The guess here is Ty Montgomery probably wasn’t among the top running backs taken in your fantasy draft. When it comes to the Jets, the conversation about their backs usually begins and ends with Le’Veon Bell.
That’s understandable. But if there’s a secret weapon to the Jets season, an overlooked component that could contribute mightily, it could be Montgomery — the versatile free agent who played for the Packers and Ravens.
With Bell not seeing any game action during the preseason, Montgomery has gotten plenty of work. He touched the ball 25 times, rushing 17 attempts for 64 yards and one score and catching five passes for 29 yards and another touchdown.
In training camp practices, Montgomery lined up in multiple positions in an effort to get mismatches with less athletic linebackers. Whether it’s first down or third down, Montgomery could be factor.
“Every guy on this team, we have a role and I fully embrace my role,” Montgomery said. “I’m going to play it to the best of my ability.”
He stands out because he wears No. 88, a number he had in Green Bay when he transitioned from wide receiver to running back. His speed and reliable hands make him ideal for an Adam Gase offense that likes to feature dual-purpose backs.
“This offense as a whole is an attack offense,” Montgomery said recently. “We’re trying to score as many points as possible. Coach Gase has a knack of putting guys into a position to succeed no matter who it is. I can tell Coach Gase enjoys calling plays, enjoys being creative on offense. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Montgomery enters his fifth pro season, having rushed 192 times for 932 yards and seven TDs. He also has 107 career receptions for 892 yards and three scores. He played his first 3 ½ years in Green Bay and sees similarities between Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Jets second-year quarterback Sam Darnold. Both are mobile and can throw on the run, which means Montgomery has to stay alert for the football.
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“Coming from playing with Aaron, we’ve all seen the no-look throws he makes and you always have be ready,” Montgomery said. “It’s not something I’m going to have to be used to. I’m always going to be ready and I’m expecting Sam to do anything with his arm.”
Extending plays has been something Darnold has worked on during training camp. Montgomery will be an ideal target on those situations when a play breaks down and the quarterback has to improvise.
“To be honest, there’s a level of comfort coming from Green Bay and playing with a guy like Aaron Rodgers,” Montgomery said. “That was a lot of his bread and butter, extending plays. Now I’m able to play with Sam who also has the mobility and ability to throw as he’s moving outside the pocket extending plays. That’s only going to help us.”
Montgomery isn’t trying to put Darnold in the same class as Rodgers — at least not yet.
“Aaron is an elite quarterback and one of the best to ever play the game,” Montgomery said. “But I’m appreciative for what Sam brings to the table and who Sam is. I’m looking to have fun with him.”
The Jets have to figure out how many running backs they want to keep on their final 53. Montgomery and Bell are locks with Bilal Powell also likely to stay. Trent Cannon will probably get the last spot with Elijah McGuire being cut. Australian rugby star Valentine Holmes likely will be on the practice squad.
“We push each other,” Montgomery said of the running backs. “Neither is going to let the other person settle for anything less than being his best every single day. It’s good. It’s what you want.”
Bell figures to get most of the work as he returns to the field for the first time in two years in the season opener against the Bills. But don’t sleep on what Montgomery can do for the Jets, even if the rest of the league doesn’t know it yet.
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