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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense was a well-oiled machine last year, especially as they geared up for the postseason. They ran like a premium sportscar: fluid, well-oiled and sleek.
When star running back Le’Veon Bell was injured in last year’s season finale, the offense stalled. They struggled in their playoff game against the rival Baltimore Ravens and were knocked out in the first round.
Now, with Bell suspended for the first three games for driving under the influence of marijuana (yes, Le’Veon, that is illegal) the Steelers must figure out how to start the season without their all-purpose running back. While they cannot possibly replace the impact that Bell’s 2,215 all-purpose yards had offensively, but they just might be able to come out of Week 3 with their heads above water.
The Steelers added veteran running back Deangelo Williams in the offseason, presumably to take on the bulk of carries. At 32 years of age, Williams’ best years are behind him but if he can stay healthy for three games, he will be a solid backfield option. It remains to be seen whether he can be healthy, but the Steelers don’t need him to be a feature back for a full season; just three games.
In his younger years, Williams was a threat as a pass-catcher but with injuries a concern, using him on passing plays is an unnecessary risk. Running screens or wheel routes to Williams will increase the likelihood of injury. With Josh Harris serving as the only traditional backup running back on the roster, they can’t afford that risk.
So how will they replace Bell’s receiving talents, especially when they looked to him as a playmaker out of the backfield last year?
Offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s offense has been largely dependent on getting the ball out of Roethlisberger’s hands quickly and into the hands of his quicker players, which both preserved Roethlisberger’s health and kept defenses on their heels. One 2014 draftee may be the beneficiary of Bell’s suspension — Dri Archer. Archer disappointed his first year, as he was ineffective out of the backfield and failed to carve out a role as a return man.
Archer does have blazing speed and skill in space. He will have to help account for Bell’s shiftiness and playmaking ability in space. Archer should be yearning to prove his worth after a tumultuous first year, and he will get that opportunity.
The Steelers will also need to utilize Antonio Brown like they did last year to keep defenses on their toes.
The AFC North will be competitive this year, as it always is, and will likely be decided by just a game or two. And it may just depend on how the Steelers handle Bell’s suspension.
