With Le’Veon Bell out for the first three games, can the Steelers rely on DeAngelo Williams to carry the load?
During any given season, one can often point to a pivotal moment that helped shape and define its outcome. Sometimes they are moments we embrace; who will ever forget Franco Harris’s “Immaculate Reception”, or James Harrison rumbling 100-yards with a convoy of blockers to push the Steelers towards a sixth Super Bowl title?
Others we would like to forget. Neil O’Donnell to Larry Brown (twice) anyone?
Though losing All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell to a knee injury in a Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals might not be quite as memorable in the bigger picture, its impact can’t be understated. It was the moment that suddenly turned the Steelers from Super Bowl contender to a team trying to win without arguably the best dual threat running back in the NFL.
The Steelers lost Bell and had to face the Baltimore Ravens in another classic playoff matchup. With Bell in street clothes, the Steelers were able to manage all of 68 rushing yards on their way to a 30-17 defeat.
Considering that the Steelers were attempting to replace Bell with Ben Tate, who was on his third team in less than two months, and Josh Harris, an undrafted rookie free agent, it should surprise no one the team struggled against the vaunted rushing defense of the Ravens.
This time around the Steelers understand that they will be without Bell for the first three games the season after he was suspended by the league for his DUI arrest last August. With time to prepare for this reality, the Steelers signed veteran free agent running back DeAngelo Williams from the Carolina Panthers to help soften the blow.
Now the question becomes, can the 32-year old back be a viable option to replace Bell not only during his suspension, but also as a capable backup during the remainder of the season?
History is not on Williams’ side. It’s rare that a back over the age of 30 has success in the NFL. By the time a back reaches the 30’s, he’s normally out of the league or on his last legs. In fact, last season only the 49ers Frank Gore and the Falcons Steven Jackson were able to crack the top 25 in rushing yards.
In a league where backs in the late 20’s are often considered damaged goods, can Williams buck the odds and be effective in a starting role for the Steelers?
The 2014 season was a difficult, injury plagued year where Williams appeared in only six games while dealing with ankle, thigh, and wrist injuries and ended with him being released by the Panthers after nine seasons. After back to back 1,000-seasons in 2008-09, Williams has still been a relative effective back when he’s been healthy, and does not have a ton of wear and tear thanks to splitting time and carries with James Stewart and Mike Tolbert.
Williams is a proven veteran who has been able to carry the load at times and is an adequate pass catcher. His ability to handle both roles for the Steelers while Bell serves his suspension will be critical to the Steelers success. Considering the Steelers currently only have Harris, Dri Archer and rookie free agent Ross Scheuerman available beyond Williams, they have once again rolled the dice that running back depth is not a serious priority.
Sounds like the very thing that cost the Steelers when Bell went down last season.
The Steelers are gambling that the 32-year old Williams still has something left and can stay healthy in 2015. It’s a big risk, and one that could help make or break the Steelers season.
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