Bell

I know I will get blasted for these thoughts, but being that this is an opinion based board, I feel like I should share them.

Remember when SteelHack gave Bell the nickname "Liberty Bell" because he kept getting hurt or "Cracked"? Let's not forget that he was hurt at the start of his rookie year, had a great year last year until the Bengals, and then hurt again halfway through this year. That's already a lot of wear and tear on one of the least durable positions in the NFL.

Bell is a great player, but I don't see him dominating games. At least this year so far. There was a time not so long ago that there were RBs in the league that could carry a team. Players like Tomlinson, Alexander, Curtis Martin, Eddie George, Peterson.

The problem, and this might have to do with the play calling and game plan, is that Bell doesn't score enough. I feel good when he touches the ball, but the last time that I felt like any time a RB touched the ball that he had the chance to score, was Willie Parker before he broke his leg.

This is a trend in the NFL these days. If you can't pass, you are not going to be successful. I see the RB position as a compliment to the passing game rather than the other way around. Running is much mroe situational in today's game. For example, if you need 2 yards for a first down, a run play is generally a good call. But, and I guess Haley doesn't know this, a running play on 2nd and 15 is not a good call. Running to wear down an opponent is one thing, but you typically do that when you have a lead right? Kind of like in 2005 when we would take a 2-3 TD lead and then send in Bettis to pound it and wear the defense down in the later portions of the game.

Bell was at his best when we were passing to him, and then of course using him correctly in the running game. He is one of the best RBs in the league, but I think the role of the RB has diminished to the point that even though he is lost for the season, there really should be no reason why our offense still can't score points. If anything, we might decide to throw more now which has an immensely greater chance of scoring points than running Bell up the middle for no gain on 1st and 10.

Ben was clearly rusty today, but I am starting to wonder why our explosive offense has shown very little signs of exploding this season. You can point to injuries sure, but there is still talent all over the field. Is it the offensive line? They look far better than what they did in previous years, except for perhaps last year when Pouncey and Beachum were healthy. I just don't understand why our offense still struggles to score. We look great one drive, like our opening drive, then the rest of the game is very very bad. If you were to ask an Alien who knew nothing about football strategy to watch our play calling and offensive gameplan, I would bet a dollar that they would say that strategy did not make any sense or that they were trying to do what doesn't work. Obviously they aren't doing that, but that's what it looks like.

Come next game, we simply need to pass and run Williams in correct situations. They should consider using their backup work to do those silly runs up the middle that nearly always gain no yards (2 max) so that Williams does not take extra unnecessary hits. Spread the ball around more in the passing game. Stop trying to force it to Brown. Let Brown be Brown naturally. I would like to see more passes to Wheaton and DBH, possibly Coats too. I would like to see another play to Wheaton similar to his 72 yard TD a few weeks ago, because he can fly and that route on that TD was a beauty. He can't be doubled if Brown and Bryant are, and if those guys aren't then there you go, easy completion.

Finally, shout out to the D.

 

I believe that was HineswardHOF and he called him "Tinker Bell"

 

Not dominating games? He has almost 700 total yards in five and a half games and I believe was already the third or fourth leading rusher with 556.

 

hopefully he is young enough to HEAL AGAIN

Williams is better than what we had last year
BUTT
he is no spring chicken and has battled injuries as well

I truly thought we were good at RB in this up coming draft
butt
we may have to dip into the pool (dammit)

not surprising, but off the top of my head , I'm loving Elijah Hood
DUH

 

You mentioned a lot of the RB's that could carry a team but I can't believe you forgot to mention one of our greats. BETTIS, HOF.

 

I also think if we chose to run the offense behind Ben's arm instead of the WR's... Bell would dominate the game on a regular basis. A different OC and Bell is probably having a record season. I personally think he's the best RB I've seen since Barry Sanders. I think if Bell could stay healthy he'd have a career for the record books. I also fear that this latest injury could be a career changer for him. When a RB blows up a kneee it's usually not good for the rest of his career. Is he going to be able to make those cuts with a reconstructed knee? I fear this could limit his greatness and turn him into just another RB.

BTW most RB's can't stay healthy in the NFL. Its rare to see a guy have a long successful career anymore. drug testing, game speed, and new rules have made it nearly impossible for these guys to play every week. Everyone is aiming for the knees or tackling in the same method Bell was hurt. Because of the rules players are more often now trying to jump on ball carriers and drag them down with their body weight or targeting below the knees. The result is knees getting bent backwards and sideways. The game is so fast if you ask defenders to aim low these things become more common.

 

As for not using him in the passing game more... I agree it's idiotic. As soon as Bell goes to the bench we start throwing to our RB... Maybe the plan was to put less on Bell to keep him healthy? I'm sure that takes a toll on a player playing WR and RB.

 

Sure he has a bunch of yards, but only has 3 TDs. I am not knocking him, I am just pointing out that the days of a RB carrying a team seem to be over. Most other running backs for the exception of Devonta Freeman from Atlanta, have around 2-4 TDs on the year.

In the end, if the team adjusts properly, we should still have a potent offense. At least on paper...