Coffee with the Jets: Analyzing workload of Forte and Powell

A loyal reader asks to predict the workload of running backs Matt Forte and Bilal Powell heading into the regular season of the New York Jets. Expect to see the youth movement continue, especially at running back.

The running back situation of the New York Jets will be one of the strengths of the team heading into the regular season. With a huge question mark at quarterback, the Jets are hoping that both Matt Forte and Bilal Powell can rise to the occasion and keep those chains moving.

No matter who is under center for the Jets, new offensive coordinator John Morton will more than likely incorporate a pass-heavy West Coast offense with hopes that the ground game can help open everything up. Hopefully, with a viable ground attack, it will also help with play-action plays to throw defenses off.

In case you didn’t know, my Coffee with the Jets series is one that asks my loyal readers to ask any questions they’d like which I’ll answer right here on The Jet Press. This week, Sreekanth Nanga asked the following via Twitter:

Can you please throw light on the work share between Forte and Powell?

— Sreekanth R Nanga (@sreekanthreddyn) July 3, 2017

Since the Jets are ushering a youth movement, expect to see them heavily use Powell in the majority of reps at starting running back. That doesn’t necessarily mean that Forte will be a non-factor but Morton is a creative offensive coordinator. Expect to see a good amount of offensive formations featuring both running backs to capitalize on their abilities to be receiving threats out of the backfield.