Le’Veon Bell certainly knows how to raise the bar.
The Jets running back has repeatedly predicted a bounce-back 2020 season for himself over the last few months. Bell has openly talked about being motivated, warned opposing NFL teams of what to expect, shared videos of midnight boxing/training sessions and revealed that his body composition had just 4 percent fat at the start of training camp. He’s clearly been hyping up the season ahead.
However, Bell’s Wednesday tease of things to come was his boldest proclamation yet.
“I’m ready to show this is the best Le’Veon Bell that’s ever played in the NFL,” the two-time All-Pro said.
Bell’s offseason and summer of buildup follow the worst statistical season of his career. Bell’s first season with the Jets was disappointing, as he only ran for 789 yards and three touchdowns on 245 rushing attempts. His 3.2 yards per carry were a career-low and he didn’t make nearly the impact in the passing game that he did in Pittsburgh.
However, Bell’s lackluster debut season in green and white was not entirely his fault. New York’s porous offensive line plagued the entire offense all season and rarely created holes for Bell. Meanwhile, Adam Gase admitted to doing a “bad job” of utilizing Bell early in the season when Sam Darnold was out with mononucleosis.
“Last year, I did a bad job at the beginning of the season,” Gase said Wednesday when asked about Bell. “I was really trying to get him going. At the same time, teams kind of knew what we were doing and they were loading up the box and he was taking some shots. I’m sure that wore on him as the season went on. I just have to do a good job of making sure he’s getting his touches but at the same time, that we’re putting him in the best position possible to give us 16-plus games.”
Bell has gotten in tip-top shape over the last few months and is eyeing a major rebound in 2020. He spoke Wednesday of a work ethic that was incomparable to what he put in in years past.
Whether all his training results in improved production on the field remains to be seen, but Bell is not shying away from lofty expectations.
“I hold myself to a high standard,” he said. “I’m ready to show everybody what I’m able to do this year.”