So, at what point does Bell become the RB1?
I think there's a real possibility of it, and in the very near future.
Think about it: CEH wasn't supposed to be the RB1 this season anyway. He was supposed to back up Damien, and learn some things about how to be a professional, get some good practical reps throughout the season, and most importantly, be fresh for the playoffs.
Damien opting out is why CEH became the starter. But because of the drop off in performance between Clyde and Darrel/Thompson, Andy was using Clyde a lot. Maybe too much. The possibility of CEH hitting the Rookie wall was becoming more of a probability fwith each passing game.
Now Bell can provide all of those things listed above, while keeping Clyde on a kind of pitch count so that he's as fresh as possible come January.
Bell is a true top-tier 3-down back that can run, receive,
and is one of the best pass protection backs on the field today. And this is the big selling point, IMO. One thing that I noticed yesterday was just how many times Patrick was getting hit. Bell's presence in the backfield should mitigate some of those hits.
And then there's his on-field presence. Defenses are going to have to approach him with more respect, simply because that's Le' Veon Bell. That aspect alone means that defenses won't be able to just come after Patrick as much, which means he should get hit less.
And we need Patrick to stay upright more, especially down the stretch so that he's fresh as possible for the playoffs.
And let's be honest: Bell is gone after this season. Andy has 8 weeks plus the playoffs to get the most out this deal, to exploit it and get everything he can from Bell before he loses him. And Bell needs to showcase his abilities and prove that he's not only still an elite RB but also that he's a good teammate, on a big stage down the stretch so that he can leverage a big contract in 2021.
The more I think about it, the more sense this makes.
I'm not saying it will happen, because I'm not on Andy's speed dial obviously, but I am saying that Andy should be considering it.
Anyway, where does CP stand on this idea?
Go ahead and flame away.
:-)
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Better question about backs is do we try to keep Bell, or go back to Damien Williams next year?
It would require Bell valuing winning over being THE guy, and not looking for huge money.
If he were open to that Id move on from Damien, but I kinda think this is going to be Bell using KC as a launch pad for a new deal somewhere else while picking up a ring in the process.
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