Maurice Jone-Drew has set the bar high for Le’Veon Bell as he makes his return to the NFL.
Jones-Drew ranked Bell third on his list out of all 32 starting running backs in the league. With that, he sees Bell returning to the player he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Looking forward to seeing Bell back on the field after a year off,” Jones-Drew said. “With positive reports on Bell coming out of Jets’ minicamp, I’m expecting the fresh veteran back to be a nightmare for defenses. The last time Bell played a full season (2017) he was an absolute game-wrecker: 321 carries, 1,291 rush yards, nine rush TDs; 85 receptions, 655 receiving yards and two rec. TDs. Adam Gase should be licking his chops as we speak.”
Not only does Jones-Drew have high expectations for the former All-Pro running back, but so do the Jets. They made quite the investment when they signed him to a four-year $52.5 million contract in March, making him the second-highest paid running back in the league behind Todd Gurley.
The Jets need Bell to perform like the second-highest paid running back in the league in 2019 in order for the offense to succeed. New York hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Chris Ivory did it in 2015. If Bell plays well, opposing defenses will be keyed in on him, which will open things up for the rest of the offense.
Adam Gase is going to have to figure out ways he can use Bell to the best of his ability. Coming off of a holdout season, there should be no limitations on him this upcoming season.
