New York Jets: Offensive line must get more push in the running attack

Bilal Powell

The first play we are going to break down was early in the third quarter. Forte started the game and Powell is out in the backfield for this early second half drive.

On this play, Josh McCown is under center with Powell lined up right behind him. He is going to take the ball and try the right side. Keep your eyes on Shaq Lawson of the Bills (red circle). He is lined up against Will Tye, and he doesn’t have too much difficulty with him.

Here is just after the snap, and Lawson is engaged with Tye. As McCown is getting ready to give the ball to Powell, notice how Lawson’s eyes are in the backfield. He is tracking the play the entire time and it will serve him well.

As Powell takes the ball, Lawson already has displaced Tye. There is no push anywhere on the line and Lawson has his eyes on the ball carrier. This is not going to end well for Mr. Powell.

Lawson is now free to make the tackle.

And bring him down he does for no gain. The offensive line didn’t give Powell an inch. He is fast but he can’t run through people. It has to be better.