Le’Veon Bell does his best Bart Scott impression when thinking about the New York Jets brand new offensive line.
While the stakes are not nearly as high, one man’s professional career is pretty much on the line at this point. So perhaps the man behind that career up for grabs is right to channel his inner Bart Scott.
Le’Veon Bell “can’t wait” to play with this newly-assembled New York Jets offensive line in 2020.
“Asked if he’s noticed the Jets’ aggressive pursuit of road-graders in front of him, running back Le’Veon Bell told me via text, ‘Absolutely. Can’t wait, either,'” per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Bell, 28, is coming off the worst season of his six-year NFL career. The two-time first-team All-Pro running back averaged just 3.2 yards-per-carry on 245 tries (789 total rushing yards).
Everybody understands why it was tough sledding for the Michigan State product in his first season in Gotham Green. That disastrous offensive line couldn’t move an inch.
General manager Joe Douglas vowed to improve the most important five-man unit in sports, and on paper, it looks as though he did just that. Apart from re-signing Alex Lewis, Douglas acquired a host of newcomers including first-round selection Mekhi Becton, fourth-round choice Cameron Clark, and free-agent signings Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, George Fant and Josh Andrews. In terms of starting-caliber players, only Brian Winters and Chuma Edoga are set to return (as of this moment).
Douglas, a former offensive lineman himself, understands that it’s competition that makes offensive lines tick. For the last several seasons, the Jets’ five-man O-line has been etched in stone after the draft with very little competition coming from behind.
It’s a new day in Florham Park, NJ, and Le’Veon Bell simply can’t wait. Jets fans can only hope this “can’t wait” results in a January victory in Gillette Stadium like the last one.
Audio Version available to members only: Learn more here
Don’t really understand why everyone believes Le’Veon has fallen off. He clearly was still capable of making big plays. I just think the Jets needed to give him a better line to work with. Also would love to see some plays with Gore in the backfield and letting Le’Veon line up in the slot or outside to make up for our lack of quality receivers.