The Jets backfield is one that was of great strength for the Green and White in 2017. With the three-headed monster of a running back committee, it was one that was of fantastic excitement. 2018 is looking to be no different.
2018 Position Overview: RB
With the shock retirement of veteran Matt Forte in the offseason after his two-year tenure with the Green and White, the Jets’ backfield will certainly look different. Forte was the number one where he lead a group which included 2017 sixth round pick Eli McGuire as well as eight-year powerback Bilal Powell.
Powell, who lead the team in carries in 2017 with a career high 178 rushing attempts, 772 yards and 5 TD’s, is slated to be back in 2018. With the level of play that he has been getting there is no reason why Bilal can not be a 200+ carry guy in 2018 and lead the league in rushing yards.
With free agency in full swing the Jets made the fantastic addition of Isaiah Crowell, formerly of the Cleveland Browns. Bringing the battering ram type runner over to the Meadowlands will compliment the two runners currently at One Jets Drive.
.@IsaiahCrowell34 came here to win. #1T1G pic.twitter.com/NA3BuVuFmX
— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 16, 2018
Coach Todd Bowles was asked about the 5’11 225lb back and commented,
“We liked him in Cleveland for a while.”
Bowles went on to say, “He’s a very good runner, he’ll be a very good complement with Bilal and Eli back there. He can run the ball and he’s very good out of the backfield in doing certain things and we plan on using him that way.”
Running back’s coach Stump Mitchell was quoted saying that Eli McGuire is a “sponge” when it comes to absorbing information. The team can expect the rise of the talented ball runner going forward.
His speed is certainly his strength. New offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates will be spoiled for choice when it comes to options for screens and run plays.
Current Jets RB Depth Chart:
Starter – Bilal Powell
Backup – Isaiah Crowell/Elijah McGuire
– Sean Walsh is a staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @WalshNYJets Follow @FPC_Jets
