Mike Tomlin used cut down day to send a message; the Pittsburgh Steelers intend to win the Super Bowl. They reshaped their roster with surprising cuts and a couple of trades, which is out of character for them. Backup running backs Knile Davis and Fitzgerald Toussaint were two of the Steelers early cuts, prior to the trades. The top three running backs are now Le’Veon Bell, Terrell Watson, and James Conner, who are all starter capable. The Steelers might be sending a second message as well, that they are preparing for life without Le’Veon Bell.
Pittsburgh Steelers Preparing For Possible Future Without Le’Veon Bell
The Steelers are not looking to part ways with Le’Veon Bell. Although Bell has signed his franchise tender, the Steelers intend to work out a long-term deal with him next off-season, provided they can reach a reasonable figure. Both parties are adamant about Bell remaining with the Steelers, although some of his actions say otherwise. Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert aren’t about to be caught with their pants down, despite rhetoric to the contrary. They will be prepared for life without Bell, if need be. Toussaint and Davis have proven they are not reliable enough to replace Bell, so they went Watson and Conner.
The Rooney’s value their players as people, seeing them as extended family. They have been loyal to them over the years, often keeping players long after they should have cut ties. This time, on cut down day, the Steelers deviated from their normal mode of operation in drastic fashion. The timing of it all makes it appear there is more behind the moves than just winning a Super Bowl. The moves made at running back hint at a possible future without Bell.
The Running Game Before Bell
Le’Veon Bell has the ability to make one forget that the Steelers had some great running backs before him. They were some of the best during their era, although they didn’t have his skill set. Franco Harris, Jerome Bettis, and Willie Parker helped lead the Steelers to Super Bowl titles. Bam Morris and Rashard Mendenhall led the Steelers during two other appearances. Barry Foster provided many great moments, and is still the Steelers all-time single season rushing leader. These running backs were the focal point of a “run-first” offense. They succeeded despite the defense knowing they were getting the ball. There was a successful running game before Bell.
Bell’s Value to the Offense
The Steelers offense with and without Bell is clearly different. He’s the NFL’s best running back, bringing an element to the offense no other team has. Bell is just as dangerous as a receiver, and has a running style no other back possesses. His game is set apart by his unnatural patience, allowing him to wait on holes other backs never see. His patience has been the difference between getting stopped for a loss and ripping off 30 yards. Bell is one of a few running backs capable of gaining 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.
Steelers Are Preparing For Life Without Bell
The Steelers goal is to put the best team on the field each season, despite what their options might be. Saturday’s moves had a much different feel after they decisively cut Bell’s backups early on. Tomlin prefers that his backup running backs have experience, something Watson and Conner lack. He chose them, despite their inexperience, because they are better options to fill in for Bell.
Watson and Conner can run people over while picking up big chunks of yardage. Their size and speed allow them to turn the corner and wear defenses down. They will also provide quality depth to keep Bell fresh for the postseason. The Steelers have a potent threesome at running back for years to come if Bell gets his contract. Tomlin and Colbert both understand, if he doesn’t reach a deal, Watson and Conner will make life easier for the Steelers.
Mike Tomlin’s goal is to build a roster that will win now, and in the future as well. He went with Watson and Conner on it because they give the Steelers a better chance of that. They give a Tomlin a pair of starter-quality, capable backs who can step in for Bell at any time. The Steelers begin their yearly quest for a Super Bowl championship this Sunday with Bell’s long-term future up in the air. Watson and Conner are here to not only help win that Super Bowl, but as part of the Steelers plan for a potential future without Bell.
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