Jets must continue to involve Elijah McGuire

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 01: Elijah McGuire #25 of the New York Jets scores a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 1, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 01: Elijah McGuire #25 of the New York Jets scores a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 1, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Running back Elijah McGuire’s breakout performance helped guide the New York Jets to victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. The rookie back needs to be heavily involved in the offense moving forward.

The New York Jets rushing attack overpowered Jacksonville’s defense en route to a 23-20 overtime win. Amidst the battle, Jets fans witnessed Elijah McGuire‘s emergence as an offensive weapon. Once he was given opportunities to do what he does best, he truly took off with it and never looked back.

McGuire rushed 10 times for 93 yards while contributing two catches for 38 yards. His showpiece came on an electric 69-yard touchdown run. In just his fourth NFL game, the rookie running back accounted for 28 percent of the Jets total offense. Talk about making an impact in front of the home crowd.

An elusive runner who also creates receiving mismatches, McGuire has made his case for more touches in Gang Green’s offense. He pairs well with fellow running back Bilal Powell, comprising a formidable, yet dynamic duo in the Jets backfield.

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In college, McGuire proved he can handle the role of a feature back. At Lousiana-Lafayette, he accrued over 5,600 yards from scrimmage and tallied 52 touchdowns.

Under the guidance of the Jets coaching staff and veteran running back Matt Forte, McGuire will look to replicate his college success.

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The Jets may have themselves a steal with this year’s 188th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. McGuire boasts high upside as a runner while showing continuous improvement in the young 2017 season. McGuire’s usage needs to increase, and Jets fans should look forward to his progression as an NFL running back that is showing glimpses of being starting material.