Top 5 stories of NFL Wild Card Weekend

Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) carries the ball while stiff-arming Washington Redskins cornerback Justin Rogers (38) in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 6

Can Pittsburgh overcome a lack of Le’Veon Bell?

Dec 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) is upended by Cincinnati Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson (20) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

When ESPN reported that Le’Veon Bell was out for the game against the Baltimore Ravens, it officially changed the dynamic of this game, though we all secretly assumed he wouldn’t play anyway.

But the Steelers have used Bell very effectively this year and the impact of his loss will be felt in places other than the backfield.

Teams have had to fill the box with bodies to slow Bell down, which meant Ben Roethlisberger had ample time to find Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton for big plays. Brown will still probably get his – he is a poor match for the Ravens secondary regardless – but it’s going to be harder for Roethlisberger to find his other receivers.

Dri Archer and Josh Harris are good at what they do, but what they do will not replicate Bell’s prowess.

How the Steelers adapt to Bell’s absence will have a huge impact on Saturday’s game.

Next: Coaching mayhem

Home/Arizona Cardinals