As silly as it may sound to some around the league, in this day of elite quarterbacks and high-powered offenses, Pittsburgh Steelers fans love their “Steelers Football.”
By that, obviously I’m talking about running the football.
Often at Heinz Field, the roar of the crowd is louder for a four-yard run that results in a first down when the running back should have been stopped for a loss, than it is for an 80-yard touchdown pass.
Unfortunately those same Steelers fans haven’t had much to cheer for in the running department the past few years.
That is until Le’Veon Bell came onto the scene.
Bell not only has restored faith in the Steelers rushing attack, but in the process has become one of, if not the very best all-around back in the NFL.
His patient running style makes him a treat to watch with the ball in his hands, yet when the Steelers fall behind in games, which they often do, he is still able to make an impact catching the football.
That was evident during Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints when Bell looked like he was going to be in for a huge day running the football, having amassed 71 yards on the ground through one quarter. He only ended up with 95 yards rushing as he didn’t see the ball much once the Steelers fell behind. However he caught eight passes for 159 yards. Sure some of that came in garbage time, but it just goes to show how Bell is one of the few backs in the league that can impact a game on every play, no matter the situation.
“I have always prided myself in being able to catch the ball.” said Bell. “Coach Tomlin always preaches on the backs and tight ends on getting open. If we aren’t comfortable with the first few reads we have to check down. We are able to do a good job at being open for the check downs when needed to take the pressure off.”
Needless to say, it has been a long time since the Steelers have had a back with Bell’s abilities.
Bell also eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the season on Sunday, and while 1,000 yards rushing isn’t what it used to be in terms of milestones, it is still a big one Bell.
That’s especially true when you consider that no Steelers running back has eclipsed that plateau since Rashard Mendenhall did so in 2010.
“It’s a very individual accomplishment,” added Bell. “It’s not something a lot of people are able to do. So God bless that I am able to do that. I give a lot of credit to the guys (offensive line). They wanted me to get there and thought that might be a game I would be able to. I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the guys and obviously the coaches too.”
Bell currently sits with 1,046 yards rushing on 216 carries (4.8 avg.). He also has caught 65 passes for another 643 yards. Meaning that a 2,000-yard season is easily within reach.
But Bell isn’t really worried about his numbers or even possibly breaking down as he is really the only running back on the roster that the team has confidence in handing the ball to.
The only real thing on Bell’s mind is winning the team’s final four games, something that will be easier said than done.
“We can only control what we can control,” said Bell. “We missed an opportunity against the Saints. It was a great opportunity for us to get another win and we didn’t do that. We’re not going to look outside or in other stadiums or look for help outside of ourselves. We still control our destiny so we just have to take it one game at a time. We’ve got another big game next week and we have to take care of business. We can’t look forward to four or five weeks ahead, we’ve got to worry about the next game on the schedule.”
Who knows if the Steelers can right the ship and turn things around the next four weeks?
The only thing that is for sure is that Bell is a treat to watch run the football and is a guy that Steelers fans will love as long as he is wearing a black-and-gold uniform.
Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
