Fewer Loaded Boxes 

The Jets had their work cut out for them heading into the offseason, given what ESPN’s Rich Cimini called a “gross misappropriation of resources,” having tied up more money to Bell than their entire line. 

Still, they found value in signing center Connor McGovern and Greg Van Roten, who ranked No. 10 and No. 15 at their positions respectively on PFF’s scale, and compounded that in the Draft, highlighted by taking Mekhi Becton with their first-round pick. 

Defenses were confident that they could: a) overwhelm whatever the Jets’ offensive line had, and b) keep their passing game at bay. Because of that, Bell had to deal with a loaded box on 36.3 percent of his overall carries, No. 7 among backs. 

This isn’t one of those instances where there’s a dichotomy between statistics and film. The Jets averaged just 0.7 yards pre-contact. Through random film, it became evident that if Bell was going to ever find 1-on-1, or even semi-favorable matchups in the open field, the Jets either had to do quick pitches where he could generate a head of steam, or send him out wide through hitch routes and let him work.

Gase’s offseason goal was to get two deep-threat receivers. That’s some level of intrigue to that, with Breshad Perriman, Josh Doctson, and Jamison Crowder, along with second-round pick Denzel Mims, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound ball hawk that can immediately take pressure off of Darnold. And that certainly bodes well for Bell, too.