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Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 reasons they’ll return to playoffs

By Rucker Haringey

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Ben Roethlisberger
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Ben Roethlisberger /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a touchdown reception in front of Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jaguars defeat Pittsburgh 45-42. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a touchdown reception in front of Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jaguars defeat Pittsburgh 45-42. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

4. Le’Veon Bell is motivated

The Steelers chose not to give Bell the type of contract he wanted this offseason so it’s likely going to be his last year in Pittsburgh. The upside to that news is that he is determined to go out on top. There’s no better way for Bell to leave the Steelers as a hero than by leading them to a Super Bowl.

The fact that he’ll almost certainly leave the team after the season also means the offensive coaching staff can feel free to give him as many touches as his body can handle. This might not be polite to say, but they won’t be worried about how well he will hold up over the next few seasons. Instead, they’ll get everything they can out of Bell in 2018.

If he can improve his production from last season, we could be talking about an MVP-caliber season. In 2017, he rushed for 1,291 yards and tacked on 655 yards receiving. The idea that he might produce even more yards should be enough to keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night.

Some Steelers fans might be worried that Bell might not show up in time to be a huge factor on Week 1, but he’s a player who stays in great shape all-year round. Even if he misses a significant chunk of the preseason he will still be in a position to have an outstanding season. In many ways, Bell is the engine that makes this offense go.

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