Big Ben on Bell: A person does not or does not break

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a third day of The Vein Bell Watch with different reactions.

Senior management felt a sense of disappointment on Monday as Bell did not make a statement, while Tuesday's locker room allowed players to know that Bell's absence was not a distraction.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had the opportunity to ring Wednesday and took the company's position by focusing on the first game of the regular season against the Cleveland Browns.

While Roethlisberger conceded that Bell, who did not sign his $ 14.5 million bill, is one of the league's best players, the quarter pointed out that the attack remains in good hands if Bell is not on the ground.

"I think we are a very good attack," Roethlisberger told reporters. "Football is the team sport par excellence.A person does not or does not break it.I would like to say that line players are more important than any position player, including myself.

Football is indeed a team sport, but statistics show that the Steelers are a different team when Bell is on the field.

Pittsburgh had a trio of NFL Top 5 players in their respective positions in 2017: Roethlisberger was fifth in yards (4,251), Bell was third in yards (1,291) and receiver Antonio Brown was first in yards. receiving (1,533).

The production of the three players also contributes to the success of the Steelers in the column of defeats. According to NFL Research, the Steelers are 39-17 when Roethlisberger, Bell and Brown all play, but are 14-10 when at least one misses the game.

James Conner, the relief striker, is waiting behind the scenes to fill in, and the second-year pro would have big shoes to fill.

In five seasons, Bell has his place among the NFL's elite offensive weapons with 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns on 1,229 carries, adding 2,660 yards and seven touchdowns on 312 assists.

Although the Steelers prefer to focus on the upcoming opponent and not on Bell's continued absence, it's hard to ignore what Bells means to a team as a single player who helps maintain the attack.