The New York Jets Need To Involve Bilal Powell More In The Offense
Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) is tackled by a Pittsburgh Steelers defender during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won, 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets have struggled for a number of reasons. Perhaps it would help if Chan Gailey used all of his weapons, like Bilal Powell.

The New York Jets were expected to have an explosive offense in 2016, as they had a great receiving core and two capable running backs. Unfortunately, the Jets have been unable to utilize their assets on offense.

Part of the reason is the quarterback play. Ryan Fitzpatrick has not been the same player that he was last year, so he gets a majority of the blame. However, if we are being completely fair, the entire offense has taken a step back.

Brandon Marshall, although extremely talented, continuously drops passes in big spots on a weekly basis. The offensive line has definitely taken a step back, and the Jets have been unable to get the running game going for the last few weeks.

The first two weeks, they were able to get Matt Forte going. Since then, they have abandoned the run. Part of it has to do with playing from behind, but it also goes on the play calling.

Fitz looked terrible in Kansas City, throwing six interceptions, but would it have killed Chan Gailey to run the ball in the red zone? The Jets have very much been in these games that they’ve lost, but their offense has been stagnant in the second half all year long.

Chan Gailey has seemingly become very pass happy and, unfortunately, this offense isn’t able to throw the ball down field at will with who is behind center. The Jets need to run more high-percentage pass plays.

For instance, when the Jets offense got hot down the stretch last year, they were able to utilize Bilal Powell out of the backfield in the short passing game. Although he is third in receptions right now, it is imperative for the Jets to utilize him even more so.

Matt Forte, although an upgrade over Chris Ivory, is on the wrong side of 30. He can’t be an every down back and needs to be spelled more frequently. So far this year it seems like Forte has seen a much higher percentage of snaps than Powell has.

Every time Powell touches the ball it seems like he’s shot out of a cannon. He’s extremely explosive, and he reminds me of how Leon Washington was running in 2009 before he got hurt.

Utilizing two backs is not a knock on Forte, who can still be a productive back in this league. It’ll just help balance out the offense. Right now, the Jets are trying to force the ball down the field too much.

It’s been a terrible first five games, but they desperately need to find a win in Arizona. Dropping to 1-5 would all but put an end to the season and we haven’t even reached Halloween yet.

I'm a Jets, Islanders and Mets fan from Long Island. I'm the General Manager of my college radio station WFTU Riverhead where I also do a sports talk show called "This Week In Sports". In addition to ESNY I'm a co-editor of EyesOnIsles.com. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take -Wayne Gretzky" -Michael Scott