Over the 2016 and 2017 NFL seasons, Pittsburgh Steeler running back 21, LeVeon Bell was the top offensive performer in football. Over those 2 years, he accumulated 3,830 yards from scrimmage (rushing + passing). The next nearest player was Todd Gurley of the LA Rames, at 3,305 total yards.
In yards per game, it is even more impressive, as Bell only played in 27 of 32 regular season games. His yards per game was an eye popping 141.9.
So naturally, he wanted to be the highest paid player in football. When his team balked, he sat out the year to become a free agent. And now is with the NY Jets.
Granted we're only 3 weeks into the 2019 season, but how's that working out? Right now, Bell is tied for 15th in the league in total yards. He's averaging 97.4 yards per game. And the Jets are 0-3.
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On the other hand:
In 2018, Bell's replacement on the Steelers, James Conner, was 10th in the league in total yards. But he missed 3 games due to injuries. On a yards per game basis, he was 6th at 113.1 yards/game. And while their rushing totals were down (3.6%), their overall offensive numbers were up 6.7%. BUT, the Steelers missed the playoffs, which is the ultimate measure for a team.
Three games into 2019, and the Steelers are struggling. They're 0-3, and Conner ranks outside the Top 25 in total yards. Granted, their superstar Quarterback is injured, but the rushing game has been pathetic.
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So what? is this a lose-lose? I dunno. I think that Bell will never recoup the money he left on the table from the Steelers' final offer, and he'll never win a Super Bowl with the Jets. So it is (IMHO) a lose for him.
As for the Steelers? Well, they were a better team with him, for sure. But it's hard to know how much of their decline is due to Bell's departure, and how much is due to the drama with another player (Antonio Brown), and how much is due to the QB's (Ben Roethlisberger) season ending injury. But it's hard to call it a Win, that's for sure.
Ah, First World Problems, I suppose
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