FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Before the first game of the season, Jets running back Le’Veon Bell told Coach Adam Gase not to hold him back.

He had not played in more than 600 days after sitting out last season in a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was also adjusting to a new offense, but said he was ready to make an immediate impact.

Gase has done as Bell asked — more out of necessity than anything else. As the offense around Bell crumbles, he has become even more crucial to the Jets than they could have imagined when they signed him to a four-year, $52.5 million deal in March.

The Jets visit the New England Patriots (2-0) on Sunday with an 0-2 record, their third-string quarterback as the starter and only one offensive touchdown so far this season (a 9-yard reception by Bell in the opener against Buffalo).