Jets running back Le’Veon Bell is not quite sure why some have speculated that his relationship with Adam Gase is a tumultuous one.
Ever since Bell signed with the Jets last March, rumors of disdain between player and head coach have swirled. Original reports indicated that Gase never wanted to sign Bell. Questionable usage of the former All-Pro running back throughout his first season with New York fueled speculation that Gase wanted to go in a different direction in the backfield. His puzzling quote about Bell’s future with the organization following New York’s 2019 regular-season finale didn’t help matters, either.
Nevertheless, Bell has maintained that his relationship with Gase is nothing but a positive one. In July, he said that he talks to Gase more than any coach he has ever played for. His latest defense came on Wednesday, as he faced reporters and reiterated that he and Gase are on good terms.
“I love coach Gase,” Bell said. “I don’t understand the allegations about me and coach Gase… I think he’s a good leader for us. I think he can get it done.”
Gase has already gotten a head start on helping Bell right the ship following a disappointing 2019 campaign in which he posted some of the worst rushing numbers of his career. After admitting that he did “a bad job” utilizing him last season, the Jets’ second-year head coach is placing an emphasis on putting him in a position to succeed entering 2020.
“Last year, I did a bad job at the beginning of the season,” Gase said on Wednesday. “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.”
Reports of Gase and his players not getting along are nothing new, but all indications are that Bell and Gase are indeed on the same page. Bell wants the ball more and Gase is intent on giving it to him. That seems like a healthy enough relationship to carry into a new season.