Bilal Powell was one of the most productive runners in the NFL over the final month of the season, prompting many to wonder why it took so long to feature him in the New York Jets' offense.
In theory, that shouldn't happen again. Stump Mitchell, the new running backs coach, already is sold on Powell.
"Bilal is a Pro Bowl back if he was playing by himself, make no doubt about that," Mitchell said last week at minicamp.
Ah, but here's the thing: He's not playing by himself. The Jets still have Matt Forte, 31, who managed to survive the offseason roster purge that claimed so many older veterans.