Steelers’ Bell: Offense can be even better
Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards this season, becoming the first Pittsburgh receiver to accomplish either feat.
Offensive coordinator Todd Haley led the Steelers offense to a record-breaking season. The Steelers set teams records for points and yards and have all their key players under contract for 2015.
PITTSBURGH – The Steelers held their final meetings Monday and prepared to head into the offseason.
But unlike the previous two years, when they did so at the conclusion of the regular season, this year’s group did so after a loss in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh’s 30-17 loss to Baltimore in an AFC wildcard game Saturday night was a bitter defeat and put a damper on what was otherwise a very good season as the Steelers went 11-5 and won the AFC North for the first time since 2010.
It also left them looking forward to 2015.
“I definitely think this offense can get better,” said running back Le’Veon Bell. “We’re young. Ben (Roethlisberger) is the veteran. But at the skill positions and on the offensive line, we’re young. Guys are going to take their training into the offseason. We know how much better we can get.
“The Steelers have always been known for defense. This is the first year the offense has been talked about as a dynamic offense and having playmakers all over the field. We love that.”
The playoff loss was particularly difficult for Bell. The Steelers’ MVP had to watch the game from the sidelines after suffering a hyperextended right knee in a win over Cincinnati in the regular-season finale.
The 17 points by the Steelers was their lowest output since losing at Cleveland Oct. 12. In the 10 games that followed, the Steelers scored 27 or more points eight times.
“I couldn’t go to war with my teammates,” said Bell, who led the AFC with a team-record 2,215 yards from scrimmage. “I know how big of a game it was. We only had one opportunity. It was definitely frustrating on my part because I wasn’t able to play.”
The Steelers not only struggled to run the ball, gaining just 68 yards without Bell, but might have missed him more in the passing game.
Bell, who turns 23 next month, set team records for running backs with 83 receptions for 854 yards and also was a key component of the pass-blocking schemes.
Dri Archer, Josh Harris and Ben Tate, who was signed four days before the game, combined for seven receptions, but they only went for 30 yards, far less than the 10 yards Bell averaged per catch.
Without the threat of Bell, Baltimore recorded five sacks and briefly knocked Roethlisberger out of the game in the fourth quarter.
“We missed Le’Veon, the MVP of team. It showed (in the) passing game, in terms of protection,” said guard David DeCastro. “It was a lot for those guys to learn in just a few days. That and the checkdowns he does.”
Bell said he would have been ready to go had the Steelers won the game and advanced to play Denver next weekend.
“That was the goal,” said Bell, who added he expects to play in the Pro Bowl in a few weeks. “We were thinking that could just get ready for this week. We didn’t get the win, so it really doesn’t matter.”
Pittsburgh’s offense took a big step forward in 2014 with Bell, Roethlisberger and wide receiver Antonio Brown putting together record-breaking performances. Roethlisberger tied for the league lead in passing yardage, and Brown led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards, becoming the first Pittsburgh receiver to accomplish either of those feats.
The Steelers also set team record for points and yards and have all of their key offensive players under contract for 2015.
Of the 11 offensive starters, only Roethlisberger and tight end Heath Miller are older than 30.
“Hopefully, we can use this as a springboard for next season,” said DeCastro.
The Steelers signed their seven practice squad players, including former California University wide receiver C.J. Goodwin, to futures contracts Monday. Also signed were tight end Rob Blanchflower, cornerback Kevin Fogg, defensive end Ethan Hemer, linebacker Howard Jones, defensive lineman Joe Kruger and offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva.