gerhart missing time through injury and struggling for form (recording just 2.6 yards per attempt and one touchdown, and a -5.9 rushing grade) there is an opportunity for one of the Jacksonville Jaguars younger rushers to seize the starting job. However rushing behind a struggling offensive line has left Storm Johnson, Denard Robinson and Jordan Todman with little opportunity to impress.

Todman's 2.6 yards per attempt on limited carries matches Gerhart's, but his primary role has been as a  receiving back.  With pass plays making up 86% of his snaps, his 25.0 Drop Rate has to be a concern. Robinson (3.4 yards per carry) has also been used more as a receiver than a rusher, but has only gained 37 yards on 11 receptions. So far neither has looked the part of a lead back.

Johnson has had to wait patiently for his opportunity, recording 14 carries for 48 yards (3.4 avg) and a touchdown on just 28 snaps in Weeks 5 and 6. Johnson is the team’s only back to grade positively as a rusher (+0.6), the only back to record a non-zero Elusive Rating (13.6), and the only back to break a 15+ yard run, giving him a 41.7 Breakaway Percentage. Hardly outstanding statistics, but good enough to suggest that the team would be wise to give him more opportunities in the weeks ahead, regardless of Gerhart's health.