New York Jets: 3 Big takeaways from Preseason Week 2

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 16: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets scrambles with the ball in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

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FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets hands the ball off to Bilal Powell #29 during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

1. Bilal Powell should be the starting running back

Bilal Powell earn his playing time, and he proved he’s much more than a pass-catching option. He’s a three-down back, and he should be the starter, even when Isaiah Crowell is out of the concussion protocol.

While he did have only 17 yards on six carries, we have to remember who was blocking for him. He did a decent job on the ground all things considered.

The thing is that the Jets shouldn’t rely on the run game solely on first down, and Powell proved that he can be a reliable safety valve for Darnold. Both of his catches were on check downs where Darnold needed him to be reliable. and he was.

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He was also reliable in pass protection. In a game where the offensive line was a terrible as it was, Powell kept the rookie quarterback upright to the best of his ability. Powell will be needed in pass protection all season long and on all downs. If he’s that reliable, he should be an every down back not just a third down and passing down back. He showed some breakaway ability in 2017. Now it’s time to capitalize on Powell on all downs, not just when it’s obviously a passing situation.

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