How would YOU use Bell and Blount?

[SteelCrazy]

I like the idea of using them both at the same time. With today's D's set up to stop the pass, we should go run heavy and run the veer. Mix in some passes to whoever. Going back to basics may pay off and with 2 huge backs we could wear downa D in a hurry.

[Ernie]

I like the idea of using them both at the same time. With today's D's set up to stop the pass, we should go run heavy and run the veer. Mix in some passes to whoever. Going back to basics may pay off and with 2 huge backs we could wear downa D in a hurry.

Did I hear somewhere that Bell said on twitter that he initially wasn't happy that blount was signed? I am hoping this is rumor! In my opinion, Bell hasn't earned the right to say that about any player that is being brought in to help the team. Bell is a very promising young back, and has shown us some things to get excited about... with that being said, I don't think he is YET what many have him built up to be though. 1- 100 yard rushing game is hardly considered "Proven" in this league.

Blount is a guy in my opinion who is going to come in and push Bell for playing time....and I think the FO stated to him as much. He could be a feature back on a fair percentage of the NFL teams.

[Sugar]

Did I hear somewhere that Bell said on twitter that he initially wasn't happy that blount was signed? I am hoping this is rumor! In my opinion, Bell hasn't earned the right to say that about any player that is being brought in to help the team. Bell is a very promising young back, and has shown us some things to get excited about... with that being said, I don't think he is YET what many have him built up to be though. 1- 100 yard rushing game is hardly considered "Proven" in this league.

Blount is a guy in my opinion who is going to come in and push Bell for playing time....and I think the FO stated to him as much. He could be a feature back on a fair percentage of the NFL teams.

I'll admit that I don't see everything these guys tweet. However, what I did see from Bell had him welcoming Blount to the team. Bell is a more versatile weapon and should be the primary back. However, I would still like to see Blount get around 10 carries a game- maybe more if we're taking the air out at the end of games.

[Chadman]

Reckon we'll see a heavier dose of running plays now that there are 2 solid RB's on the roster. Would expect Blount to get 10 or so carries a game, Bell 15-20 not including passes his way. Then mix in a 3rd down guy (unless Bell takes that role now) and we could see 30 odd rushes a game. Might take the pressure of the need to get a WR early that way.

[SidSmythe]

same roll Blount had with N.E.
Backup and Kick Return Guy

[Shoe]

same roll Blount had with N.E.
Backup and Kick Return Guy

That's probably right.
Though, if Bell is the especially versatile weapon that he was purported to be (when we drafted him), I'd like to think they add some wrinkles (e.g. splitting Bell wide?) that will take advantage of that.

[hawaiiansteel]

same roll Blount had with N.E.
Backup and Kick Return Guy

I would add short-yardage and goal line back...

[Snatch98]

I would add short-yardage and goal line back...

Blount isn't going to be poaching goal line carries unless bell is tired. Let's keep in mind just how effective bell was last season picking up the tough yards.

[hawaiiansteel]

Blount isn't going to be poaching goal line carries unless bell is tired. Let's keep in mind just how effective bell was last season picking up the tough yards.

last year Bell converted 11 of 16 carries on 3rd or 4th down with less than 3 yards to go while Jonathan Dwyer converted 9 of 13 opportunities, both averaging roughly 69%.

Blount weighs 250 lbs, last season with the Patriots* he shared short-yardage duties with Stevan Ridley and converted 5 of 7 such opportunities for a 71% success rate. I see no reason why Blount won't get at least as many of the short-yardage carries that Dwyer got last season.

[Discipline of Steel]

Bell Ringer and Blount Force Trauma...Yeah!
To hell with Goodell!

[Ernie]

I'll admit that I don't see everything these guys tweet. However, what I did see from Bell had him welcoming Blount to the team. Bell is a more versatile weapon and should be the primary back. However, I would still like to see Blount get around 10 carries a game- maybe more if we're taking the air out at the end of games.

I also saw where he welcomed him to the team..but that was after the initial tweet mentioned above. I would also agree that Bell is the more versatile back (in that he can catch passes).

[Steelerphile]

I also saw where he welcomed him to the team..but that was after the initial tweet mentioned above. I would also agree that Bell is the more versatile back (in that he can catch passes).

I don't think you should jump to conclusion about some tweet of negative connotations that may have originated from Bell. Bell has seemed nothing but gracious, coachable and grounded in interviews. He certainly has enough good sense to know that he can't carry the ball himself 400 times, and that there was no one else on the roster. Unless there is something personal between he and Blount, which I doubt, why would he not welcome a good player and someone who can help him shoulder the load and improve the running game, which has been too far down the charts the last few years?

[Ernie]

I don't think you should jump to conclusion about some tweet of negative connotations that may have originated from Bell. Bell has seemed nothing but gracious, coachable and grounded in interviews. He certainly has enough good sense to know that he can't carry the ball himself 400 times, and that there was no one else on the roster. Unless there is something personal between he and Blount, which I doubt, why would he not welcome a good player and someone who can help him shoulder the load and improve the running game, which has been too far down the charts the last few years?

I did a little research on what was tweeted... This was clearly a case of Bell showing his true feelings on the Blount signing... with a following post being damage control. I'm with you phile, he should welcome this signing.. it is fairly obvious to me that Bell feels threatened by this signing.


Steelers Le’Veon Bell gets upset about signing competition
Today the Pittsburgh Steelers signed a new running back to the back field with LaGarrette Blount the former New England Patriots back. Well one person seemed kind of upset with the signing.

@L_Bell26: I can’t remember the last time I was THIS angry!!!

After posting this tweet Bell followed it up welcoming his competition.

@L_Bell26: welcome to the fam @LG_Blount …can’t wait to work with youu bro bro! #SteelCity

***Update***

I was contacted by Le’Veon’s camp who stated that the timing of his first post was bad, but was not intended towards Blount.

I was told Bell is excited to work with the former New England Patriots bruiser.

[Ernie]

You know what though... after reading this again... it is possible, albeit unlikely, that Bell's comments were based on something away from football entirely. Maybe the guy was just having a bad day...lol. Complete coincidence maybe?! I'll give him the benefit of the doubt...

[Sugar]

You know what though... after reading this again... it is possible, albeit unlikely, that Bell's comments were based on something away from football entirely. Maybe the guy was just having a bad day...lol. Complete coincidence maybe?! I'll give him the benefit of the doubt...

It's not unlikely at all. In fact, it's the most probably scenario really.