Rex Ryan has said that the New York Jets have always had confidence in Bilal Powell.

The running back has rushed for 226 yards so far this season, including 149 against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday.

The head coach told reporters: "We knew he'd compete for playing time at that spot. We have a lot of confidence in Bilal and always did.

"Number one thing for a back, he's outstanding in pass protection, let alone his running skills and pass receiving skills, so that we knew was a real positive about Bilal.

"But did we think he'd have to carry it, how many, 27 times or something like that? We thought that'd be distributed maybe a little differently, but a couple of backs weren't available."

The Jets face the Tennessee Titans this weekend.