Le'Veon Bell vs Bettis: Who would you rather have?

[Shawn]

To many fans this may seem like a ridiculous question. But, when talking about Bettis getting into the HoF, it came across my mind and I didn't really know the answer. Who would I rather have as the modern day Steeler running back...Bell or Bettis? I'm not comparing their careers, or trying to say Bell is better than Bettis. But, I do wonder with modern day rules, and a leaning towards being a more passing league would I rather have Bell who is a more well rounded back...or would I want a Bettis who is a sledge hammer?

Just would like to read some discussion on the topic.

[steelz09]

Bettis.... for now.

Bell was a pleasant suprise this year after dealing with early injury problems. I lke what I see but I still can't select a guy that has 1 year of playing experience over a very consistent HOF career RB.

[MicroBioSteel]

I think football is cyclic and the sledgehammer back will be in vogue again somewhere down the line. In the current passing league, stopping the pass first has become just as important as stopping the run. In order to defend the pass you are seeing faster but lighter LBs be successful in the league. In a few more years more teams will lighten up to better defend the pass and slot receivers.

Eventually a team will use a sledgehammer back like Bettis to take advantage of this shift and the pendulum will swing back to the running game.

[Oviedo]

I think football is cyclic and the sledgehammer back will be in vogue again somewhere down the line. In the current passing league, stopping the pass first has become just as important as stopping the run. In order to defend the pass you are seeing faster but lighter LBs be successful in the league. In a few more years more teams will lighten up to better defend the pass and slot receivers.

Eventually a team will use a sledgehammer back like Bettis to take advantage of this shift and the pendulum will swing back to the running game.

I have to disagree. I think that kind of back will go the way of the Fullback...a situational piece of the offernse and a minor one at that. RBs just have too short a lifespan in the league because of the punishment they take. That is what is so remarkable about Bettis...he was able to do that so long with the power running he did. That is why he is truly a once in a generation talent who deserve to be in the HoF.

[squidkid]

no brainer...bettis

[phillyesq]

Bettis and it isn't even close. I like Bell quite a bit, but get back to me on him in a few years.

[hawaiiansteel]

Jerome Bettis by a landslide, Le'Veon Bell has done nothing so far to include himself in the conversation with The Bus...

[feltdizz]

Bettis in a heartbeat. The guy was huge, with great footwork amd he got stronger as the game went on...

Bettis was rare... extremely rare.

[buccoray61]

In no way shape or form am I sayin Bell >Bettis,he might not ever be,but the way the game is played today I"d take Bell. It's a passing league,the rules make it so. Bells skill set,fits the game the way it's played now. He can run,catch the ball out of the backfield and turn it into a big gain,and he can pass protect.I would love to see Bell run behind the type of O-Line Bettis had with the Steelers back in the day.

[sick beats]

Bettis.... for now.

Bell was a pleasant suprise this year after dealing with early injury problems. I lke what I see but I still can't select a guy that has 1 year of playing experience over a very consistent HOF career RB.

If Bell ends up with half a career as productive as Bettis, he will be fortunate. Bettis was unique. For a big man, with those soft, nimble feet, we may never see the likes of him again. Bell has some good potential, but will be likely become a hall of famer? Not likely. Bettis will. Bettis was more special than most realize.

[feltdizz]

In no way shape or form am I sayin Bell >Bettis,he might not ever be,but the way the game is played today I"d take Bell. It's a passing league,the rules make it so. Bells skill set,fits the game the way it's played now. He can run,catch the ball out of the backfield and turn it into a big gain,and he can pass protect.I would love to see Bell run behind the type of O-Line Bettis had with the Steelers back in the day.

I understand what you are saying but nah.... no way. Its a "passing league" but Bell is still getting 15 to 20 rushes most games... and rarely does he get over 60 to 70 yards a game. Bettis would get 100+, punish defenders and Bettis had had decent hands. He wasnt explosive like Bell but he would run through defenders and that takes a toll on defenders.

[Ernie]

no brainer...bettis

absolutely. No comparision..

we are talking about a hall of famer vs a rookie. Let's have this discussion again in about 10 years lol

[Shawn]

Before I get into my opinion...I want to restate for the record this isn't about comparing a rookie to a HoF'r or saying Bell is better. It's about who do you think would be most effective behind this OL...in this modern day NFL.

[Shawn]

Comparing rookie years...

Bell=96.8 yards of production per game
Bettis=104.5 yards of production per game

Comparing Bettis' second season to Bell's rookie
Bell=96.8
Bettis=82.3

Comparing Bettis' first year with the Steelers vs Bell's rookie year

Bell=96.8
Bettis=96.0

So while some think it is a ridiculous question...I would suggest that behind a very lack luster OL...Bell found ways to be productive...in ways that compared very well to Bettis.

In todays NFL, I think it's more important to have a back who can catch...who can create mismatches with LBs in space with good hands and route running.

So in today's NFL behind our current OL...I think Bell vs Bettis is a very reasonable question. If you could guarantee me that Bell would be as healthy as Bettis...I know who I would choose.

[Shawn]

BTW: within those years Bell beat Bettis in TD production in all but one of Bettis' seasons.