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Chris Ivory to replace Chris Johnson as Jets' lead back?

Chris Ivory generated 96 yards from scrimmage to just 34 for Chris Johnson in the New York Jets' Monday night loss to the Chicago Bears.

In his post-game analysis, Dan Hanzus noted that Ivory is the better back -- "and it's not close."

Whereas Johnson refreshingly ran north and south and lowered his shoulder throughout the preseason and in Week 1, he reverted to backing through the hole against the Bears on Monday night.

Coach Rex Ryan suggested Tuesday that Ivory is indeed headed for more snaps at Johnson's expense.

"Maybe Chris Ivorywill get more time," Ryan said, via the New York Daily News. "He's running hard. ... There's not a whole lot of guys who want to tackle him."

The Jets are encountering a similar conundrum to the one the Colts are facing with Trent Richardson and Ahmad Bradshaw.

It's clear that Bradshaw is a far more effective player, but his body has never held up to a heavy workload. It helps Richardson's case that he's the bigger name with more resources invested by the organization.

Although Ivory's smashmouth style conjures up images of Marshawn Lynch's "beast mode," that physicality has prevented him from staying healthy for more than a month or two at a time.

Ivory's effectiveness will likely lead to a heavier workload -- until the wear and tear forces Ryan to turn back to Johnson as the primary ball carrier.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps all of the Week 3 action and picks the top team in the AFC.

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