Dennis Waszak: Bilal Powell, Our Future?

I remember being the only guy on his bandwagon back in '11 when everybody looked at him as a jag. He's done nothing except improve and I initially thought he could be a solid number 2, but now I think he can be a starting RB. He does everything you need, he blocks, catches out the backfield, takes the handoff etc.

 

He's a solid RB, not a game-changer, or one that possesses breakaway speed, but a consistent, solid RB. Keep in mind he came from a very good football program at Louisville. I like him. Reminds me a lot of Curtis Martin.

 

Powell was impressive against Buffalo. It is true that the Bills weren't (and won't be) the best run defense that the Jets have (will) face this year. Still, there were a few plays that the defense sniffed out the run and Powell should have, by all reasonable accounts, been stuffed or tackled for a loss. But he wasn't. Whether it was making a defender miss or breaking a tackle, Powell used some artistry (magic?) to turn chicken shit into chicken salad. Very nice start to the year for the young man.

What he will be remains an open question. Certainly, Powell is not the talent that Martin was for the Jets. But, based on this article, his off-the-field traits certainly seem similar -- namely, the humble attitude and strong work ethic. If Powell becomes a shadow of Martin's consistently strong play, maybe he can be the Jets' long-sought answer in the backfield.

TL;DR: Agree.

 

I like the way Powell runs. He'd be best in a timeshare with a guy like Goodson, but Ivory better watch out because the way Powell has been running, we might not need him.

 

Bilaaaaaal Pooooooooooowell

I can't stand the way Brian Custer and Ray Lucas say his name....

 

His back story demeanor and style of play is very comparable to former Jets RB Curtis Martin; is it not?

 

Yeah, he's not at Curtis Martin's level but he's a very similar back. I figured he was good for 250 carries this season if the Jets needed it. It'll be interesting to see where he takes his game if the Jets call on him 15 times a game.

 

As I was reading your post I was thinking, 'that sounds like Curtis Martin to me'. Then I saw your last sentence.

Just like Martin, Powell does not have that burst to separate from defenders for the really big runs, but he is consistent. I think Powell may run a little harder than Martin. He seems to have a bit more aggression in his runs - not that I'm trying to take anything away from Martin, who was a class act in every respect.

 

I really like Powell and am glad he is doing well. Biased though cause I go to Louisville.
(Trying to get post count up)

 

Wow, had no idea he was shot and stabbed in HS. The guy is a BEAST.

 

Absolutely love this guy. I was itching for this guy to get more touches last season when Greene absolutely sucked (couple games before the Colts game). He finally has the opportunity and now let's see if he can run away with it. I'm starting him in fantasy this week with confidence knowing he will (or should) get 20+ touches.

 

he's a good enough back to not have to search for anything better in thi n.f.l. elite backs aren't the cornerstone piece they used to be . powell can block catch and run enought to be a 3 down back,if ivory gets healthy and goodson is what they think he is running a backfield of powell as the feature and goodson as the change of pace with ivory mixed in is enough to be effective. he won't be curtis and won't have to be. i am not sure if curtis would have been the rb he was the way the pasing game is today

 

shot at, i don't think he was hit. in todays world thats not a big thing to put on a resume

 

ooo good call. Read it so fast I thought it said shot. Clearly I have a RC deficiency. Thanks for clarifying.

 

I'm enjoying the fantasy points...............

It all starts up front. The line is playing well, the RB is producing.

 

And it also helps when you're not constantly facing stacked boxes.

 

sure as shit right.