How the New York Jets can win the AFC East

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 23: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets in action against the Green Bay Packers on December 23, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated the Jets 44-38 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) signals first down 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) /

2. Establish a consistent ground attack

Common sense says that the addition of free-agent running back Le’Veon Bell ensure that the New York Jets’ running game should improve dramatically from this past season. In 2018, only six teams in the league gained few yards rushing than the AFC East basement dwellers. The club totaled fewer than 100 yards on the ground in 10 of their 16 contests.

Bell inked a four-year, $52.5 million contract this offseason after sitting out all of ’18 when the Pittsburgh Steelers gave five-year pro the franchise tag for the second straight year. When last we saw the talented performer, he was part of a team that fell at home in the 2017 AFC Divisional Playoffs to the Jacksonville Jaguars, 45-42. As for that season, Bell touched the ball a total of 406 times, rolling up 321 carries for 1,291 yards and nine scores while finishing second on the team with 85 receptions – good for 655 yards and two touchdowns.

It’s that attempts total that may prove to most significant. The Jets also added versatile running back Ty Montgomery this offseason via free agency. He joins a backfield that includes Elijah McGuire, who carried 92 times for 276 yards and three TDs. The Jets also made a trade with the Oakland Raiders to obtain powerful guard Kelechi Osemele.

A reliable ground game would not only do wonders for second-year quarterback Sam Darnold but the Jets’ defense as well. Look for Adam Gase to make this a priority this summer.

Next: No. 1

Home/New York Jets