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Now that Bell is back, What is Williams' role?

Stryker

Stryker

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I don't know exactly what to expect this Sunday when Bell returns to the lineup, other than he is our starter and will start. Last year we had Blount who started off as a relief valve and short yardage option. As the season progressed, his playing time regressed to the point he was seldom used. Bell won the right to be on the field for a majority of the time with his versatility and playmaking. It ended up culminating in Blount's displeasure and eventual departure during the last half of the season.

What Blount lacked in team chemistry, Williams seems to have it in spades. He is a veteran RB with a history of sharing carries with other talented running backs. His ability to drop 20lbs at Tomlin's behest, showed his commitment to his coach and his new team, that he will do what is asked of him, and also show up in the best shape possible. In two games, this commitment now has Williams leading the AFC in rushing yardage and the NFL in TDs. Now he will be asked to take a reduced role, and unlike Blount, Williams will not be benched to watch Bell do it all. There are some very specific things I viewed in these past two games that makes him a great option for situational football moving forward, and at the same time, will allow Bell to be fresher and healthier as the season progresses.

Here is how I would like to play Williams, if I were the coach and made the decisions on when to play him:

#1 - Short yardage back. Situationally, Bell gives you more versatility coming out of the backfield as a passing threat, but if you want to commit to pounding the football on 3rd or 4th and short, I'm going with Williams. Williams has shown his ability to read the defense, find the hole, and power through tackles to get that necessary yardage. After watching Bell get speared and subsequently knocked out at the goal line against the Ravens, I'm less than inclined to put Bell in harms way for the hardest of yardage situations. Williams can take the pounding, and I trust him to make the play.

#2 - Goal line. This is just an extension of the short yardage back, but on a smaller field, the RB will take more of a pounding. Inside the 3, Williams is on the field, unless we're spreading the field and passing, then Bell should stay in. We've shown a desire to find that elusive short yardage back that we had in Bettis. So much so, that we suffered the Redmans and Dwyers to find someone to fit that role. I believe Williams will fit that role nicely for us.

#3 - Taking a series (or 3-4 plays in a series) to spell Bell. Blount was not really utilized in this role last year, and I don't know if it had to do with trust of Blount's abilities, or because Bell was fantastic, so why would you ever take him off the field. I believe the latter is short sighted. The season is long, and RBs take more hits than anyone on offense. It's time to give Bell the same protection we should expect for a franchise player, and keep him as fresh as possible, not only in the game, but for the season as it progresses. I want Bell at 100% come playoff time, not sitting out injured.

#4 - Easing Bell back to NFL game speed. Since Bell is not coming back from an injury, his performance and conditioning will be a non-factor. He may be a little off of game speed for missing 2 weeks of practice, but hopefully this week will get him close to where he needs to be. Realistically, I don't think Bell needs much easing to make plays and succeed, but Williams has shown me that he's earned the right to more than 5% of the carries this week. I'd start off with an 75-25 or 80-20 this week of Bell-Williams. If Williams is still performing at a high level, the numbers will stay about at that mark for the next couple weeks. I believe Bell's ability will take it to a 90-10 sooner than later, but it will be a vast improvement over the 100-0 Bell-Blount last year.

#5 - End Game. We have a 2-3 TD lead in the 4th and it's time to bleed the clock. The defense knows you are running the ball, so lets give it to the guy that can get those tough yards and keep Bell clean from those End Game hits. Bell earned a spot on the sideline, since our offense scored enough in a game, take the rest, enjoy the game, and you're fresh for next week. Williams could excel at this role if given the chance, and I know he'll be no slouch when it comes to grinding out the tough yardage at end game. His ability and vision will still give him the chance to extend the clock with first downs. If our offense is as explosive as it's starting to show, this option is a necessity to keep Bell as healthy as possible down the stretch.

However Williams will be utilized is ultimately up to Tomlin and Haley, but from what I've seen so far, I will be confident in the red haired nightmare's ability to make plays when his number is called.
 
I was surprised by Williams tenacity on short yardage, how he wouldn't just go down and kept pushing with his legs to get the maximum advance. The team might keep using him on those situations except in the redzone where bells catching ability makes him even more dangerous
 
If Bell can get his 12 - 15 touches, I believe that's enough in this offense. Williams reduced role can still see him net about 6-8 touches and im sure he could be content with that. If we are gonna use Dri id rather it be in the passing game lining him up vs a LB which is an obvious mismatch with speed.
 
