When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Le’Veon Bell in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft, few could have imagined the impact the Michigan State product would have so early in his career. The 22-year-old running back has quickly become one of the best in the game, and is putting together a season that rivals any back in the National Football League.
In Sunday’s pivotal 42-21 win against the Cincinnati Bengals, Bell was a dominating force. His performance not only helped the Steelers inch closer to first place in the AFC North, it was worthy of earning the Pittsburgh Sporting News Player of the Week.
Bell totaled 235 total yards; 185 on the ground, and another 50 on six receptions. He also scored three touchdowns, all in the second half, including a 22-yard scamper in the fourth quarter that ended any realistic hopes of a Bengals’ comeback.
For the season, Bell leads the AFC in rushing yards with 1,231, and trails only the Cowboys DeMarco Murray (1,606) for the league lead. Bell’s pass-catching prowess has been just as impressive, as his 71 receptions is 16th best in the NFL, and trails only the Bears Matt Forte (86 catches) for the most by a running back.
With three regular season games remaining, Bell needs 460 yards to break the Steeler record for most rushing yards in a season, set by Barry Foster in 1992 when he rushed for 1,690 yards. He has already broke the record for most pass receptions by a Steeler running back for a season, easily surpassing the 51 catches John L. Williams had in 1994.
With Bell playing at such a high level, the Steelers will have a chance to lean on one of the best running backs in the game as they make their late push to win the hotly contested AFC North.
Congrats to Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Sporting News Player of the Week.
