New York Jets: Five early bold predictions for the 2018 season

The Running Game Finishes in the Top Ten

Todd Bowles, no matter who the quarterback has been, is committed to the running attack. In 2015 the Jets ran the ball 387 times, 418 times in 2016 and 427 times last season. Whether or not the Jets have been successful during the Bowles regime they have run the ball. “Ground and Pound” did not go away with Rex Ryan’s departure.

The problem is despite the most rushing attempts coming last year, the Jets also finished 19th in rushing, the worst result of the Bowles’ era. There were a lot of problems with the ground game in 2017, both up front and with the backs themselves. Matt Forte running seemingly running in cement didn’t help. The Jets just couldn’t get things going on the ground, other than in one game against the Jaguars.

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That will change in 2018. First of all, Isaiah Crowell is a guy that will perform better than some expect. He is only two years removed from averaging 4.8 yards per carry and averages over four yards for his career. Bilal Powell will do his thing and Elijah McGuire will step forward as well.

The other reason is the step up with the offensive line. Wesley Johnson, aka the Turnstile is out and Spencer Long is here. This may be the most underrated move of the 2018 off-season. Long will make things easier for both James Carpenter and Brian Winters. The offensive line will be better and the running game gets back to the top ten.

Mark it down.