Given what Williams has shown, they'd be foolish not to give him several touches a game, if for no other reason than to extend Bell's prime for another season or two down the road.

How defiantly Tomlin answered, "I'm going to play Bell," when asked how he was going to distribute the touches worries me somewhat, as it was very reminiscent of his infamous 2007 "I'm going to run his wheels off" quote pertaining to Willie Parker.

I would hope Tomlin has more foresight than that, given what Williams has shown, but he pretty much neglected an equally capable back in Blount last season in order to use Bell pretty much every down

Bell better get his money quick.
 
The good thing is that Williams has spent his entire career splitting time with Jonathan Stewart. You play Bell enough to work him back into game shape. He has to be ready for Ravens in a short week. I say bring in Williams every 3rd series depending on length of drives and game situations. I wouldn't swap them based on situations like short yardage or 3rd downs.
 
Williams will be used to give Bell a blow a couple times a game and maybe in some situational looks if they do want to put him and Bell in the backfield together. Otherwise, Bell stays in. Bell is the better runner, receiver and blocker, by far. He needs to be on the field as much as possible.
 
images
 
Williams is leading the AFC. Tough to just sit him.

He's been a perfect role player, a consummate team-mate, I say you got at the very least 70 / 30, I'd even go 60 / 40 while I'm easing Bell back into it.

He's earned that easy.
 
60/40 at first and 80/20 with Williams as the closer to keep his head in the game.
 
Punxsutawney said:
Given what Williams has shown, they'd be foolish not to give him several touches a game, if for no other reason than to extend Bell's prime for another season or two down the road.

How defiantly Tomlin answered, "I'm going to play Bell," when asked how he was going to distribute the touches worries me somewhat, as it was very reminiscent of his infamous 2007 "I'm going to run his wheels off" quote pertaining to Willie Parker.

I would hope Tomlin has more foresight than that, given what Williams has shown, but he pretty much neglected an equally capable back in Blount last season in order to use Bell pretty much every down

Bell better get his money quick.
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The issue is you guys are really underestimateing how hard it is not play Bell. He is the best back in every situation. There is not one aspect that Williams is better. With the things we like to do on offense Bell is the best option in every scenario. Other then a series or two I don't see Williams getting much time especially as the season goes
 
antdrewjosh said:
The issue is you guys are really underestimateing how hard it is not play Bell. He is the best back in every situation. There is not one aspect that Williams is better. With the things we like to do on offense Bell is the best option in every scenario. Other then a series or two I don't see Williams getting much time especially as the season goes
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of course is not close, but the ravens game is 4 days later, you better ease Bell up and have him fresh but back to speed game level. So 60/40 against the Rams would be very good for the good of the team
 
Have you not been paying attention before starting this thread? Repeat after me, "Thunder and Lightning." :kiwi-fruit:
 
Litos said:
of course is not close, but the ravens game is 4 days later, you better ease Bell up and have him fresh but back to speed game level. So 60/40 against the Rams would be very good for the good of the team
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Sounds good. Just don't be surprised if it doesn't happen. The Steelers didn't bring Williams here to split time with Bell but as insurance. Veteran who can come in and not put us in a position like last year in the playoffs. Bell is going to play allot. Last year's injury was a case of overuse it was Goodell's stupid rules causing a defensive player to go low on a receiver. Also Bell had run over Nelson earlier so he wanted no part of Bell high again.
 
Litos said:
of course is not close, but the ravens game is 4 days later, you better ease Bell up and have him fresh but back to speed game level. So 60/40 against the Rams would be very good for the good of the team
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Sounds good. Just don't be surprised if it doesn't happen. The Steelers didn't bring Williams here to split time with Bell but as insurance. Veteran who can come in and not put us in a position like last year in the playoffs. Bell is going to play allot. Last year's injury wasn't a case of overuse it was Goodell's stupid rules causing a defensive player to go low on a receiver. Also Bell had run over Nelson earlier so he wanted no part of Bell high again.
 
