One thing the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t had in a few years are multiple running backs that can step in and carry a full-time load when needed.
The offseason signing of LeGarrette Blount solves that problem.
After a nice close to the 2013 season for rookie Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers were in search for a compliment for the Michigan State product and they wanted to find a way to lighten Bell’s workload along the way.
They accomplished both with Blount.
Blount is still in the prime of his career as he won’t turn 28 until December. While he may be something of an elder statesman to Bell, Blount showed last season with the Patriots that he has plenty to offer in the backfield.
So much to offer that the Steelers could turn to Blount as a starter if they needed to and would feel good about doing so.
Blount ran for 772 yards on 153 carries during the regular season and added a 166-yard, four-touchdown performance in New England’s playoff win over the Colts.
While every back, including Blount certainly wants to be a starter, you have to like the fact that Blount not only brings starter-type ability to Pittsburgh, but he is also a guy who is more than happy in his role as a compliment to Bell.
“I feel like every running back in this league wants to be a starter,” Blount said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Obviously I want to start, and I knew that when I went to New England. I wasn’t the starting guy. When I come here, I know I’m not the starting guy. But you work hard and go out there and do everything as though you are the starter. Sometimes it plays out that way, sometimes it doesn’t. I like Le’Veon. I like his running style. He rushed for 800-plus yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie. I wouldn’t mind complementing him at all.”
It’s been a struggle to run the ball lately for the Steelers, evident by the 3.5 yards per carry they gained on the ground a season ago.
But if Mike Munchak lives up to half the hype he has gotten and the Steelers offensive line performs up to par, we could see this one-two punch of Bell and Blount be quite the surprising duo. Throw in the fact that third-round pick Dri Archer could turn out to be a very nice change of pace back and this Steelers team should be able to accomplish more on the ground in 2014 than they have in quite some time.
One thing is for sure and that is the days of less than spectacular running backs like Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer could be a thing of the past.
Steelers’ fans always claim that they want to see this team run the football.
They very well may get their wish.
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