Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Takeaways vs. Jaguars in Week 5
2. Inconsistent Offensive Game Plan
Remember a year ago when the Pittsburgh Steelers got off to a 4-5 start and were riding a four-game losing streak? The offense turned into the Le’Veon Bell Show and the Pro Bowl running back carried the load down the stretch and into the playoffs before going down in the first quarter in the AFC title game.
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Remember these numbers from a year ago? Including three playoff games, Bell totaled a combined 260 touches (226 carries, 34 receptions). He gained an imposing 1,451 yards from scrimmage (1,192 rushing, 259 receptions) and nine touchdowns in his last nine appearances. The Steelers won eight of those contests, with the loss to New England the only blemish over that stretch. It’s safe to say that it was a formula for success.
So what happened to that steady dose of Bell that helped get the job done down the stretch in 2016? It’s been an up-and-down approach so far this season. Now some of that could be attributed to the star running back’s lack of activity this summer. On Sunday, there wasn’t a hint of balance from Todd Haley’s game plan. The Steelers opted to focus on attacking the league’s then-32nd-ranked rushing defense via the air. Pittsburgh ran 77 offensive plays and 57 were of the passing variety.
Yes, Bell got his 25 touches. But they added up to only 93 yards from scrimmage thanks to 15 carries and 10 receptions. It’s time that the fifth-year running back did a little more running, as was the case against the Ravens in Week 4 when he ravaged the Ravens for 144 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries.
Next: No. 1