Bell - No Structural Damage

[Steelerfan81]

Its the Steelers ignorance for using Archer to block in my opinion.

 

[Supersteeler]

I can only hope to God that the team isn't anywhere near as overconfident about beating the Ravens as their fans. That's how teams get smoked out of the playoffs in Round 1.

 

[SteelBuckeye]

But literally 8/10 of the offense is not based upon that any more. It is all single back with a threat to run but multiple receivers. Clearly on third down you are right they would put in a blocker like Johnson. But what about first and second.

You mean 8/10 of the offense they have used. Hell, they've been winning w/out the no huddle, but I'm sure those plays are still in the playbook. Plus, they have a week to get Harris ready. That little 59 yard spurt showed that if he gets a hole, he's got the speed to make something happen.

Look, if Bell can't go, it's a big blow. Guaranteed. But, they sure as hell can't and won't just lay down and say "F*ck the running game". So, be prepared to see some things that we haven't seen much of this year. At least if they make the adjustments needed to win w/out Bell.

 

[FordFairLane]

No way I play him this week unless he comes in on Wednesday with no pain or swelling and can practice just fine. Otherwise, rehab and rest for him and lets beat the Ratbirds with Harris and Dri Archer. The problem with Harris and especially Archer is neither can pass protect like Bell. That INT was a direct result of Archer not being able to hold up a blitzing LB for more than a milisecond. I would say for the Rats I see a TON of Will Johnson and always when Archer is in the game. Truthfully I think having Johnson in with Archer would create some good matchups for us. We could just line Johnson up as the lead blocker and run Archer or we could start out in the power I formation then if Ben sees the defense has an extra lineman or LB in because of this having Ben go into the shotgun single back set with Johnson to either side of him. Put Archer in at the slot with Brown and Bryant or Wheaton on the other side. So likely you would have Archer on a LB or safety and that should be a win for his matchup. If they put a safety on him that means there's no safety over Brown or Bryant/Wheaton and that should be a win matchup for us there. If the Rats Blitz you can leave Miller and Johnson in to max protect if they don't you probably have Miller on a LB and again that should be a win for us. And Johnson on a LB should be a win for us. If they leave an extra DB in let Johnson lead block and see if Archer can get the corner.

In our base offense without a FB I like Harris to run the same plays as Bell. Let DeCastro and Miller/Spaeth trap block and Harris use his speed to bust up the hole. That was such a bad hold by Foster. WTF you aren't near the play! Yes, you got beat and did not do your assignment of just holding your man up for a half a second, that is fine but likely your man isn't making the tackle anyway so if you get beat don't make it worse by holding! I want Beachum at LG so bad with a true blue chip LT next to him. If we had a LT I feel Ben throws for 5k easy next year and Bell has the rushing title.

 

[JupiterBnG]

Archer's block or whiff had nothing to do with Ben's pick. Bad read. Bad throw.

Ben was hurried because the pass rusher was not fazed in the slightest by Archer's weak block attempt and was right in Ben's face. Yes, it was a bad read and a poor decision to throw into double coverage, but I also think that if Ben had the opportunity to step into that throw, he could have placed the ball better. Instead, he threw off his back foot and floated it, which is the main reason it was picked.

 

[Litos]

I saw Harris picking up a blitzer, he can do it.
Also you can go with Archer and Johnson as the blocking FB. Just a matter of having the correct people on the field, though it makes us way more predictable

 

[FordFairLane]

Ben was hurried because the pass rusher was not fazed in the slightest by Archer's weak block attempt and was right in Ben's face. Yes, it was a bad read and a poor decision to throw into double coverage, but I also think that if Ben had the opportunity to step into that throw, he could have placed the ball better. Instead, he threw off his back foot and floated it, which is the main reason it was picked.

