New York Jets: Player evaluations at Quarterback and Running Back
Bilal Powell
FINAL STATS: 178 RUSHES, 772 YARDS, FIVE TOUCHDOWNS, 4.3 YARDS PER CARRY; 23 RECEPTIONS, 170 YARDS
Bilal Powell is a guy that has become a fan favorite, and that is with good reason. Whatever he is asked to do, he does it well. Nobody will ever mistake him for Todd Gurley, but when called into action, Powell performs. He can run, he can catch and he can block. Powell does whatever is necessary to help his team which makes him an easy guy to root for. Even for some people to make shirts about.
Powell led the way for the Jets running backs, with a career high of 772 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He has not posted a season of under four yards per carry since 2011 and this year was no different (4.3). Powell is decisive with the football. When he sees a whole he hits it. When he accelerates after hitting the second level it is exciting to watch. Just go back to his touchdown against the Jaguars:
To have the awareness to get up and continue running is rare. The speed out of Powell has always been exciting. When called upon to make plays Bilal Powell is there to make those plays. No matter what he has to do to get it done he does it. 2017 was no different. It was another solid year for Bilal Powell. Give him credit, the line didn’t help him out very much.