Lesser Volume, Higher Efficiency

Despite earning the reputation as a down-to-down workhorse, one has to imagine that Bell’s per carry and average numbers are easier to diagnose if another running back is taking on those difficult carries too. Gase certainly didn’t have that running-back-by-committee in 2019; the No. 2 rusher on the Jets was Bilal Powell, with just 66 carries compared to Bell’s 311.

In 2020, that load should be easier to carry, literally, with 37-year-old Frank Gore joining the fray. He has familiarity among Gase’s offense, and excelled behind Devin Singletary in Buffalo.

While Bell could struggle cracking the 1,000-yard plateau, he could be back on track in the other ways. For example, only 15 running backs had 1,000 yards rushing, but 26 of them had 1,000 all-purpose yards. 

With Gore — one of the great pass-blocking RBs — and potentially fourth-round pick La’Mical Perine, Bell will be able to recapture one of the mainstays of his game: receiving. 

Because he had to spend so much time chip-blocking and then getting into routes, he had a career-low in catches and yards. With help around him, Bell will be due for redemption.