Le’Veon Bell‘s former offensive coordinator, Todd Haley, slammed Adam Gase and the New York Jets for how they handled the veteran back.
Todd Haley isn’t too appreciative of how the New York Jets handled his former stud running back.
While on Monday Morning Quarterback’s “The Albert Breer Show,” Le’Veon Bell’s former offensive coordinator with the Pittsburgh Steelers slammed Adam Gase and the entire situation that unfolded after Mike Maccagnan signed the free agent running back.
“I was very frustrated for him in New York,” Haley said, as transcribed by the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta. “I felt like that was a bad spot for him to go because he is a unique talent… When you have players with the special ability that they have, you got to make them feel and trust that you’re giving them an opportunity to be the best they can be.
“So, the frustration for me watching him in New York is… I’m cringing saying, ‘They’re just lining this guy in the I [-formation] and they’re not utilizing’ — and I’m not trying to be overly critical — but you’re not using the ability that this kid has because he’s not just a running back.”
Bell, 28, was cut by the Jets on Oct. 15 only to sign with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs—the Jets’ opponent this coming Sunday. He finished his Jet career with just 863 yards and three touchdowns on the ground (3.3 yards per carry) in 17 games.
Haley firmly pins the blame on Bell’s former employer and goes as far as to use the word “fraudulent” when speaking of the organization he once worked for (1995-2000).
“Your best players … they better believe and trust that you’re maximizing their abilities,” Haley added. “In Kansas City, what I’ve seen from those coaches is that they do that.
“Players can see through the fraudulent talk, you know. You better be talking to them straight and you better back it up.”
From 2013 to 2017, Bell represented one of the most complete backs in the NFL. The two-time first-team All-Pro (2014, 2017) did everything for the Haley-called offense. In 2014, for example, Bell tallied 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground (4.7 yards per carry) to go along with 854 yards and three touchdowns on 83 receptions.
Haley also admitted that some of Bell’s recent ills are self-inflicted, but the guest spot took the form of a former coach backing his player.
Both Bell and Haley are hoping Andy Reid’s offensive-crafting abilities will allow the former All-Pro to more closely resemble the guy everybody saw in Pittsburgh. Whether or not that happens this Sunday, Adam Gase and the New York Jets are staring down a near-impossible task: looking for their first win against the 6-1 Kansas City Chiefs.
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