Red Flags For Each NFL Wildcard Playoff Team

Oct 19, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt throws a red challenge flag onto the field to challenge a call against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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Can the Steelers survive without the most dynamic back in football?

Last Sunday night’s game was huge – an AFC North matchup with the winner taking the division and the loser getting the #5 seed. The Steelers prevailed to grab home field for this weekend, but it came at quite a price – Le’Veon Bell had his knee hyperextended on an open field tackle by Safety Reggie Nelson. Luckily for Pittsburgh, there was no ligament damage. However, there is sufficient worry about Bell’s ability to go this Saturday that the team signed Ben Tate this week as an insurance policy.

The loss of Bell would be a huge impact on the ground – their second leading rusher is still LeGarrette Blount, who was cut a month ago. But the effect on the passing game might be more dire. Le’Veon Bell has 290 rushes for 1361 yards and 8 TDs – but he also has 83 receptions for 854 yards and 3 more TDs through the air. That makes him the second leading receiver on the entire team. In today’s NFL, teams run ball control offense as much in the passing game as the running game.

The Steelers lean heavily on the RB position, both in the rushing and passing games. If Bell is unable to go, that will leave a huge hole in their offensive game plan.

Next: Which Andy Dalton will show up for Cincinnati?

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