WATCH: How familiar face Bilal Powell factors into new-look Jets offense
Bilal Powell is the longest-tenured New York Jet. However, with all the new additions on offense he's sort of fallen into the background. Although his spot on the roster is pretty much solidified, there is the question of what his role will be.
Now we all know Le’Veon Bell will be the primary back and it looks like Ty Montgomery has squared away the backup running back spot on the depth chart. That being said, Powell finds himself in a sort of no-mans land.
Elijah McGuire and Trenton Cannon are currently in a battle for that No. 4 running back spot and it’s unlikely the Jets will keep five backs on the roster. Whoever wins that battle will most likely be relegated to special teams duties.
In four of his eight seasons with the Jets, Powell has rushed for over 400 yards four times and has rushed for over 600 yards three times.
His best year statistically was in 2016. Even though he only started four games that season, Powell rushed for 722 yards on 131 carries with 388 receiving yards of receiving and five total touchdowns. His Y/A (yards per attempt) was also the highest of his career at 5.5 yards.
Sep 20, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) runs the ball during the second half of a game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports
Powell’s Y/A average has been nothing but consistent throughout his career. Every year except his rookie season he has had a Y/A average over 4.0. For his career, it's at 4.1 which means when Bilal runs the ball he's getting positive yardage more often than not.
Catching wise he has 204 career receptions for 1,567 yards. In terms of hands, he's got some of the surest around with a 69 percent catching ratio for his career.
Powell has never really been a feature back in the league but has thrived in his role as a backup. He's been on the team since 2011 which means this is now the third coaching regime he's been under.
The fact he's still on the team speaks to his value and talent as a player. His numbers won't light up a stat sheet however he's performed when given the opportunity.
Powell would be a solid replacement for the Jets this year in the event of Bell getting injured. The experience and skill are there where New York won't be too decimated in the event of Bell's absence.
He's also more of an every-down back than Montgomery and is much more protective with the football. Fumbling was a reason why Montgomery's time in Green Bay was so short.
If Bell does stay healthy, I would expect head coach Adam Gase to work Bilal into the offense in some shape or form. Powell can be especially useful inside the red zone and could even be used as a slot receiver if need be. Trick plays could be where Powell finds a lot of his touches this season as well.
Although he doesn’t have blazing speed, Powell always seems to have just enough to get away from a chasing linebacker or enough to get the edge and turn a three-yard gain into a five or six-yard touch.
At 5-foot-11 and just over 200 pounds, he’s not going to run over defenders either but instead uses his elusiveness and vision to make defenders miss or find a hole in the offensive line to scamper through. Not to mention his smarts and knowing when he’s been touched and when he hasn’t.
Powell will be 31-years-old this October and is coming off of neck surgery. The fear last season was that the injury was severe enough to be career-ending. However, he’s back and should be ready to prove he can still provide a spark on the field Jets fans have become accustomed to with him.
Not only that, but Powell’s value in the locker room will be much needed with all the new and young faces on the team. It wouldn't be surprising if he’s one of the unofficial team captains this season as well.
