New York Jets: 5 burning questions in 2018

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JUNE 14: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets participates in drills during the final day of Jets mandatory minicamp on June 14, 2018 at The Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 24: Running Back Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets in action against the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

3. Will Bilal Powell be trusted?

The Jets coaching staff is yet to trust Bilal Powell. The poor guy has been with the team since 2011 and has not been trusted by any of the coaches that have had him. In 2016 he had over 1,100 yards from scrimmage despite only starting four games. He likely would have also crossed the 1,000-yard threshold last year had he simply played in all 16 games.

He has shown the talent to be able to be lead running back, but instead the Jets have believed in a running back by committee approach. Last year, he was paired with Elijah McGuire and Matt Forte. This year, Forte is gone but McGuire remains, along with new additions Isaiah Crowell and Thomas Rawls.

Then entire Jets offense could benefit from some consistency, but a young quarterback especially. As Sam Darnold molds into a starting quarterback, he wants to know who is going to be behind him often. Consistency is how you keep players calm and young players always can use help to calm down.

It doesn’t look like this will be the year the coaches trust Powell, they have done nothing to give that impression and these offseason acquisitions solidify their position. However, this seems like the year they should take the reins off and try to let him become a three down back. At least do it while McCown or Bridgewater is starting so that Powell gets a chance to prove himself.

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