Bell ready to run against Chargers
PITTSBURGH – Le’Veon Bell isn’t studying the NFL rushing leaders to see where he ranks in the heirarchy.
He’s got bigger things on his mind, such as helping the Steelers win as many games as possible without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the lineup.
Two weeks into his season – he missed the first two games while on suspension – Bell isn’t even the leading rusher on his own team, That honor still belongs to veteran DeAngelo Williams, who has 211 yards after starting the first two games.
But Bell had 129 yards on 22 carries last week in a 23-20 overtime loss to the Ravens, breaking Baltimore’s string of 29 consecutive games without allowing a 100-yard rusher.
He also was the Steelers’ first 100-yard rusher against the Ravens since Jerome Bettis in 2004. It was a positive sign for Bell, the 2014 AFC rushing leader.
“We’re confident we can run the ball on anybody,” said Bell, who has 191 yards on 41 carries. “Baltimore hadn’t given up a 100-yard rusher in how many games and we went out there and got 100 yards. The guys up front have to do their job and I have to do mine. As long as everybody is on the same page, I’m confident we’ll be able to run the ball.”
That’s why it was curious to many that Bell didn’t get the ball on fourth-and-short on two occasions in overtime against the Ravens.
The Steelers (2-2) were stopped the first time at the Baltimore 39 on a quarterback sweep by Mike Vick on fourth-and-2, and Vick overthrew an open Antonio Brown on fourth-and-1 at the Baltimore 33 on the next Pittsburgh possession.
Bell didn’t have an issue with the calls, especially the throw to Brown.
“I’ll never turn it down if they call my number, but I can’t say I need the ball every time,” said Bell, who converted nine of 11 third-and-1 plays into first downs last season.
“I think it was a good play call; we just executed it wrong. If A.B. catches the ball or the ball is put in the right spot and A.B. catches it, nobody says anything about it. We just have to execute the play better. Obviously, if it’s fourth-and-1 and they give me the ball, I’m going to do what I can with it.”
It was a move some compared to the Seattle Seahawks not giving the ball to bulldozing back Marshawn Lynch with the game on the line at the New England 1-yard line in the Super Bowl last season.
“The Seattle Seahawks wish they had the play back,” said Bell. “But you’ve just got to learn from it.”
The Steelers wish they had a play or two back as well. Vick said his poor throw will “haunt” him for a long time.
Baltimore’s typically tough run defense might have had something to do with the play call. The Steelers should have no such qualms Monday night when they play at San Diego (2-2).
The Chargers are near the bottom of the league in run defense and the 4.9 yards per carry they allow is tied with New England for last in the NFL.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said Bell made progress in his second game and offensive coordinator Todd Haley is looking forward to continuing to get the All-Pro more involved in the offense.
“I think any back, any line, they’re going to want reps,” Haley said. “The more they see, the better they fit and the more comfortable they get.
“He’s got great vision, sees what’s happening and gives you great feedback. So, he’s one of those backs, like most of the good ones, who get stronger the longer they go.”
Bell said he noticed a difference last week as opposed to when he returned two weeks ago in a 12-6 win at St. Louis.
“I definitely felt a lot better my second game back,” he said. “The first game, I was still shaking off a little rust. I feel even better this week, so I’m excited.”
Excited enough to know that Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson is atop the rushing leader’s list – not that it’s a major concern.
“I don’t look at it week to week. I’ll wait until Week 16 and see where I’m at,” Bell said. “I’m not trying to go for a rushing title. I’m just trying to win games, so whatever it takes for me to win game. How many rushing yards I have or don’t have really don’t matter. I want to make sure we win the game.”
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knee) and safety Ross Ventrone (hamstring) did not practice Thursday. … Cornerback Cortez Allen (knee), defensive tackle Daniel McCullers (knee), linebacker Ryan Shazier (shoulder), tight end Matt Spaeth (hand) and wide receiver Markus Wheaton (ankle) were full participants. … Because wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who missed practice Wednesday, is not on the 53-man roster, the Steelers are not required to list him on the injury report.