Le’Veon Bell’s displeasure with the Jets goes beyond a bowling outing turned sour.
Bell has prevented himself from being a distraction up until this week, when he was spotted at a bowling alley the night before a game he was ruled out of with the flu. The issues go back further than that, though.
Bell has been patient with Adam Gase and his role in a new offense, but the running back couldn’t bite his tongue any longer. Bell, after a few bowling questions, discussed his unhappiness with his role on Tuesday.
Asked if he’s been afforded the opportunity to thrive in Gase’s offense, Bell didn’t hesitate to be candid about what’s been his worst season to date.
"Honestly, no"
Le'Veon Bell says he hasn't had enough of an opportunity this year to showcase his talent pic.twitter.com/9h1RmDcml4
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) December 10, 2019
“Honestly, no. I think that’s just being in a new system, with new guys up front, a new coaching staff,” Bell told reporters on Tuesday. “I’m with a new organization. Everything kind of takes time, I understand that. That’s why I’ve always been patient.
“But to be honest with you, no. I feel like when I do, I’ll be back to what people are used to seeing.”
Bell battled the flu last week and missed two practices, plus the Jets’ Saturday walkthrough. The team ruled him out on Saturday evening and he proceeded to go out that night, bowling the best game of his life.
Bell watched the Jets’ 22-21 win over the Dolphins in a private box at MetLife Stadium, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. Gase wasn’t aware of the bowling incident until a NY Post article detailed Bell’s Saturday night outing.
Gase agreed it wasn’t good optics nor a good look, but he did not punish Bell because team rules were not violated.
This all comes after the Jets put out feelers for Bell before the trade deadline.
Prior to the season, there were reports that Gase didn’t want Bell and believed his offense could thrive without such a big investment at running back. The way Gase has used Bell supports that.
Gase has done a poor job of taking advantage of the versatility that Bell supplies in the backfield. Bell’s deployment as a slot receiver has been an afterthought in the Jets offense. He’s lined up in the slot 22 times in 12 games after lining up 77 times in the slot in his final season with the Steelers.
Bell hasn’t rushed for more than 70 yards in a game, and his numbers for the year are the worst of his career. He’s rushed for a total of 589 yards, averaging 3.2 yards per carry and three touchdowns. He’s second on the team with 55 catches.
Again, Bell was seemingly upset when he only carried the ball 10 times against the worst run defense in the NFL in the Jets’ 22-6 loss to Cincinnati.
With Bilal Powell (ankle/flu) all but ruled out for Thursday’s matchup against Baltimore, the Jets are going to need Bell. He lost a few pounds during his bout with the flu, but has gained most of the weight back.
For now, his temperament and usage remain to be seen. However, the whispers of him heading out the door this offseason keep getting louder.