The NY Jets should be prepared to remain patient with Le’Veon Bell
By Angelina Rizzo
NY Jets running back Le’Veon Bell struggled immensely in his first season with the team. But it’s important that the Jets remain patient with the former All-Pro.
The NY Jets need all the star talent helping them out that they can get. One bad or disappointing season from Le’Veon Bell shouldn’t mean the end of things.
Although Bell had a let down of a year in 2019 rushing for just 789 yards on a woeful 3.2 yards per carry. This was partially due to the fact that before this season, he had taken a year off of football as well as the little help he received from his supporting cast.
Bell needed to get back into the swing of things and re-adjust to playing in the NFL — this is certainly a part of the reason for his mediocre play.
He’s still a top-5 running back when at his best and one of the most talented in the game currently. If the Jets are patient enough with Bell and give him at least three seasons to prove his worth, Bell might just end up surprising Gang Green and the fans and coaches alike.
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Franchises aren’t built in a day.
I know it’s important for a player such as Bell to step up and do what he’s being paid to do, but did you really expect him to be fully ready after taking a year off of football activities? He had to get himself back into shape and fast for the 2019 season.
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Not to mention his atrocious offensive line and uninspiring coaching staff.
I think it’s wise to keep Bell for a few seasons and see what he does. Yes, he was slightly disappointing. But with the more reps in practice and increased action and playing time, I do think his quality of play will improve over time.
Throw in a hopefully improved offensive line and there’s reason to believe that Bell will bounce back in 2020.
To sum this all up, Bell played like a grade-C running back because he was inactive and out of commission for a year. He, in all actuality, is a grade-A running back and one of the very best in the NFL.
To throw him away after just a couple of seasons is pointless and reckless and just creates another hole the Jets have to fill. If head coach Adam Gase can creativity utilize Bell and utilize him the way he’s supposed to, we could see the old version of Bell next season.
Patience is key and much like Le’Veon Bell’s calling card, the Jets must remain patient.