Le’Veon Bell’s comments toward Andy Reid are far from warranted entering 2021.
You ever watch a kid throw a temper tantrum? They didn’t get their way so now, they sulk, scream and cry, hoping that the parent will be worn down enough from everyday life to cave in?
That’s Le’Veon Bell towards Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid this week following his choice words.
Bell, who currently is a free agent, responded to a comment earlier this week on Instagram, stating, “I’d never play for Andy Reid again … I’d retire first.”
By all indication, Bell’s role in Kansas City was far from one he wanted despite being one of the top names in the sport.
The feeling seems mutual from Kansas City since they haven’t offered him a contract and elected to sign oft-injured Jerick McKinnon instead.
Bell’s comments come from anger on his role in Arrowhead. When a figure is living off name alone, they must strut their stuff to regain relevance. Instead, a majority of the season was quiet from the former All-Pro.
Did that ruffle some feathers? Of course. Does Reid deserve the blame? Absolutely not.
Kansas City Chiefs: Le’Veon Bell’s comments against Reid are unwarranted
Expected to compete for a dual-starting role with rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire, he was more of a depth piece that was used in certain formations. He played in nine games, starting two, and rushed for 254 yards and two touchdowns.
However, he only recorded two carries against the Cleveland Browns and was inactive against Buffalo in the AFC Championship. Despite suiting up for Super Bowl LV, he didn’t record a snap against Tampa Bay.
During this time, Edwards-Helaire missed several games due to an injury. Instead of Bell, Darrell Williams saw a majority of snaps.
Bell resents the Chiefs due to his own lack of production. Following his release from the Jets, it was reported that Kansas City, Buffalo, Chicago and Miami all were interested in the Pro Bowler. Multiple reports stated that the final decision came down to the Chiefs and Dolphins, with Bell choosing Kansas City because they had a better chance to win it all.
Now that things didn’t go “his way”, Bell is throwing a hissy fit towards a team that gave him a chance. Towards a coach who could have never offered him a contract.
Does anyone remember the offensive line blocking for Patrick Mahomes? Does Bell really think he was going change the outcome of the game?
Simply put, Bell’s best days are behind him. Instead of accepting his new role as the No. 2 runner, he will blame others for his lack of success. Once again, Big Red takes the blame when as the head coach, he must do what’s best for the team.
What was best was sitting Bell.
With OTAs over and minicamp arriving, Bell remains off a roster. Even running backs who struggled last season found a new home before the former Steelers’ standout. Bell though will likely blame Reid and the Chiefs for is predicament.
In reality, Reid gave Bell one thing most roster likely wouldn’t — a chance. It’s not his fault he didn’t juice up the numbers.