The Jets may have a second-year quarterback and a new head coach, but this is a team that expects results right away. Patience in New York is not at a premium.
So, how will Gang Green deal with Le’Veon Bell’s ample amount of it?
The former Steeler is notorious for his deliberate style of running. Where other backs explode through the line of scrimmage, the new Jet carefully sits back and processes a defense before he picks his point of attack.
With that in mind, Todd Haley, Bell’s former offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, offered a word of advice to the Jets: an adjustment period is coming.
“It’ll take time. I don’t think it will be Game 1,” Haley said, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “Plus, with all the new guys, all the new guys up front, I think there will have to be some patience. I know New York. It’ll be like, ‘We got Le’Veon — here we go!’ I think you have to set the bar a little lower to start.”
In 2017, Bell’s last full season, he led the league in time spent behind the line of scrimmage per carry. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Bell spent 3.09 seconds, on average, behind his blockers before hitting his mark. Considering his recognition as one of the best in the business, there’s no debating his effectiveness.
Bell is an entirely different player than just about anyone who has come before him. Naturally, there will be growing pains when coupled with a young quarterback like Sam Darnold. It also doesn’t help that New York is in the process of remodeling the offensive line, as Haley alluded to.
“It takes a little time for those guys up front to get a real feel for how to block for him because it’s a totally different technique you have to use,” Haley said. “You have to almost stand up, be patient and don’t pick the hole for the back, like most times you do. You’re letting him find the hole by keeping your guy [at bay]. So I think continuity, all those things, will be critical.”
