New York Jets: 5 reasons why Le'Veon Bell was an awesome signing

New York Jets: 5 reasons why Le’Veon Bell is an awesome signing

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 25: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) warms up before the football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans on December 25, 2017 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2 of 5

PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) is announced during the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 14, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire) /

4. Bell turns the running game into a strength

The New York Jets ground attack was absolutely atrocious last season, as the team finished with just 4.0 yards per carry and were 26th in the league in total rushing yards.

Isaiah Crowell led the way with 143 rushing attempts and a seemingly impressive 4.8 yards per carry, but Crowell remained one of the most frustrating running backs in the league. One week, he’d explode for 200 rushing yards, but then he’d get shut down for fewer than 50 yards. Crowell had two 100-yard performances last season, but he also had 10 games with fewer than 50 yards, including six games where he averaged less than three yards per carry.

It is impossible to build a consistent rushing attack around a player who spends much of the season doing absolutely nothing productive; Crowell’s numbers are clearly inflated by two massive games that stand out as anomalies to the rest of his work.

Le’Veon Bell, on the other hand is a proven commodity. This is a player who has averaged at least 85 rushing yards per game in each of the past four seasons, including a 2016 season where he averaged 105.7 yards per game. Bell has three 1,200-yard seasons and is one of the NFL’s most establishing rushers, renowned for his blend of power, agility, and patience.

In one motion, the Jets have turned a massive weakness into one of their biggest strengths, and Bell can help the Jets take control of games with his ability to be a workhorse back.

Home/New York Jets