Le’Veon Bell had an impressive run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but could he have been overrated this whole time?
The Steelers have now technically been without a two-time All-Pro at running back in Le’Veon Bell for over a year, but they didn’t seem to feel any ill effects from it a season ago. Though Bell was watching the 2018 NFL season from his recliner instead of playing on the franchise tag, Pittsburgh managed.
The Steelers didn’t quite make the playoffs in 2018, but that wasn’t because of the run game. In fact, in terms of efficiency, the Steelers were better off without Bell:
The idea that Le'Veon Bell had any meaningful impact on the Steelers' rushing or passing offense is...unsupported by evidence pic.twitter.com/G3TGE21QQ6
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) May 28, 2019
In Bell’s most recent action with Pittsburgh, he garnered a mere 4.0 yards per carry in 2017 and had just 3 20-yard runs on 321 carries (that’s one every 111 touches).
On the other hand, James Conner stepped up to the plate, and then some – averaging more yards per carry (4.5) and per reception (9.0 to Bell’s 7.7). Conner tripled Bell in the amount of 20-yard runs (9) he racked up, and did so on over 100 less carries than Bell a season ago. He even elevated Pittsburgh’s rushing efficiency:
James Conner (in 2018): 3.03 yards after contact and 0.23 missed tackles forced per carry
— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) November 6, 2018
Le'Veon Bell (in 2015-17): 2.88 yards after contact and 0.16 missed tackles forced per carry [PFF data]
Though Bell has had his moments as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he played behind one of the league’s best offensive lines over the past five years. Even with this, Bell has just a 4.3 yard per carry average in his career and never eclipsed 9 rushing touchdowns in a single season.
I’m not doubting that Le’Veon Bell was ever a good running back, but I do believe he was the product of a major workload. Anytime a running back carries the ball 321 times a season, they should be able to get well over 1,000 yards.
The combination of having a great offensive line, a running back-friendly scheme, and a boat load of opportunity is all any running back could ask for. Bell was great during his time in Pittsburgh, but most running backs are replaceable. I don’t think the Steelers are going to skip a beat without him.