The New York Jets have some familiar faces, on both sides of the ball, that can be expected to perform a certain way. There are some guys who have to prove themselves again, as well. Whatever their situation is, any of them can have a breakout season. However, some are more likely than others. So, here are two offensive candidates for a potential breakout season:
Le’Veon Bell
Bell was a big-name addition for this team last season. After a remarkable career with the Steelers, fans were hoping all of his skill and excitement would be translated in green and white. That didn’t necessarily happen. Now, Bell wasn’t “bad” in any sense, but his numbers weren’t on par with his Pittsburgh ones.
Le’Veon finished the 2019 season with 789 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground while adding 66 receptions for 461 yards and 1 touchdown. Those numbers are far down from his last season in Pittsburgh in 2017. That season he totaled 1,291 rushing yards with 9 touchdowns and 85 receptions for 655 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Yes, his yardage was drastically down, but he was probably expected to have a slight dropoff in that category. After all, he did sit out the entire 2018 season. For me, though, the biggest concern was the touchdown amount. For someone who is getting as much money as he is, the ball needs to be in the endzone more. Sure, the offense needs to move the ball more efficiently down the field to have more scoring chances, but there were opportunities to have more than 3 rushing touchdowns last season.
Le’Veon Bell has seemed extremely motivated and excited about the upcoming season. He has been seen doing intense workouts on social media and was really showing his excitement in this recent tweet from the New York Jets:
We love this energy from Sammy & Le'Veon ? pic.twitter.com/RA7dpxoZnU
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 14, 2020
Bell has also predicted, via Twitter, that this season will be one of his best. That sure would be fantastic for fans and the team, who desperately needs Le’Veon to be a big part of this offense. With all of the skill, motivation and drive that Bell has, he could be in store for a big, breakout season.
Chris Herndon
Chris Herndon dealt with injuries all of last year and played in only one game as a result. As a rookie, he appeared in all 16 games, starting 12 of them. In that rookie season, he totaled 39 receptions for 502 yards and 4 touchdowns. Aside from the numbers, though, he showed tremendous upside and ability as a playmaker. His raw talent is evident, but he needs to stay on the field. If he does, he can really be special.
The third-year tight end has nowhere to go but up this season. If he stays on the field, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be able to be a breakout player. I’m sure Jets fans wouldn’t mind seeing him make plays like this again:
Since Ryan Griffin had a solid season last year with Sam Darnold, Herndon may have to fight for the right to a majority of the targets. Even if he gets fewer targets to some degree, he’s still capable of much more production. He’s a better athlete with more big-play ability. The season could very well be a breakout one for Herndon if he has the ability to show what he can do for the New York Jets.