LeVeon Bell

New York Jets Who Could Be Two Sport Stars: Le’Veon Bell

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New York Jets, LeVeon Bell

LeVeon Bell joined the New York Jets prior to last season on a four-year, $52.5 million deal. Rumors have swirled about what his future may look like in the Green and White, however, heading into next season he is a Jet.

The former All-Pro back will have a much-improved line blocking for him next season and looks to recreate some of his old magic from Pittsburgh. With that said, what if there was no magic in Pittsburgh, or what if Bell wasn’t a football player. What if Bell was a high jumper instead.

Le’Veon Bell: High Jumper

Bell was an All Ohio Capital Conference First Team running back his senior year. Despite having over 1,300 yards and 21 TDs, he was still a two-star recruit out of high school. Despite that, Bell eventually found a home at Michigan State, where he tore it up for the Spartans.

Bell still played other sports in high school and did very well. At 6-foot-1 and 225 lbs, Bell was a very good basketball player. Bell’s stats were unavailable, but he was a second-team All Ohio Capital Conference member for his senior season.

So you may think, why didn’t I say Bell should play basketball? Well, because his size and stature would be a poor fit in basketball, and his stats were unavailable for the sake of this piece. With that said, high jumping was where Bell really impressed.

He was recognized as one of the best high jumpers in all of Ohio. His best was 2.03 meters, which is incredibly impressive. The athleticism and hops he had and further developed in basketball, paired with the lateral quickness he has developed throughout his football career, would make for the makeup of a scary good jumper.

Matched with the level of skill you have to have to succeed in one of the best athlete breeding states in Ohio, that shows how much potential was truly there with his high jumping abilities. Although Bell is an incredible back with a distinguished resume, what if he held out entirely and went out for the Olympics in 2018, or better yet, what if Bell was a high jumper out of high school rather than chasing his dreams of football? Would we be talking about Lev Bell, the olympian instead?

New York Jets RB Le’veon Bell laughs off spot in Top 10 rushers’ poll

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Le’veon Bell of the New York Jets appeared in an ESPN poll ranking the league’s top rushers but didn’t appear satisfied with his slot.

An appearance in a top-ten list organized by ESPN would be cause for celebration for many NFL running backs. As Le’veon Bell has proven, however, he’s not like most professional rushers.

The New York Jets starter showed up on the list organized by the network, polling 50 NFL personnel to determine the league’s top rushers. Such a list was bookended by New Yorkers, with Saquon Barkley topping the list and Bell rounding things out. The rankings premiered on ESPN’s morning talk show Get Up!.

Bell was smiling upon learning his spot…but only in the form of sarcastic laughter.

Bell’s reaction was mocked by some, some of whom felt the slot should’ve gone to someone else (Green Bay’s Aaron Jones was a popular proposed substitute). The second-year Jet responded by expressing hope that this season will be played and vowing to right the wrongs of 2019.

Added to the Jets on a four-year, $52.5 million deal last offseason, Bell, 28, ran for only 789 yards last season, his lowest full-season tally since entering the league in 2013. That came after he sat out the entire 2018 season due to a contract dispute with his original employers from Pittsburgh. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that Bell channeled his inner Bart Scott and texted him “can’t wait” after the Jets selected Mekhi Becton in the first round of April’s draft.

The 2020 outlook is a bit brighter for Bell after the Jets upgraded their offensive line. He currently ranks sixth amongst active NFL rushers in career yardage (6,125). The leader of that list, Frank Gore (15,347) joined the Jets as a spell option earlier this offseason.

New York is currently slated to open their season on September 13 at Buffalo.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

New York Jets: What type of year should we expect from Le’Veon Bell in 2020?

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Le'Veon Bell, New York Jets

What should we expect from New York Jets’ Le’Veon Bell in 2020?

In the first year of a four-year, $52 million contract, New York Jets running back Le’Veon Bell posted a career-low 3.2 yards per carry and the second-lowest total in rushing yards at 789.

