In less than two weeks, the Jets will be back in action with the beginning of training camp. Once the pads go on and the players begin to go after it under the hot summer sun, New York will be one step closer to kicking off what figures to be a promising 2019 season.
Throughout camp, the veterans and incumbent starters will focus on perfecting their craft and getting comfortable with new offensive and defensive schemes. The fringe players will spend training camp and the preseason fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster with the coaching staff keeping a watchful eye over them through it all.
In anticipation of camp beginning, Jets Wire will break down where New York stands at each position. From positions that are seemingly set in stone to those that will feature plenty of competition, there will be plenty to watch for throughout late July and early August.
After beginning with the quarterbacks, let’s shift gears and take a look at the running backs who will be flanking them in 2019.
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The Starter
Last season was a year of mixed results New York’s running backs. That shouldn’t be the case this upcoming season with Le’Veon Bell in the mix.
After sitting out all of last season, Bell comes to the Jets refreshed and rejuvenated. He will be the focal point of Adam Gase’s offense throughout the season, serving as New York’s go-to tailback and a dynamic safety blanket catching passes from Sam Darnold out of the backfield.
The Jets gave Bell a four-year deal hoping he can reclaim his spot as the best running back in football. If the 26-year-old produces as he did with the Steelers, New York’s offense will ascend to new heights in 2019.
The Contributors
Le’Veon Bell wasn’t the only impactful addition the Jets made at running back this offseason.
Ty Montgomery comes to New York with an opportunity to get back on track after a rocky 2018 season with the Packers and Ravens. Like Bell, Montgomery is a dual-threat out of the backfield and will give Sam Darnold another weapon to work with.
Elijah McGuire is also back for his third season after showing flashes of potential throughout 2017 and 2018. How many touches he gets remains to be seen, but odds are McGuire will be able to carve out a role in New York’s backfield alongside Bell and Montgomery.
In The Hunt
Behind Le’Veon Bell, Ty Montgomery and Elijah McGuire, the Jets have two running backs who can make an impact in Bilal Powell and Trenton Cannon.
Powell is a known commodity at One Jets Drive. He is adept at running between the tackles and catching passes out of the backfield — skills that play in Adam Gase’s offense. Cannon, a second-year tailback, also brings that skill set to the table. He can also make an impact as a kick returner, which helps his chances of making the team.
The Jets are loaded at running back, putting Powell and Cannon on the outside looking in. Powell is coming off a major neck injury and it remains to be seen if he’s still the same player. Cannon, meanwhile, showed some promise as a rookie, but clearly lacked in certain areas.
If New York elects to carry four running backs once the regular season begins, either Powell or Cannon will be safe. If not, both will likely be seeking new employment.
Better Luck Next Year
Valentine Holmes has an inspiring story. The former rugby star is looking to make it in the NFL, but his opportunity to do so will not come with the Jets.
There is simply not enough room on New York’s running back depth chart for Holmes to seriously challenge for a spot. Holmes can also line up at wide receiver, so maybe he has a chance there. However, he doesn’t have much of a shot at seeing touches in 2019.
Final Analysis
Le’Veon Bell is New York’s clear-cut workhorse at running back, but don’t discount the impact Ty Montgomery and Elijah McGuire could have in 2019.
The Jets will use Montgomery and McGuire in different ways. Adam Gase does not plan on running Bell into the ground in his first year with the team. Montgomery and McGuire won’t be getting too many touches per game, but they’ll both get enough to make noteworthy contributions.
Powell and Cannon seem like the odd men out. Cannon’s best bet at making the team is winning the kick and punt return jobs, while it’s tough to see Powell overtaking the younger McGuire or Montgomery, who was brought in specifically to serve as Bell’s backup.
