Jets vs. Dolphins: 6 Players To Watch For Week 4

Bilal Powell

Sep 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) is taken down by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end

(75) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Jets 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan-USA TODAY Sports

If Chris Ivory is unable to go, or suits up and is limited, the running back responsibilities will fall upon the shoulders of Bilal Powell. Powell is also the Jets clear cut third down and passing back, so he could be looking at a featured role in the offense is Ivory is unable to go.

It is the role that Powell played last week against the Eagles, and you could see it had an adverse affect on the Jets game plan and offense as a hole. Powell actually received more carries in each of the first two games of the season against the Browns and Colts than he did against the Eagles, but the biggest problem was that Ivory was not there first to soften them up. The differing styles of Ivory and Powell make them a solid combination, but without Ivory in the mix Powell did not have the same effect.

Powell was given 10 carries against the Eagles, managing only 31 yards. The Jets fell victim to game flow against the Eagles, as they fell behind early and were forced to air it out most of the second half. That made Powell’s afternoon look a little better, as he ended up catching seven balls for 44 yards, but it was his performance in the rushing department that was disappointing.

Ivory was limited in practice this week, so there is a chance that he will not be at full strength for the second straight week and Powell will be relied upon as the starting running back. If that is once again the case, the Jets will have to try harder to set a tone early in the game, or else they leave the possibility of falling behind and having to rely on the arm of Fitzpatrick. We have seen once already this season, and countless times in his career, that that is a recipe for disaster with Fitzpatrick under center.

Next: Dolphins Starting QB