Overall, the versatile running back was unable to reach his potential, primarily due to a lack of offensive line adequacy. He recorded 311 total touches, the fourth most in his career after he recorded 406 in 2017, and then proceeded to miss the 2018 campaign with a contract dispute.

Nonetheless, general manager Joe Douglas made it a priority to bolster the front five in the trenches, signing guard Greg Van Roten, tackle George Fant, Center Connor McGovern, and drafting Mekhi Becton with the 11th overall pick.

“Absolutely. Can’t wait,” Le’Veon Bell told ESPN, regarding his excitement to run being the new-found line.

The reinforcing of this unit should give Bell more running lanes to work with and Sam Darnold more time in the pocket to throw the ball.
I do believe that Bell can handle a heavy workload, as he was selected to a Pro Bowl and was a first-team All-Pro in 2017, indicating that he is not too far removed from an absolutely dominant season.

Ultimately, the lack of playmakers on the Jets’ offense limited his production, as teams knew they would game plan around him.

Adding wide receivers like Denzel Mims and Breshad Perriman should allow the Jets to utilize play-action more frequently and split out Bell into screen positions and flat routes.

With the new additions in the trenches and more playmakers added the offense, Bell is set up perfectly to have a bounce-back year, recording his worst yards per carry over six seasons in 2019. He is capable of much more, as he also averaged his lowest rushing attempts per game, indicating he was heavily used in the receiving game. Nonetheless, with a better offensive front, head coach Adam Gase should begin to prepare a game plan that employs different schemes and sets, therefore offering more potential for Le’Veon down the road.

The Jets also signed 37-year-old Frank Gore to help limit Bell’s usage and also drafted La’Mical Perine out of Florida to develop.

Will the New York Jets move on from Le’Veon Bell in 2021?

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New York Jets, LeVeon Bell

The New York Jets signed Le’Veon Bell to a four-year, $52.5 million deal in 2019. Bell featured on the Jets’ offense, posting 789 rushing yards and three touchdowns over 15 games. Aside from the 2015 season, this was by far his worst campaign following a contract dispute that kept him out of the league until signing with Gang Green.

Ultimately, Bell needs two specific things to succeed and play at a high-level. The first thing is a quality quarterback that can make good pre-snap adjustments and activate the screen game appropriately. Secondly, a solid offensive line at the very least is required for Bell to have the patience and aggressiveness he utilizes typically in his game.
His 461 receiving yards in 2019 with the second-lowest in his career, but I expect he will see an uptick in efficiency next season due to an improved line and Darnold’s full health.

However, the Jets drafted La’Mical Perine out of Florida and signed Frank Gore to a one year deal. This could indicate that the Jets are preparing to cut Bell after the 2020 season, as Perine is about average in every category and could take a significant step forward after a year of development.

Le’Veon has a potential out in 2021, which he would count just $4 million in dead cap, allowing the Jets to spend on other positions and replace him with the cheaper option. Clearly, having a high priced running back in the NFL is not a necessity; looking at how the Kansas City Chiefs managed to succeed and win a Super Bowl last year.

Bell can be a dominant force on the Jets’ offense, but saving about $10 million could be extremely beneficial in adding a defensive playmaker pass-rush specialist.

If Bell does have an extremely successful year, I imagine the Jets will retain him at just 29 years old. While they would be saving a good chunk of salary cap, he is a difference-maker on offense and can be the difference between winning and losing. His 2020 production is the most significant factor in this future decision for general manager Joe Douglas.

The Last Dance Shows The Value of One New York Jets Player

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New York Jets, Jamal Adams

The Last Dance has been the most talked-about fixture in the sports world as of recently. The documentary that highlights the career of Michael Jordan sheds light on what it takes to be great. Michael not only pushed himself to be the greatest player on the court at all times, but he pushed everyone around him to match his intensity. He was an intense leader devoted to helping his team perform at the highest possible level. That leadership style and overwhelming desire for success are what it takes to be a champion. In the past, there are very few New York Jets that fit into that category of guys “who hate to lose more than they love to win”, as Joe Douglas says. The Jets do have one player who fits the bill though, Jamal Adams.

