Adam Gase admits he did ‘bad job’ utilizing Le’Veon Bell early on in 2019

Adam Gase knows he needs to do a better job of utilizing Le’Veon Bell in 2020.

Speaking to reporters over Zoom on Wednesday, the Jets head coach admitted to using the running back in an ineffective manner last season, especially early on in the year.

“Last year, I did a bad job at the beginning of the season,” Gase said of Bell. “I was really trying to get him going. At the same time, teams kind of knew what we were doing and they were loading up the box and he was taking some shots. I’m sure that wore on him as the season went on. I just have to do a good job of making sure he’s getting his touches but at the same time, that we’re putting him in the best position possible to give us 16-plus games.”

In Sam Darnold’s absence due to mono, the Jets tried to force-feed Bell the ball, which led to him taking unnecessary hits. Essentially, teams already knew what was coming and New York’s offense became predictable.

For Gase, the goal is to use Bell more effectively. Getting him more involved in the passing game is key, the coach said. Gase has spent time this offseason figuring out better approaches to Bell’s usage.

Bell, meanwhile, has spoken of being motivated all offseason after enduring the worst statistical season of his career.

On 245 rushing attempts, Bell ran for 789 yards and three touchdowns. His 3.2 yards per carry were a career-low. In addition, he caught 66 passes for 461 yards and a touchdown. His 78 targets in the passing game were the fewest since his rookie season. Bell’s 1,259 yards from scrimmage were his fewest in a season in which he played at least 12 games since his rookie year when he finished with 1,250 scrimmage yards.

“He’s fired up to go,” Gase said. “He worked extra hard this offseason. He looks great. He might have come in lighter than he was last year.”

With Bell’s ability as a two-way back, New York can utilize him in multiple ways. The hope in New York is that Gase has learned from his prior mistakes and that Bell can finally get going behind a remodeled offensive line.

“I think Le’Veon can help in so many ways,” Darnold said. “And we’ve seen it in the past… There’s so many different ways that he can help us win. It’ll be fun to gameplan things for him that we feel we can take advantage of.”