Ben forced that throw because he saw the Blitzing LB and knew Archer would miss. I remember in camp they didn't even have Archer in on pass protection drills. My things is he will never take on a LB square and hold him up so just throw your body at the ankles and make him stumble or at least jump and hold him up for that 1 second. I hope if Haley is smart we never see Archer blocking a blitzing LB again!

 

[blitzburghv5]

Will Johnson, while not as fluid a runner as Bell has some speed for a FB...he ran a 4.5-4.6 40-time at the combine. And he does catch very well out of the backfield.

If we are gonna use Archer we have to use him in mismatch situations. Spread him out, put him in the slot...isolate him on a LB early on. A few successful catch and runs and Baltimore will have to ease on the pass rush. Dri can kill em in the open field because hes the fastest on the field. But to win this game is gonna take a total effort.......I expect MartaviUs to have a huge game.....

 

[antdrewjosh]

Post-Cincinnati thoughts Part II
There seemed to be a prevailing feeling in the Steelers locker room following this game that running back Le'Veon Bell will be OK and could possibly play in the team's playoff opener next Saturday at Heinz Field against the Ravens.

Bell was diagnosed with a hyperextended right knee and was walking fine on his own following the game. That's a good sign.

The Steelers also said there is no structural damage. It would be better for Pittsburgh if the game was being played on Sunday, since it would give Bell an extra day of healing.

But the schedule is what it is - and was announced prior to the injury - so we'll be on the Bell watch all week long.

http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/2014/12/post-cincinnati-thoughts-part-ii.html?m=1

 

[Steelers1356]

Its the Steelers ignorance for using Archer to block in my opinion.

Yep. Harris should've been blocking. That's not really Archer's specialty, thrown in there as a run blocker.

 

[Stryker]

I don't think that Archer's failed block was a factor at all on that int.

1. it was on Ben's blind side and he never looked that way, so he had no way of knowing the rusher was coming
2. Ben made a quick decision and threw the ball into double coverage on his own.

Archer's missed block would have been the factor if Ben knew the pass rusher was there. He did not. Not saying Archer is capable at blocking or that he should be relied upon to do so, just that in that instance, the INT is hung solely on Ben's broad shoulders.

 

[antdrewjosh]

I don't think that Archer's failed block was a factor at all on that int.

1. it was on Ben's blind side and he never looked that way, so he had no way of knowing the rusher was coming
2. Ben made a quick decision and threw the ball into double coverage on his own.

Archer's missed block would have been the factor if Ben knew the pass rusher was there. He did not. Not saying Archer is capable at blocking or that he should be relied upon to do so, just that in that instance, the INT is hung solely on Ben's broad shoulders.

Bingo... Winner. Archer's missed block had nothing to do with it.

 

[JupiterBnG]

Will Johnson, while not as fluid a runner as Bell has some speed for a FB...he ran a 4.5-4.6 40-time at the combine. And he does catch very well out of the backfield.

If we are gonna use Archer we have to use him in mismatch situations. Spread him out, put him in the slot...isolate him on a LB early on. A few successful catch and runs and Baltimore will have to ease on the pass rush. Dri can kill em in the open field because hes the fastest on the field. But to win this game is gonna take a total effort.......I expect MartaviUs to have a huge game.....

I think that's the key... Archer is just not cut out to be a quote-unquote "running back" in the NFL. He's small for a receiver, which works against him as well. But there are certainly ways that you can put him on the field and use him to create opportunities. I just don't think he's ever going to make a big contribution in a more "traditional" role. And that's the reason why I have never liked the pick - because gadget players, like gadget plays, have very limited usefulness. It's not worth putting Archer on the field 20-30 times in the hopes that he'll break one big play, if we can't also expect him to contribute in the role that he's assigned when he's on the field, like running between the tackles or lining up as a receiver and beating a DB that is almost a foot taller than he is.

I'm a strong believer in having the right tools for the job at hand. In the Steelers' toolbox, Dri Archer is like a gear puller - a tool made for a specific job, does that job very well, but doesn't do anything else effectively and isn't something you need very often compared to, say, a screwdriver or hammer.

