Steelers MMQB: NFL OTA Week 3 Wrap Up
By Kim Myers
Running backs developing
May 26, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) participates in OTA drills at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers running backs are bonding and developing their trust in each other during the OTAs. They’ll be faced with some similar circumstances of last season. First off, there’s a veteran running back in DeAngelo Williams joining the group to provide backup and compliment Le’Veon Bell’s running and pass catching style.
The Steelers went into last season with the same model, only LeGarrette Blount was the veteran back who looked at his opportunity a little differently than Williams is claiming to. Blount expected to be part of a 1-2 punch of backs with him and Bell and instead Bell exploded as one of the Steelers best offensive weapons in the backfield and in the passing game.
The other similar situation is the Steelers will have to start the season the same way they ended it, without Le’Veon Bell on the field. Bell is suspended for the first three games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy relating to a marijuana arrest from last summer.
The rest of the running backs squad includes Josh Harris and Dri Archer, who might be fighting for a roster spot during training camp if the team doesn’t feel the need to carry four running backs on the roster. Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley is liking what he’s seeing out of the group of backs he has.
"“You are getting a lot of guys at the position ready to compete, because you are evaluating and trying to figure out who and what you have, and who gives you the best chance to win. Getting a seasoned veteran like DeAngelo in here is a good thing. He’s played a lot of snaps and a lot of football. You can see it in how he carries himself. He is showing leadership to some of the younger guys. But at the same time I like our young guys that are developing.” – Todd Haley"
Next: Who sits out Week 1: Brady or Bell?
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