Jets vs Chiefs: Gang Green needs to get Bilal Powell going
In the Jets vs Chiefs Week 3 matchup, Gang Green’s offense has been stellar through Week 2. Much like last season, in order to keep that pace, Bilal Powell must join the fold.
As the New York Jets enter Week 3 in a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, their offense is coming off an impressive onslaught of the Ryan-brothers led Buffalo Bills defense. We saw Ryan Fitzpatrick torch their secondary, which led to an AFC Offensive Player of the Week nod.
The wide receivers were all involved; Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall each going over 100 yards receiving, Quincy Enunwa also came close to the century mark with some key grabs. How about Matt Forte, who rushed for 100 yards and three touchdowns. But where was Bilal Powell factored into this game?
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Powell only racked up three yards total against Buffalo. Granted Forte had the hot hand, but if we go back to Week 1, Powell only gained 48 total yards against the Cincinnati Bengals. His skill set is utilized best in catching passes, yet he’s only been targeted five times.
Is the lack of production injury related? Or could it be offensive coordinator Chan Gailey simply game planning to use him sparingly out the gate? The few failed shovel passes early on against Buffalo ended his involvement last Thursday. The Jets cannot afford to limit Powell as they have thus far.
It’s very clear that Bilal Powell is the #jets third-down back, and Forte everything else.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 16, 2016
Connor Hughes’ tweet does hold truth, and should be the usage of both backs. However, Powell’s ability to burst out of the backfield off a completion would continue the groove the Jets’ offense finds themselves to have early on. With Marshall’s knee a concern heading into Arrowhead Stadium, this is the optimal time for Powell to get going.
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Last season he really got it going in the later half, finding open space and even the end zone in big wins against the Giants, Cowboys, and Patriots.
The Chiefs have a pretty stout secondary, and a smart way to combat them is quick outs or shovel passes right off the snap.
Make their ailing linebacker core get to him.
As per the Media Relations Department of the Jets, Gailey has said it’s “too soon to start monitoring Forte’s carries”, and he’s right.
But keeping the 30-year-old fresh as the season progresses needs to start with more looks Powell’s way.
There’s no game better than this one, against a Chiefs team that could wind up being right there with the Jets for a Wild Card spot down the road.
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