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New York Jets: Bilal Powell facing a critical season in 2018

By Stephen Smith

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 17: Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets scores a touchdown as Rafael Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the first half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 17: Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets scores a touchdown as Rafael Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the first half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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New York Jets halfback Bilal Powell is facing a crucial 2018 season where he must earn everything that he gets.

The 2018 NFL season is going to be a critical one for New York Jets running back Bilal Powell. The 5-10, 204-pounder turns 30 years old on Oct. 27 and that is usually not a great milestone for a NFL halfback. Father Time always wins, right?

General manager Mike Maccagnan signed free agent running back Isaiah Crowell in March so it will be interesting to see how the new Jet cuts into Powell’s playing time.

Let’s take a look at Powell’s profile with New York’s first preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons just around the corner:

2017 Season Recap

The University of Louisville product set a career-high in rushing yards (772), although his yards per carry average dipped from 5.5 in 2016 to 4.3 last year. Matt Forte’s knee issues allowed Powell to set a career-best in rushing attempts (178), but his receptions out of the backfield were down significantly from the previous two seasons.

Some of those receptions went to tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who grabbed 50 in 2017. The Jets finally rediscovered the tight end last year. With that being said, Powell remains one of the better pass-catching weapons in the NFL. He missed just one game last year and none the previous season so he continues to be a durable and reliable player.

2018 Preseason Forecast

The Lakeland, FL native will have competition for carries and receptions with the addition of Crowell and second-year halfback Elijah McGuire, once he returns from his foot injury. Thomas Rawls and rookie Trenton Cannon will vie for touches as well. It will be interesting to see how everything shakes out during preseason action.

Powell should see the bulk of his play in the third preseason contest against the Giants on August 24. That’s always the dress rehearsal game — game three of exhibition competition. He enters the preseason schedule healthy and ready to show what he has left in the tank.

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2018 Season Outlook

Any way you slice it, this is a crucial season for Powell. He turns 30 in mid-season and will be battling Crowell for premium touches. Rawls and Cannon are competing just to make the 53-man roster. Expect a downturn in carries for Powell with Crowell on the team but he should remain a dynamic third down back with his elite pass receiving skills. Powell rushed for five touchdowns last year — that should also decrease with Crowell in the fold.

If Crowell happens to get injured though, look for Powell to post similar numbers to 2017. He may be playing with a chip on his shoulder this coming season. That’s good news for Gang Green and bad news for the rest of the league.

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