Like several teams did this past weekend, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost their best offensive producer as Le'Veon Bell went down with a knee injury and is not expected to return. As they walk the line of being playoff contenders this season, the loss of Bell is a big hit to the offense. After opting to not sign or trade for another running back, the Steelers plan on putting their hope in DeAngelo Williams going forward.
Williams has filled in for Bell once before this season and he certainly can do so again. In the first two games of the season the veteran running back was leading the AFC with 204 yards. That gives the team plenty of confidence that they can continue winning with Williams as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports he will be the workhorse running back.
"Right now we'll rally around DeAngelo Williams," Tomlins said, via the Post-Gazette. "He did a great job for us when Le'Veon was out. I'm encouraged because he's an established, capable guy, a guy we know can deliver. He delivered for us and he delivered for Carolina for 10 years in the league. It's a multi-man job to replace the skill set of Le'Veon Bell. It might be a collection of men, and usually probably will be."
At 32, there is some doubt that Williams can be an every-down back. He has never had to carry the workload in his career. Before splitting time with Bell, he was rotating with Jonathan Stewart in Carolina. The Steelers must try and duplicate that, but the talent drop off is steep on the roster. Isaiah Pead was signed to replace Bell's roster spot and Tomlin likes what the second-round draft pick in 2013 can do, but is the best option as a backup?
According to ESPN.com, Jordan Todman is expected to be the backup to Williams. Todman told the media that he has made huge gains in the offense over the past two months and he will be ready for when his name is called. He has a solid resume with almost 800 yards off offense since 2011 when he entered the league. The Steelers are also expected to use Will Johnson in short-yardage situations.
The good news for the Steelers is they still have Ben Roethlisberger under center which means the passing game will be just fine as Antonio Brown and Heath Miller improve. Preparing to play the Oakland Raiders in Week 9, the team has a decent secondary, but possibly one that might not match up well with all of the different receiving options Roethlisberger will turn to first.