Jamal Is A Jordan Esque Leader

Before you swipe to a different article, hear me out. I am NOT saying Jamal Adams is on Michael Jordan’s level of a professional athlete, however his leadership style emulates Jordan’s. Jamal is a vocal and outspoken leader. Connor Rodgers recently reported that many of his teammates get irritated by that aspect of his personality. The thing is, that’s what Michael’s teammates hated about him.

From saying “How bout them Cowboys”, after he helped the Jets upset his hometown team, to publicly calling out the Jets to give him help on both sides of the ball, to being the Jets’ biggest ambassador, Jamal has given the Jets an identity. Without Jamal, you can make the case that CJ Mosley and Lev Bell don’t come to New York. Jamal is the kind of guy who is capable and willing to change a culture.

Although his future is murky amid the reported contract impasse. Jamal has given everything to be a driving factor in the Jets turnaround. That emotion and drive is a part of the reason for the contract impasse. When the Jets floated his name around at the trade deadline, many within the organization said that Jamal felt personally betrayed. The New York Jets need to extend Jamal. Good teams don’t trade away their best players, and Jamal is undoubtedly the Jets’ best player. Although you can debate him on the field contributions based on positional value, nobody can debate his leadership value. If the Jets want to change the culture, the Last Dance documentary should be an example of the impact an outspoken leader, with an overwhelming desire like Michael Jordan and Jamal Adams to win, can have on a franchise and a city.

Did the New York Jets find their next Bilal Powell in La’Mical Perine?

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New York Jets, La'Mical Perine

What are the New York Jets getting in La’Mical Perine?

The New York Jets have a deep runningback room, consisting of Le’Veon Bell, veteran Frank Gore, and newly drafted La’Mical Perine out of Florida.

Perine is an interesting player, who can contribute in a similar role to Bilal Powell in recent years. He is a do-it-all running back and can hold his ground in pass protection. While the Florida product isn’t explosive in any category, he does everything at an average level, which makes him a solid back up for the future. Learning from a player like Frank Gore could do him some good, and they might be expecting him to take a significant jump in 2021 after Gore and his one-year deal expires.

Going into the 2020 NFL draft, Perine was noted as having a prototypical size at the position, a great personality, high character, and has good vision when choosing his running lanes. However, he is a little monotonous and fails to explode through the hole, giving linebackers an opportunity to stop him before reaching the second level. His lateral quickness is a bit underwhelming and tends to rely on power rushes up the gut.

Nonetheless, Perine was a solid contributor for Florida in 2019. Over 131 carriers, he totaled 677 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He was also among the teams top pass catchers, logging 40 receptions, 262 receiving yards, and 6.6 yards per catch. He also earned five receiving touchdowns in 13 games.

Overall, he contributed in multiple facets, giving the Jets an all-purpose back with plenty of untapped potential. I fully expect him to sit in a developmental role in 2020, learning from two of the best running backs in the NFL, one of whom a Hall of Fame pedigree.

This will be a fantastic opportunity for Perrine to work on his weaknesses and emerge as a solid back up to Le’Veon Bell in the future.

New York Jets Countdown to Draft Day: The Best No. 48 picks in NFL Draft History

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As draft day approaches, ESM looks back on the best players chosen in the New York Jets’ current draft slots.

The New York Jets currently own eight draft picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday night in a virtual setting (8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC/NFL Network).

To commemorate the path to the draft, ESM counts down the greatest picks chosen in their respective positions. The penultimate installment deals with the Jets’ second pick of the draft, coming at No. 48…

1980: C Dwight Stephenson, Miami

It was hard to draw praise from Bear Bryant, but the notoriously stoic Alabama football coach called Stephenson “a man among children”. It took him little time to win starting duties with the Dolphins and he later became the anchor for a line that allowed the fewest sacks in football for six straight seasons. Stephenson’s career was cut short due to a devastating knee injury suffered in a 1987 tilt against the Jets, but he nonetheless earned Hall of Fame honors in 1998. Other honors include 1985’s NFL Man of the Year Award for his community service and the fact that Pro Football Focus bestows the Dwight Stephenson Award to the blocker they deem best, regardless of position.

