We're heading into Week 16, but even some of the best teams in the league have some issues that have to be improved upon. The New England Patriots have signed running back Steven Jackson to help improve their running game, but how much does Jackson have left in the tank?

The Patriots definitely made a good decision here. Their running game has been hurting all season long. Dion Lewis showed promise early in the season, but a torn ACL ended his year. LeGarrette Blount was recently put on injured reserve because of a hip injury. At the moment, among active players, Tom Brady leads the Patriots in rushing touchdowns with three and Brandon Bolden has the most rushing yards with just 146. Again, the Patriots had to pick up somebody with so many key injuries.

Jackson has been one of the most productive backs since entering the league, but he is 32 years old now. Jackson also has seen his statistics decline steadily over the last couple of seasons. He won't turn things completely around in New England, but this could be a really good fit. Bill Belichick has proven multiple times that he can get production out of a player nobody wanted. It's actually pretty surprising Jackson was a free agent for so long.

Jackson doesn't have a huge burst of speed, but then again, he never really was a lightning fast back. Jackson's best quality is consistency. He hasn't fumbled a single time in the last three seasons, and he does find the end zone at a pretty good rate. If Jackson can just help move the chains with a decent yard per carry average, than this will be a really good pickup.

The Patriots offense ranks 28th overall in rushing yards.

There's really not much of a risk here for the Patriots. The deal is only one year, and odds are it's only a veterans' minimum wage. If the Patriots are going to win it all again, they have to have stability at the running game. In eight of the 14 games this season, the Patriots have rushed for fewer than 100 yards. Julian Edelman is still out as is Danny Amendola, and in some ways those two are the Patriots' running game at times with dink and dunk passes.

Jackson hasn't averaged more than four yards per carry since 2012, but the Patriots won't need him to take over games. As long as Jackson is consistent and takes care of the football, this will be a solid signing.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1