Le’Veon Bell Still a Mystery to His Quarterback

Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Many are excited that Pittsburgh’s most recent second round draft pick will reportedly make his regular season debut on Sunday in London.  Unfortunately for some of you who believe that Le’Veon  Bell will make an “instant impact” upon his return, Ben Roethlisberger seems to be unsure of what to expect from his rookie running back:

"“Honestly, I have no idea with him [Le’Veon Bell], … You can’t get a read on him.  One day, he’s practicing, one day, he’s not; one day, he’s going hard, the next day, he’s not.  I wish I could.”-(via Ed Bouchette of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)"

While I certainly hate to be a “Negative Nancy,” “Big Ben” definitely has a point about Bell being an unknown commodity of sorts.  Remember readers, this is a running back who is coming off of a foot sprain, played in only one series during the preseason, and has yet to even play in a regular season game at the professional level.

Although the expectations are high for the former Michigan State Spartan, to declare that he will instantly upgrade Pittsburgh’s running game upon his return might far-fetched.  Moreover, one also has to wonder about placing the running game load entirely on the rookie’s shoulders when Jonathan Dwyer and Felix Jones appeared to look competent when they toted the rock last weekend.

While I am as excited as anybody about Bell’s return, Roethlisberger’s comments still speak volumes about what an enigma that the rookie running back is at the moment.  So while Bell’s presence will definitely provide the Steelers’ running game with a boost and some depth, how much he can contribute remains a large question.

Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference

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