My hope is that Josh Harris continues to show during practice this week what he flashed last night, and we get a chance to let Bell rest

 

[bigtwnvin]

I don't understand why Johnson or Harris wasn't in if they needed a blocker.

They'll need it next week against the Rats. I think Haloti Ngata will be eligible to play in the post season.

 

[bigtwnvin]

Bingo... Winner. Archer's missed block had nothing to do with it.

But Archer whiffed the block big time. Even a 170 lb. Wisp of a man can take down a running defender with technique. Archers vajayjay must have been bothering him. Sorry no excuses, if he is put in the situation to block either wear the big boy pants or clean out your locker.

 

[Average Football Joe]

You people crack me up with your "Sit Bell for the Broncos" nonsense... like a victory is assured or something. Harris sucks. His first name ain't Franco, in case you got confused.
I also seem to recall the Ravens kicking the **** out of us this year. If Bell is less than 100% (which he will be), it's going to be one and done for Tomlin and Co., I suspect.

 

[Average Football Joe]

But Archer whiffed the block big time. Even a 170 lb. Wisp of a man can take down a running defender with technique. Archers vajayjay must have been bothering him. Sorry no excuses, if he is put in the situation to block either wear the big boy pants or clean out your locker.

The sooner he does the latter, the better off everyone will be.

 

[Confluence]

We know the Rats are gonna bring pressure all game long, because they have to. The Steelers will adjust accordingly.

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad Spaeth is around.

Guys like Wheaton and Moore will have to contribute more.

 

[antdrewjosh]

But Archer whiffed the block big time. Even a 170 lb. Wisp of a man can take down a running defender with technique. Archers vajayjay must have been bothering him. Sorry no excuses, if he is put in the situation to block either wear the big boy pants or clean out your locker.

He did whiff the block. But it had nothing to do with Ben decision. Like Cope said it was to Ben's blind side. He didnt know Archer whiffed.

I agree he will have to do better. Alot better.

 

[blitzburghv5]

You people crack me up with your "Sit Bell for the Broncos" nonsense... like a victory is assured or something. Harris sucks. His first name ain't Franco, in case you got confused.
I also seem to recall the Ravens kicking the **** out of us this year. If Bell is less than 100% (which he will be), it's going to be one and done for Tomlin and Co., I suspect.

Dont break out any food or treats for the trolls...........if you dont feed em, theyll go away.......lock away the goodies folks...........wait em out !!!!

 

[Average Football Joe]

Dont break out any food or treats for the trolls...........if you dont feed em, theyll go away.......lock away the goodies folks...........wait em out !!!!

Not trolling at all. I'm completely serious.

 

[blitzburghv5]

Not trolling at all. I'm completely serious.

Josh Harris sucks ? Elaborate on it...........lets see your critical evaluation on where he's weak. I saw a back last night that had a great run that showed nice explosion once he broke the first wave of defenders. Seems to me he was as or more efficient than some backs we've recently had not name LeVeon.

The only thing that worries me with any of our other backs is ball security....Bell never fumbles.......But Josh, while a practice squad signee isnt exactly garbage from the two games hes played.

 

[Steelerfreak]

I remember Ben having a bad hyperextention of his knee in a prime time game against the jags early in his career. Anyone remember if it kept him out? Or for how long?

 

[Lunar]

Josh Harris sucks ? Elaborate on it...........lets see your critical evaluation on where he's weak. I saw a back last night that had a great run that showed nice explosion once he broke the first wave of defenders. Seems to me he was as or more efficient than some backs we've recently had not name LeVeon.

The only thing that worries me with any of our other backs is ball security....Bell never fumbles.......But Josh, while a practice squad signee isnt exactly garbage from the two games hes played.

Bags can't respond.

 

[Troglodyte]

Not trolling at all. I'm completely serious.

Then answer the question. Why do you say Harris sucks?