1981: DE Howie Long, LA Raiders 

Thanks to the antics of Jay Wright, we’re used to seeing Villanova athletes early in drafts…albeit on the basketball circuit. Long’s selection from the Division I-AA Wildcats was quickly well justified, as he went on to bring home eight Pro Bowl nods and the Super Bowl XVIII title, where he and the Raiders’ defense held the lauded Washington run game to 90 yards on 32 carries. After a brief acting career as an action film star (headlining the 1998 film Firestarter), Long made a name for himself as a part of Fox’s NFL coverage.

1990: DB LeRoy Butler, Green Bay

Butler accomplished plenty during a career spent entirely with the Packers. He missed just four games over his first ten seasons and reached four Pro Bowls. His most permanent legacy, however, is his status as the originator of the Lambeau Leap. Butler’s touchdown scored in a 1993 blowout win over the Raiders officially began the Packers’ 1990s heyday, clinching the first of six straight playoff trips. He would play a huge part in helping the Packers bring the Vince Lombardi Trophy back home to Wisconsin in 1997, earning a sack of Drew Bledsoe in the 35-21 triumph over the Patriots.

2001: T Matt Light, New England

One of the longest-tenured members of the New England dynasty at the turn of the century was Light, who became one of Tom Brady’s most trusted protectors. He donned the Flying Elvis helmet for 11 seasons, reaching three Pro Bowls and winning three Super Bowls. Light had previously provided protection for another future Hall of Fame quarterback, Drew Brees, when the two shared time at Purdue.

2013: RB Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh

The current Jets running back heard his name called during the darkest of times for rushers; despite going 48th overall, Bell was actually the second running back selected (Giovanni Bernard went to Cincinnati 11 picks prior). His ugly divorce with the Steelers notwithstanding, he made it a ridiculously worthwhile investment. In just five seasons, Bell placed himself among the ranks of Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis with 7,996 yards from scrimmage to go with 88 total touchdowns. He was able to play that into a four-year, $52.5 million deal with the Jets last offseason.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

New York Jets: Le’Veon Bell’s presence was vital, whether he stays or not

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New York Jets, LeVeon Bell

The New York Jets gave all-pro running back Le’Veon Bell a lot of money last offseason. To be exact, a four-year deal worth $52.5 million with $35 million guaranteed. That’s a good deal of cash for most players, especially one that was coming off an entire year without playing a down in the NFL.

Wanting to make a splash, the front office definitely did so. Bell was one of, if not the biggest, names in free agency. However, the first year with Gang Green did not go as planned. This has led to speculation around the league that the team may part ways with Bell and has also created a connection between the Jets and David Johnson if Arizona releases him. Whether or not Bell’s on the team come next season, his presence allowed for growth for years to come.

Bell’s Presence on the New York Jets

Bell was relatively healthy in his return to the field, playing in 15 games. However, in those 15 games, he only amassed 789 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He added 461 receiving yards and another score as well. These show that he was, by far, the most talented offensive piece on the team. Yes, these numbers are far below his career averages and made people curious if the Jets made the wrong decision on him. No, they didn’t.

While it may not have shown entirely, Bell provided a great resource to Sam Darnold in year two. Having another capable receiver coming out of the backfield, even as just a check-down option on occasion, allows Darnold to be more comfortable under pressure. Knowing there’s a backup plan enables the quarterback to cut down on potentially forcing throws. This can be great for Darnold, but that isn’t why Bell was signed. He was signed because it was considered one of the best running backs in the entire league. His numbers last season didn’t support that, but he is not to blame.

The Bottom Line

There’s no way to get around it: the Jets offensive line was horrendous. The offensive line was ranked 29th in the league at the end of the season. They gave up the fourth-most sacks in the league, 52, and 106 quarterback hits, which contributed to Trevor Siemian having his season cut short. Aside from that, the contributed wholeheartedly to allowing Jets running backs to total just 1,257 yards, second-lowest in the league.

