While the Baltimore Ravens have a short week to get ready for the New York Jets in Week 15, they’ll have to spend some of that time preparing for running back Le’Veon Bell.
Bell’s status had been in some question in part because of a flu diagnosis that kept him out of last week’s game and because of what he chose to spend his free time on. On the same day Bell was ruled out of Week 14’s game against the Miami Dolphins, he apparently felt well enough to go bowling all night.
For obvious reasons, that’s generally frowned upon and could have earned discipline from the team in response. However, New York coach Adam Gase said the issue likely won’t earn Bell any punishment, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
Gase says he won’t discipline Bell for bowling night, but clearly not happy. Bad optic? “Yeah, I’d say so.” He intends to speak with Bell later today. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) December 10, 2019
This isn’t the first time Bell has been in the headlines for things other than football. He’s perhaps more infamous at this point for holding out all of last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers in a contract dispute. Though he’s been far less of a potential distraction with New York this season, Bell’s outing comes at a time when the Jets are struggling and questions are popping up about the future of everyone there.
But New York’s loss could have been Baltimore’s gain this week. While the Jets are 5-8 and considered one of the worst teams in the league right now, not having to face off against Bell would have been a big help for the Ravens. Baltimore has a chance to not only lock up the AFC North and a top-4 seed this week but potentially even clinch the No. 1 seed early. But all of the Ravens’ playoff scenarios revolve around beating the Jets in Week 15. Without Bell in the lineup, it would be a far easier job.
With the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bell was regularly a thorn in Baltimore’s side. Over nine career games against the Ravens, Bell put up 720 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground while adding another 348 yards and three touchdowns through the air. It looks as though Baltimore’s defense will have to find a way to slow down that pace this week.