Pittsburgh Steelers: Has the offense improved enough?
By Matt Shetler
Running Back
The Steelers needed a running back and they got one in Le’Veon Bell, but did they get the right guy?
May 3, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers second round draft pick running back Le
Coming off of a season in which they finished 26th in the league in rushing, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, the Steelers needed a feature back that can carry the load. Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman are both back and can spell Bell, but there is the possibility of Dwyer potentially being traded. The thing I don’t like is that the Steelers basically have three plungers. Bell is faster than both Dwyer and Redman, but I worry about his lack of breakaway speed.
Not having a back with home run type speed could prove to be a problem in the long run, but I do like the versatility of Bell as he can be a factor in both the running and passing games. I also like the idea of bringing in LaRod Stephens-Howling to possibly fill the third-down back role.
Bell is big at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds and runs with power. Despite his size, he has deceptive speed and can run between the tackles or get to the outside. The Steelers had him as their top rated back in the draft. They need to be right.
More importantly, Bell can block out of the backfield and has soft hands that will help him get onto the field early—potentially as the Week 1 starter.
If Bell can become a legitimate No. 1 back, he will help in more ways than one. Roethlisberger is fantastic with play action, but you have to be able to sell the run. That’s something that wasn’t possible a year ago.
There’s no doubt that the Steelers have improved in the backfield. How much remains to be seen.