Bilal Powell was one of the most productive runners in the NFL over the final month of the season, causing many to wonder why it took so long to integrate him into the New York Jets' offense.

In theory, that shouldn't happen again. Stump Mitchell, the new running backs coach, is already 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.

Here's the thing, though: 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.

Mitchell has a lot of respect for Forte, and intends to employ a time-share with the two backs. He described Forte and Powell as interchangeable, saying each one is capable of delivering in any situation. At the same time, the Jets are cognizant of Forte's age and don't want to run him into the ground, which happened last year under the previous offensive staff.

"Matt will have the opportunity to be fresh," Mitchell said. "Really, at the end of 16 games, we want him to feel like he's played eight games."

The Jets have yet to provide any definitive statements on the offensive identity they hope to establish under new coordinator Johnny Morton, but it's not hard to connect the dots.

Forte and Powell will have the ball in their hands a lot. Mitchell set a lofty goal, saying he wants each one to average 100 yards from scrimmage per game.

"That's not asking too much," he said.

It's not?

Forte and Powell averaged 77 and 69 yards from scrimmage last season, respectively, meaning both backs would have to increase their yardage significantly to reach Mitchell's goal. Only seven running backs in the league reached the 100-yard mark, led by Le'Veon Bell's 157. None of the seven played on the same team. A good frame of reference is the Atlanta Falcons's offense, which featured a dynamic 1-2 punch -- Devonta Freeman (96 per game) and Tevin Coleman (72).

"I have high expectations for them," Mitchell said of his guys, "but my expectations can't be higher than the expectations they have for themselves."

This approach makes sense for two reasons: The Jets' quarterback situation is uncertain (putting it kindly) and their receiving corps is young, so the best strategy is to run the ball. Give the rock to the two most accomplished players on offense and take the pressure off the quarterback.

Everything sounds good in June.