Best of the AFC East: Close race for top RB group

2020 Best of the AFC East: tight competition ahead for top RBs in division

Jets running back Le’Veon Bell. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

3. New York Jets

From a pure talent perspective, Le’Veon Bell is No. 1 among all running backs in the division. However, coaching ineptitude and inability to get the ball in Bell’s hands in favorable situations limits the progress of the 28-year-old. Bell had his worst-production as a pro in his first season with the Jets, averaging 52.6 yards per game.

The Jets running attack was 31st overall last year.

New York did sign four offensive linemen during free agency and drafted Mekhi Becton No. 11 overall in April’s draft. The moves should help sure up a porous line. Truthfully, that’s the reason why Bell, and even quarterback Sam Darnold, haven’t had successes in recent memory. The O-line is key, and Gang Green has neglected it… badly.

However, even with these new faces they’ve added, it will take time for the line to gel; the team only has training camp to determine the starting unit and without a preseason, they will struggle early in the season to work seamlessly as a unit.

The Jets signed Frank Gore as a backup to Bell. Gore is the utmost professional, and he could be able to help steady the Jets with his veteran prowess and leadership. But he did take a step back as the season continued, conceding snaps to rookie Singletary in Buffalo.

 

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4