From the offseason to now, there have been a multitude of changes across the NFL. As the season goes on, some teams win one week and lose the next. Some teams win once, then lose the rest. And some teams lose once, then win the rest. But if there’s anything that’s remained consistent this season, it’s the Le’Veon Bell situation in Pittsburgh.
The Story Behind Bell’s Absence
Back in March, the Steelers RB was franchise-tagged for the second year in a row. This, of course, made Bell very unhappy. This was due to the fact that he was denied free agency in exchange for a one-year agreement.
Fairwell Miami 👋🏾
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) November 5, 2018
However, despite this franchise tag, he’d be the highest paid running back in all of football (until Todd Gurley II received a $15 million/year max deal). Teammates would grow frustrated with Bell, and this would carry into the season where Bell would forfeit multiple game checks. But with the recent cryptic tweet by Bell (shown above) teasing a return, and the news he may not show up at all, are his services actually not needed anymore?
By The Numbers
Through nine games, the Steelers have a record of 6-2-1. Every game has been played without Bell, and they’re still in first place in the AFC North. Statistically, the Steelers came into the season tied for the 25th-easiest schedule in the league. Despite this, almost every game this season has been a grind.
Without Bell, the Steelers’ only losses have come to the Kansas City Chiefs (42-37) at home and the Baltimore Ravens on the road (23-16). In the loss against the Chiefs, the Steelers only had 33 yards across four running backs who played.
Against the Ravens, the Steelers only had 19 yards across two running backs who played. Looking at these losses, it’s easy to say the Steelers need Le’Veon back badly. However, take a look at some of their key wins.
In Week 5 against Atlanta, the Steelers mauled the Falcons for a 41-17 win. Big Ben had 250 yards through the air. The Steelers running backs combined for 121 yards. Week 7 saw the Steelers redden themselves by beating the Browns 33-18, after tying with them in Week 1. The numbers in that game included 168 combined rushing yards for the Steelers. After losing to division foe Ravens in Week 4, they got revenge in a 23-16 win. Once again, the Steelers would rush for over 100 yards combined.
Lastly, came the Panthers, who Pittsburgh would absolutely dominant in all facets of the game. Big Ben tallied 328 yards, five touchdowns, and a perfect passer rating. Antonio Brown had himself a game with 96 receiving yards and a touchdown, as well. The Steelers went on to beat the Panthers 52-21, the highest amount of points scored by a team this season.
Through all games, the Steelers have the fourth-best offense in the league at 419.9 total offensive yards per game. In addition, the Steelers are in the top half of the league in defense as well. With just the numbers, it’s proving that the Steelers don’t need Le’Veon Bell in order to win. But there’s one big part of that we haven’t discussed, Bell’s replacement, James Conner.
James Conner
Following Bell’s departure, the next man up was James Conner. Drafted in 2017, he was bumped up to RB1 at the start of this season. In the midst of this article, it’s safe to say that James Conner has gone to work. Conner opened the season with a 135-yard performance, which would make fans optimistic about this season.
After a three-game cool-down, however, Conner would explode for 474 yards and six touchdowns in the last four games. Not to mention he became the first player in NFL history to rush for at least 100 yards, have at least 50 receiving yards, and score at least one touchdown in four consecutive games.
In Pittsburgh’s dominating win over the Panthers, he had 65 rushing yards and one touchdown, continuing his solid play. In addition, Conner has been nothing but a blessing in the locker room and someone who can definitely keep the Steelers a threat without Bell.
Off The Field
Off the field issues also contribute to Le’Veon Bell’s issues with the Steelers. Even teammates were growing unhappy with the actions of Bell, and to many personalities around the league, they have every right to be. Back in September, Le’Veon Bell would lie to teammates after telling them he’d report before Week 1.
Michael Vick spoke to Ramon Foster yesterday. Says the offensive linemen were told by Bell that he’d be here his week. When he no-showed, they called and texted and couldn’t get a straight response from him back. They’re concerned about Cleveland and James Conner now. @NFLonFOX
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) September 9, 2018
This would spark a lot of fiery comments by the Steelers’ offensive line. Ramon Foster, would be one of the players that took offense to Bell’s actions.
Steelers teammates not happy with Le’Veon Bell no show, led by vet G Ramon Foster, their player rep:
“What do you do? here’s a guy who doesn’t give a damn, I guess so we’ll treatit as such. I just hate it came to this. “— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) September 5, 2018
— Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) September 5, 2018
As seen here, Foster was constantly clowning Bell and his actions. The question is: with the solid season the Steelers are having, why would they let Le’Veon back amidst all the previous drama? With Le’Veon, you wouldn’t know what to expect come his return. Players seem to already have harsh opinions about Bell and him coming back may just make matters worse.
Conclusion
At 6-2-1, the Steelers are looking good leading their division. Le’Veon Bell’s drama has to be something put on the back burner, as they must prepare for a potentially deep playoff run. James Conner is doing more than enough in the backfield to fill Bell’s shoes, and that’s something that can’t be ruined now. The Steelers, ARE better off without Le’Veon Bell.
Do the Steelers need Le’Veon Bell to make a deep playoff run? If Bell were to return, will the team offer him back with open hands? With the second half of the season on the way, we’ll have to just wait and see.