Following one of the most outstanding road performances by a running back in franchise history, Bilal Powell has been nominated for the FedEx Ground Player of the Week and the Castrol Edge Clutch Performer of the Week.
Powell rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry the Jets' 23-17 overtime victory over the 49ers. The Louisville product was responsible for both of the Jets' touchdowns — a five-yard draw that cut the deficit to 17-12 and a 19-yard game-winning scamper. He became the team's bell cow after veteran Matt Forte sustained a knee injury in the first quarter.
"Whenever my number is called, I just try to take full advantage of my opportunity," Powell said. "When Matt went down, I was well prepared like I always am each week."
Powell accounted for 10 of the team's 13 rushing first downs and recorded his second career 100-yard rushing game (2013). He became the first Jets RB since John Riggins in 1975 to rush for 145-or-more yards and two-or-more rushing touchdowns on the road.
While the FedEx Ground award focuses on rushing achievements, Powell's career-high 179 scrimmage yards were the most for a Jets running back on the road since Hall of Famer Curtis Martin in 2004.
"He did a gentleman's job," head coach Todd Bowles said. "If it wasn't for him, I don't know if we would have even won this game. He single handedly, from my point of view at least, broke every tackle he could break. He caught every ball. He ran. He blocked. He did everything, and he had outstanding effort."
Powell became the second Jets player nominated to for the FedEx Ground award as Forté captured it following his 100-yard, 3 TD effort in a Week 2 win over the Bills.
To vote for the FedEx Ground Player of the Week, click here.
To vote for the Castrol Edge Clutch Performer of the Week, click here.
