From the moment Le’Veon Bell signed with the New York Jets, questions emerged about his role in the offense. Head Coach Adam Gase‘s offensive scheme utilizes a committee backfield, and Bell is a game-changing every-down back. Something was going to have to give between Gase and Bell.
Low and behold, a year and a half later, Bell is back on the market. The Jets could not find a suitor on the trade market given Bell’s contract, leaving them to release the three-time Pro Bowl running back. And just like that, the Jets see their best offensive playmaker leave without a trace. So where does that leave the team’s already struggling run game?
The Post-Le’Veon Bell New York Jets Backfield
Frank Gore
The NFL’s ageless wonder, Frank Gore is going to enter the Hall of Fame one day. However, it will not be for his time with the Jets. Like LaDanian Tomlinson, Gore joined the Jets during the twilight of his career. Except Gore is years into his.
At 37-years old, Gore has not been a lead back since… 2018 with Adam Gase on the Miami Dolphins. That being said, Gore will be the lead back to begin the post-Bell era. Already this year, Gore has four starts, three being while Bell was on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. In the Jets first five games, Gore has put up a career-low 3.2-yards per carry, over a yard lower than his career average.
Nonetheless, this will not keep Gore out of the starting lineup. His experience and leadership alone are years beyond the Jets other backs. And as long as Gase is the coach, Gore will be the Jets starting back.
La’Mical Perine
As puzzling as Bell’s usage has been this season, the same can be said about training camp star La’Mical Perine. The team’s fourth-round pick this past April showed out in training camp only to have an ankle injury keep him out until Week 2. With Bell out, Perine saw some touches, putting up 56 yards on 15 carries. Although it may be a small sample size, it is still good for the most efficient numbers of any Jets back in 2020.
Perine’s straight-line running style fits well in Gase’s scheme, and he should see more action with Bell now gone. Hopefully, Perine will get the necessary snaps to establish himself as a viable back going forward.
Ty Johnson
Recently acquired off of waivers, Ty Johnson was inactive his first game with the team against the Arizona Cardinals. A former sixth-round pick by the Detroit Lions, Johnson is another do-it-all back who will be the Jets third committee option. During his rookie season in 2019, Johnson totalled 382 yards from scrimmage on 87 touches, proving to be a quality NFL running back. He may not be a game-changer, but Johnson will offer a solid back for the time being.
Josh Adams
In his second season with the Jets, Josh Adams has been a below-average back when called up from the practice squad. The 6’2″ and 225lbs power back has averaged 1.8 yards per carry with the Jets and has offered little in the passing game. For now, Adams simply offers a fallback option on the practice squad in case Gore, Perine, or Johnson go down with an injury.
Last Word on The Post-Le’Veon Bell New York Jets Backfield
There is no denying the talent of Le’Veon Bell. Nevertheless, he was a below-average back with the Jets because of the abysmal run blocking up front. With no drastic improvements coming anytime soon along the line, Jets fans should not expect an ageing Gore or young backup to take over a game.
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