Connor McGovern is highly motivated to be blocking for Le’Veon Bell in 2020.
McGovern came over from Denver this offseason, signing a three-year deal worth $27 million with the Jets. One of the perks of coming to the Jets for McGovern is working with Bell. McGovern, talking to the Jets’ website, praised the running back for what he’s accomplished over his career and for being able to create extra yards when there aren’t many available.
“He’s a special player,” McGovern said. “He’s one of the greats and will go down as one of the greats, and I’m excited to have someone like that [in the backfield]. If you don’t make the perfect block, he’ll still make you look good and make something special happen. If you block for three yards and the play is supposed to get three yards, he’ll get seven or eight yards.”
Bell struggled in 2019, his first year with the Jets, but his reputation as a patient runner remains. Still, he only averaged 3.2 yards per carry last season and rushed for 789 yards. New York’s line was considerably worse than what Bell was accustomed to in Pittsburgh, but the back had a down year nonetheless.
With potentially five new starting offensive linemen this season, Bell has an opportunity to improve upon his stats from 2019. At the same time, the hope is that a few added weapons will mean that opposing defenses aren’t zeroing in on Bell every snap.
There is going to be a ton of pressure on Bell to get back to his old seld in 2020. However, McGovern and the rest of the offensive linemen are going to have to do their part in helping him bounce back this season.