Something to ponder on Lev Bell

[CharlesDavenport]

I don't know what our options are, but if he doesn't show up for week 1, I'd be looking to unload him.

 

[ark steel]

Go read what James Harrison said today on a sports talk show. The same damn thing I said when I started this thread.
James said if it were him he would hold out until he had to report which is by game 10 so he doesn’t lose the season.
He further added that he’d forgo the big weekly check just to ensure he stays healthy since he knows he will cash in in F/A.
James also said everyone keeps thinking he’s going to show up but wouldn’t bet on it.!
I’m telling you guys, this cat marches to a different drum. I don’t think he shows until later in the season. He even said as much earlier this year.


Sent from my iPhone using Steeler Nation mobile app

So, now we listen to what a player says? A disgruntled one?

 

[ark steel]

Bell is not some sort of RB God. If you project other RBs numbers with the amount of touches bell gets I'm sure Bells numbers would not look so spectacular. Couple that with a not so great YPC and no breakaway speed Bell sits in the middle of the pack.

I've tried to explain to Coach why you just cannot do this. Go to the prior years for Bell and project his touches to last season. Do you get last season's numbers? Far from it, it just doesn't work that way. I could be lessening of the RB skills, defenses queuing on them more or just a product of some changes in how the running plays develop or a ton of other reasons.

Another major reason you cannot is that Connor lasted something like 68 offensive snaps in a back up role before being injured. Not 68 touches, 68 snaps. Another 85 on ST. And people are worried about Bell's durability? I hope Connor steps in a kicks ***, same for Samuels. I wouldn't put any money on it, though.

 

[ark steel]

while we know Bell is exceptional, if he doesn't show up until Week 10 and we're winning with a decent run game, it could cost him.

see, our OL isn't the same as it was when we had guys off the street. We have one of the top 5 OLs in the game. As such, if Conner can run in "real" games as he's been doing, and Samuels can do a decent job as a backup ...Bell may get the treatment that he's a "product of the system". It's unlikely, but it is possible. Were that to happen, it may cost his *** some cash. Also, consider if he doesnt show up until Week 10, his first game back may be against Jacksonville. Not a good first outing for him, considering he won't be in football shape. In shape, no doubt. Football shape, no. Then, Broncos, Chargers and Raiders. He'll be trying to get into football shape during the teeth of our schedule.

Bell is a product of having a good OL, but his patience in looking for the spot to run and immediately hitting that spot is what sets him apart, IMO. With a lesser OL, he would not have this ability as he wouldn't have the time. It might become a detriment.

 

[Smash]

Right. Harrison has a right to be sour grapes, but he's talking as an individual, not a GM or a member of a team. Steelers need to focus on 53. Bell is a distraction and with a shrinking window of time with this current roster, I'm hoping they make a move to better their chances. Mack makes sense.

 

[thesteelcity]

I have the uneasy feeling that we release him, NE picks him up before the press release is read.

 

[Coach]

Seriously? We all get his pass catching importance. But to think this club can't still win is down right silly. As he departs in free agency you can bring in one and draft one high. (say the second round)

You replace him by RB by committee. And that would give you a high draft pick, JaySam, Conner, and whoever the free agent was.

You might not be as top heavy, but you end up with deeper depth.

I Agree with this this, but right now our RB by committee is a bit weak. We might pull off a trade for a RB if Bell sits out.

 

[Coach]

Bell is a product of having a good OL, but his patience in looking for the spot to run and immediately hitting that spot is what sets him apart, IMO. With a lesser OL, he would not have this ability as he wouldn't have the time. It might become a detriment.

I have been saying this for YEARS. Our OL, Ben and the weapons around give him more room to run, and limits the opposing offense from focusing on him.

Yet the guy rushed on average for a measly 4.0 yards per carry and hits few big plays.

 

[CharlesDavenport]

I have the uneasy feeling that we release him, NE picks him up before the press release is read.

I did not need to think about that..

 

[black and gold apex]

The cat marches at a different beat,, so be it. I always thought the Steeler organization did as well and did not put up with this type drummer, they got rid of them. Yes new game new times BUT Rooney needs to look at the big picture, you have players out there giving it their all to win , not tweeting, going nude bars with whatever he had sitting besides him, threating to stay at home till game 10, calling players liars, as if Bell is above all this. Let him hit the road, stay focused on the runners we have and give them the chance. We have plenty of fire power with the receivers we have and if the runners can do a descent job at best we still are a good team.. How tired are we as fans of Bell so you can imagine the players behind doors thoughts.