Bell must carry load for Steelers
There seems to be a lot of teeth gnashing about the Steelers’ heavy use of running back Le’Veon Bell the past two games.
Numbers are being bandied about regarding the amount of touches and plays Bell is getting and how they might affect him.
The Steelers, however, aren’t as worried about the future as they are concerned about what’s happening this year.
And today, they need Bell on the football field as much as possible.
Bell is currently on pace for 288 carries and 87 pass receptions, which would put him at 375 touches for the season.
But those numbers have jumped in the Steelers’ last two games, when he had 54 carries and 10 receptions.
If he continues on that pace, Bell will finish the season with more than 400 touches.
That’s a lot, but it’s what this team needs to earn a spot in the postseason.
Bell is one of the top three running backs in the NFL. And the argument could be made he’s been the best when both running and catching the ball are factored in.
There are studies that show that running backs who get 370 carries in a season break down the following year. But Bell isn’t going to be anywhere near that total.
Sure, he’s getting hit at the end of many of his receptions, but it’s in open field and not typically by one or more 300-pound defensive linemen.
Besides, while there are a large number of running backs who are not the same after logging 370 carries in a season – including Barry Foster for the Steelers in 1992 and Jerome Bettis in 1997 – there are also some notable exceptions like Walter Payton, Curtis Martin and Emmitt Smith.
Those are Hall of Fame running backs and nobody is putting Bell in that company just yet. But given his output – 1,689 total yards in 12 games – he’s having a season comparable to any those greats produced.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he doesn’t live in his fears. He can’t be concerned Bell is going to be injured or suffer long-term ill effects from a heavy workload. Tomlin has to be concerned with getting this team into the playoffs.
That journey begins today when the Steelers play at Cincinnati.
The Bengals’ pass defense is outstanding, allowing an NFL-low 11 touchdowns.
The run defense, however, is lacking. Cincinnati is giving up 125 yards per game and has allowed 13 touchdowns.
If the Steelers are to win today – they are 3-point underdogs – they’ll need a big day out of Bell.
Better play out of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger would help as well.
They might get both of those and still lose, which is why I’m picking the home team.
Take Cincinnati to win, 27-23
Packers just aren’t losing at Lambeau.
Take Green Bay, 34-21
The Cardinals are reeling.
Take Kansas City, 24-20
Mark Sanchez against this pass defense? LOL.
Take Seattle, 27-23
Patriots won’t lose back-to-back games.
Take New England, 31-27
Ravens slipped against Chargers at home last week..
Take Miami, 24-20
The Bills have the pass rush to bother Peyton Manning, but not beat him.
Take Denver, 31-17
Raiders are bringing in extra security for this game. Wonder if any of the security members can play defense?
Take San Francisco, 27-10
It’s Brian Hoyer, at least for a while, against Andrew Luck.
Take Indianapolis, 30-16
The Texans will join the AFC playoff mess at 7-6 with a win.
Take Houston, 27-13
The Giants lost at Jacksonville last week, but the Titans are very banged up.
Take the Giants, 24-19
Saints will show their win against the Steelers wasn’t a fluke.
Take New Orleans, 34-23
Lions are trending toward the playoffs.
Take Detroit, 23-13
St. Louis (minus 3)
at Washington
St. Louis defense will get the job done.
Take St. Louis, 24-17
Jets’ defense will keep it close to the end.
Take the Jets to cover in a 17-13 loss
Last week: 6-7 ATS; 9-4 Straight up
Overall: 84-91-1 ATS; 115-63 Straight up
Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.