Le’Veon Bell is a patient runner; he waits for holes to open behind the line before bursting through. However, as it showed, the current line in front of him cannot give him the time he needs. Upgrades need to be made for Bell to let his talent show fully.

There are a few free agents that could be targeted, such as veterans Bryan Bulaga, Jack Conklin, and Joe Thuney, but the draft is full of linemen as well. If the team elects to pick a lineman at number 11, a sensible choice could be Andrew Thomas out of Georgia. A sleeper pick could also be Matt Peart out of UConn. Peart was the highest-graded offensive player for the North Team in this year’s Senior Bowl, according to Pro Football Focus. Regardless, he is expected to fall into the second or even third round of the draft, where he could be picked up.

Whatever direction the team decides to go, the offensive line needs to be addressed in order for Le’Veon Bell or any other running back to be successful.

 

New York Jets: Should the Jets Look into Adding David Johnson?

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New York Jets, Sam Darnold

There is speculation around the league that former all pro running back David Johnson might be released from the Arizona Cardinals at some point this offseason. David Johnson is a very accomplished running back and would be the perfect replacement for Le’veon Bell who is expected to be moved this offseason. The Jets offense was arguably the worst in the league this year so they need to add all the talent they can get, but should they be interested in David Johnson.

Production

David Johnson has been very productive over the course if his career with his best year coming in 2016 where he racked up over 2000 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns. Recently it seems that Johnson has lost a step after posting only 345 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in 9 games for the Cardinals this past season. Johnson has also dealt with injuries two of the past three years so it’s fair to question if that has anything to do with his decline in production.

Contract

If the Arizona Cardinals cut David Johnson, they would have to pay him 10.2 million dollars minus whatever his new team will pay that season. Essentially the Jets could get David Johnson on a short-term deal and they wouldn’t have to worry about it affecting their cap heavily. If David Johnson were to be cut the Jets could offer him a two-year contract worth ten million dollars with the majority of the money backloaded into the second year of his deal.

Prediction

Although it wouldn’t be smart financially for the Cardinals to get rid of Johnson it could happen because of the emergence of Kenyan Drake this past season. I think the New York Jets would certainly entertain the idea of adding Johnson on a cheap deal but would rather go towards the draft to find younger talent.

Jets Ownership Needs to Talk to Adam Gase About Le’Veon Bell

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New York Jets, LeVeon Bell

If you’re a New York Jets fan with eyes and ears, you saw/heard coach Gase’s end of season conference. And… what was that?!

Gase Confirms What We All Knew

Part of what resulted in the firing of former GM, Mike McCagnan, was Gase’s disbelief in just how much Bell was paid when Bell signed his contract this past offseason. And with a Bell fresh off of a season where he voluntarily benched himself all season long, we should have been utilizing Bell as much as possible.

52.6 rushing yards per game rushing, and 30.7 yards per game receiving for a guy who was averaging 87.1 yards per game rushing, and 40.4 yards per game receiving in Pittsburgh begs the simple question…

Why Does Gase Hate Bell?

Using different words, Gase was asked if he wanted to see Bell as a Jet next season. His response…

“He’s under contract for three more years. … you can ask Joe tomorrow.”

What… the actual… seriously, what?! Anyone with eyes knows that Bell’s reduced numbers this year had EVERYTHING to do with the play calling from Gase on the sidelines. Gase didn’t want Bell to get the ball. When Bell got the ball, the Jets offense was rolling. Then, like a petulant child holding a grudge, Gase changed the play calling, and the Jets offense stalled.

The Jets could get a sizable package of draft picks for Bell if they move him before the draft. But Bell is only going to be 28 next year and is much fresher than guys like Ezekiel Elliot or Todd Gurley. If I’m the Johnson’s, I sit Gase down, and tell him to “Grow up”. The Packers defense was garbage for most of the last decade, and the Packers were STILL one of the premier teams in the league. Trading Adams you can justify. Trading Bell just because the coach is a kid? Gase should be fired before OTA’s if that happens.