Analyzing progress of Bilal Powell so far

As the New York Jets prepare for their first preseason game, running back Bilal Powell has been quite impressive so far during training camp.

Preseason action will finally be upon the football world soon as the New York Jets are starting to have a good idea on what kind of roster they plan to have heading into the regular season. Many players are earning their reps while others are using the opportunity to get ready for another memorable season ahead.

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For running back Bilal Powell, it’s another huge opportunity to prove that he can be a consistent, durable and above all else dynamic weapon on offense. So far during training camp, he’s been handling extra reps at the positional group due to injuries to others as many see his speed, awareness and execution have all increased during the offseason.

It’s no secret that last season, Powell was a key factor for the Jets towards the latter part of the year. His ability to be a dual-threat running back brought a dimension on offense that opposing defenses couldn’t contain. Powell missed significant amounts of time due to injury but when he was on the football field, made his presence known early and often.

Last season, Powell totaled 313 rushing yards, 70 carries and one touchdown. As a receiving option, Powell totaled 388 receiving yards, 47 receptions and two touchdowns. While the stats might not be extraordinary, his ability to come through in the clutch during key situations during the regular season tremendously helped the Jets win plenty of football games.

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If Powell can be healthy throughout the upcoming season, he could very well have a breakout year.

Entering his sixth season in the NFL, he could surpass all expectations thanks to how well he’s been doing in training camp.

The momentum he could bring into the regular season after having an excellent training camp could be exactly what the Jets need to have a fighting chance against a tough slate of opponents early on in 2016.

It won’t be easy but Powell could easily be an x-factor on offense and enable the Jets to pick up exactly where they left off from last year.

Even head coach Todd Bowles gave some praise to Powell and what he’s seen him do so far during training camp. When asked several questions about Powell by the media, here is what Bowles had to say, courtesy of the Media Relations Department of the Jets:

On Bilal Powell’s camp so far…

He’s been healthy, he’s been quick, he looks a lot quicker than he did last year. He’s always smart, he’s always talking, he’s steady. What you see is what you get all the time from him. I’m happy about that.

On how Powell keeps getting quicker every year…

I guess he works in the offseason, I don’t know. He looks quicker. He does a good job training. He keeps his mouth shut, he’s very smart, he’s very studios and he’s very attentive.

On if he has any concern with the number of reps Powell is getting…

Not at this time. He hasn’t been banged around a lot, so he’s getting the same amount of reps they will be getting.

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Overall, expectations for Powell are high as the Jets face a tough schedule with defenses knowing what makes their offense tick. While all eyes will be on guys like Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brandon Marshall, Matt Forte and Eric Decker, Powell could be that offensive spark that gets this team to surprise many once the regular season arrives.