He's a backup now, but he's a proven backup so he will probably get more work than most other backups. Since Williams is a good receiver, he can play more than a guy like Blount. Blount is a good runner but is no threat in the passing game so when Bell was on the bench, half the playbook went with him.

williams can run tbe same playbook as Bell, so it is not as difficult to get Bell rest in the games. Last year, even a blowout like the 49ers probably would have seen Bell get 25+ touches. Now this year you can save Bell in a game like that without the offense shutting down and becoming predictable.

i'd also love to aee them on the field together sometimes. If you put 2 RBs out there, the defense will usually match up with their base defense. That is a huge advantage for the steelers cuz you can then motion Bell out and he's a mismatch on a LB. If they play a Safety on him then Antonio or Martavis will burn you deep. If the LB motions out with Bell, now the box is weak and you can run Deangelo.
 
tapeANaspirin2it said:
He's a backup now, but he's a proven backup so he will probably get more work than most other backups. Since Williams is a good receiver, he can play more than a guy like Blount. Blount is a good runner but is no threat in the passing game so when Bell was on the bench, half the playbook went with him.

williams can run tbe same playbook as Bell, so it is not as difficult to get Bell rest in the games. Last year, even a blowout like the 49ers probably would have seen Bell get 25+ touches. Now this year you can save Bell in a game like that without the offense shutting down and becoming predictable.

i'd also love to aee them on the field together sometimes. If you put 2 RBs out there, the defense will usually match up with their base defense. That is a huge advantage for the steelers cuz you can then motion Bell out and he's a mismatch on a LB. If they play a Safety on him then Antonio or Martavis will burn you deep. If the LB motions out with Bell, now the box is weak and you can run Deangelo.
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Pony backfield formation, let's see it happen Haley.
 
tapeANaspirin2it said:
He's a backup now, but he's a proven backup so he will probably get more work than most other backups. Since Williams is a good receiver, he can play more than a guy like Blount. Blount is a good runner but is no threat in the passing game so when Bell was on the bench, half the playbook went with him.

williams can run tbe same playbook as Bell, so it is not as difficult to get Bell rest in the games. Last year, even a blowout like the 49ers probably would have seen Bell get 25+ touches. Now this year you can save Bell in a game like that without the offense shutting down and becoming predictable.

i'd also love to aee them on the field together sometimes. If you put 2 RBs out there, the defense will usually match up with their base defense. That is a huge advantage for the steelers cuz you can then motion Bell out and he's a mismatch on a LB. If they play a Safety on him then Antonio or Martavis will burn you deep. If the LB motions out with Bell, now the box is weak and you can run Deangelo.
Click to expand...

This is something I was hoping they would do for exactly the reasons you stated. Honestly I think Bell on a safety is a mismatch. Most safeties aren't used to playing someone one on one. Bell runs routes like WR. So not only would he be getting better coverage match-up for his teammates he is more then capable of beating safeties in coverage.
 
tapeANaspirin2it said:
He's a backup now, but he's a proven backup so he will probably get more work than most other backups. Since Williams is a good receiver, he can play more than a guy like Blount. Blount is a good runner but is no threat in the passing game so when Bell was on the bench, half the playbook went with him.

williams can run tbe same playbook as Bell, so it is not as difficult to get Bell rest in the games. Last year, even a blowout like the 49ers probably would have seen Bell get 25+ touches. Now this year you can save Bell in a game like that without the offense shutting down and becoming predictable.

i'd also love to aee them on the field together sometimes. If you put 2 RBs out there, the defense will usually match up with their base defense. That is a huge advantage for the steelers cuz you can then motion Bell out and he's a mismatch on a LB. If they play a Safety on him then Antonio or Martavis will burn you deep. If the LB motions out with Bell, now the box is weak and you can run Deangelo.
Click to expand...

This is something I was hoping they would do for exactly the reasons you stated. Honestly I think Bell on a safety is a mismatch. Most safeties aren't used to playing someone one on one. Bell runs routes like a WR. So not only would he be getting better coverage match-up for his teammates he is more then capable of beating safeties in coverage.
 
antdrewjosh said:
This is something I was hoping they would do for exactly the reasons you stated. Honestly I think Bell on a safety is a mismatch. Most safeties aren't used to playing someone one on one. Bell runs routes like a WR. So not only would he be getting better coverage match-up for his teammates he is more then capable of beating safeties in coverage.
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you can say that again, too
 
DW will be tasked with keeping the stash fresh, and hidden.
 
Lets hope as a back up who has proven he wants to play we make plays for him or have both backs in the backfield just to make defenses think
 
I just don't have confidence that cool shades has the insight to know how to utilize all the talent on offense. I'm afraid he will run the hell out of Bell again and Williams just sits and stews on the bench. you watch when Bryant comes back. He'll sit as well I favor of DHB and have to work his way back in.
 
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