New York Jets

Stevan Ridley itching to return, 'put fear in a defense' with Ivory

Published Oct. 29, 2015 11:08 a.m. ET

foxsports

The New York Jets have a secret weapon waiting in the wings to be activated in Stevan Ridley. The former New England Patriots running back has missed all of this season after tearing his ACL and MCL in 2014, but he's itching to get back on the field.

With Chris Ivory already playing like one of the best running backs in the league, Ridley can add to the Jets' rushing attack and create a dynamic one-two punch in the backfield.

"Chris has done such an exceptional job up to this point," Ridley told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. "To complement him in any way could put fear in a defense."

Ridley can be a perfect compliment to Ivory's hard, punishing running style. Ridley is a more elusive back who can break long runs at any moment. When he gets back on the field, which should be soon, the Jets could field one of the best rush attacks in the league.

"I believe that I can be one of the best backs in the league," Ridley said. "I think in due time I’m going to have my opportunities to show that. But it’s up to me to go out there and show that… I have to come in here and continue just to stay on track. Don’t try to do too much. Don’t try to be anybody I’m not."

Ridley has a proven track record of success after posting 1,263 rushing yards in 2012, but he won't reach those numbers with Ivory as the lead back. Still, he can give the Jets offense a big boost upon his return, which could be as soon as this week.