5 players who Jets need to be great in 2020

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 29: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the New York Jets runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019, in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

2. RB Le’Veon Bell

There may not have been a more disappointing performer for the Jets in 2019 than running back Le’Veon Bell. Former GM Mike Maccagnan made a big bet on Bell, who had sat out of the 2018 season in a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving the star back a four-year, $52.5 million deal with $35 million guaranteed.

While the Jets’ poor line certainly didn’t help, Bell was clearly a shell of himself in 2019. Bell looked rusty for most of the season, lacking burst and looking generally sluggish when he got the football.

There were also questions about whether head coach Adam Gase wanted Bell, charges that gained fire when the Jets barely used their marquee addition at times. Gase has denied that he didn’t want Bell, but his play-calling indicated that there was some truth to those rumors.

Bell should be in better football shape after playing last season, but simply being an average back won’t help that much. New York needs Bell to be the kind of difference-maker that he was in Pittsburgh if they want to have a threatening offense.

Bell is by far the Jets’ most impactful playmaker on offense and he can have a tremendous impact if Gase utilizes him correctly. An improved offensive line should also help Bell, and a strong running game could be a huge boost to Sam Darnold in his third year.

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