The New York Jets believed they were getting a difference-maker when they signed running back Le'Veon Bell last spring.

Bell held out the entirety of the 2018 season due to a contract dispute, but he was named first-team All-Pro for the second time in his career in 2017, and his skills both as a runner and receiver were on full display through his first five seasons in the NFL.

But Bell struggled in 2019. The 28-year-old rushed for 789 yards on just 3.2 yards per carry, and his 7.0 yards per reception was Bell's lowest mark in that category since an injury-riddled 2015 campaign.

However, Bell is determined to bounce back in a major way this season.

Bell said 2020 will be the “best year of my career” in an Instagram comment, adding “it won't even be close.”

Jets fans can only hope these words do not ring hollow come January.

In truth, things were not necessarily in Bell's favor last season. He was running behind one of the worst offensive lines in football, and also went from having an experienced quarterback like Ben Roethlisberger to a second-year starter in Sam Darnold.

But the Jets made a concerted effort to address the offensive line in the offseason. New York signed former Denver Broncos center Connor McGovern and added George Fant at the tackle spot. The Jets also used their first-round draft choice to select former Louisville offensive tackle Mekhi Becton.

Continued progression from Darnold would certainly help matters, as well. The 23-year-old posted a higher completion percentage and saw a drop in interception.

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Regardless, Bell is determined to prove his doubters wrong in 2020.

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