Early season expectations for Bilal Powell

Running back Bilal Powell is ready to do his best to earn a starting position or at least more reps this upcoming season with the New York Jets. Here are some early season expectations for Powell.

Running back Bilal Powell hasn’t had a great season last year and needs to prove he can beat out all the younger competition brought into New York Jets training camp. Despite a disappointing performance as of late, Powell looks to prove to the Jets that he can be all that they ask for on offense.

It will take a lot for Powell to prove that he’s worth keeping around on a team desperate for all of its players both new and experienced to play their best. The Jets have been very patient with Powell, and now it’s time for him to get the job done if he’s able to prove his worth and make a case to be on the final roster.

Last season, Powell totaled 772 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and 23 receptions. Those are decent numbers but for yet another season, Powell fizzled out towards the end of the season and was dealing with lingering injuries. Isaiah Crowell, Thomas Rawls, and Elijah McGuire are all ready to make their case to start or at least be in a starting rotation.

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The Jets have been fortunate to have had Matt Forte shine for them over the past few years and after his retirement, that position is an underlooked issue that got a little bit weaker. Despite the new players in the positional group, it still is a big question mark heading into the regular season.

Powell obviously knows he has a lot to prove to the team and fans that he’s capable of being a key offensive threat all season long. It’s doubtful he will be able to reach 1,000 yards if he hasn’t ever by now so by the looks of it, Powell could very well be fighting for a roster spot if others step up and play well.

All in all, the Jets cannot afford to have another disappointing season from Powell. Hopefully, he puts together a better season since it’s likely the Jets won’t continue being patient waiting for him to step up and deliver consistent results. It’s now or never and the Jets, who seem to be moving forward and taking steps to one day be a contending team, need to see Powell be the best he can. Expect to see Powell stick around once training camp is in the books and likely end up in a rotation at running back where he’ll get his fair share of reps.