Jets need to use Bilal Powell more to help offense

The New York Jets need to stick with what works and go back to basics on offense. They should utilize running back Bilal Powell more to help get back on track.

Last season, running back Chris Ivory thrived for the New York Jets having the best season of his career. Towards the end of the year, Ivory and Bilal Powell were both able to shine and it seemed the Jets had something with Powell.

Related Story: Bilal Powell ready to take next step in career

This past offseason, Ivory left and the Jets signed running back Matt Forte and since then, Powell has barely been used. Powell was drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Jets. Throughout his career, he hasn’t had that much playing time and has only played 61 of his 83 career games.

He didn’t show that much when he did play either until 2015. Powell started off the season average but over the last few games of the year he played great.

Powell became a threat in the running and passing game and that is what pushed him to his breakout 2015 campaign. In 2015, he had 70 rushing attempts for 313 yards and one touchdown. Receiving wise he caught 47 passes for 388 yards and 2 touchdowns.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets should target TE Hunter Henry in free agency
• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

After his great campaign, he hit the market and not surprisingly, he had multiple suitors.

With multiple teams interested he still decided to come back to the Jets and signed for three years and $11M ($6M guaranteed).

This was days after the Jets signed Forte and it seemed like those two would be splitting carries throughout the season.

That hasn’t been the case at all through the first three weeks of the season.

Powell’s only has nine carries which is very little and much less than Forte’s 67 so far. Powell hasn’t been a part of the passing game either.

In Weeks 1 and 2, Powell caught three passes for eight yards combined. In Week 3, it seemed things were starting to change as Powell got four handoffs for 30 yards and caught six passes for 41 yards.

Must Read: Ryan Fitzpatrick will not lose job to Geno Smith

Head coach Todd Bowles seems to finally be realizing the Jets need to begin involving Powell in more plays and that seems to be what is happening. Don’t forget, as a good rusher and pass catcher, he is great for PPR fantasy leagues as this week showed he should be getting an uptick in rushing and passing. In reality, however, maybe Powell can be the guy that helps the Jets begin to win games.