The Pittsburgh Steelers first two runs to running back Le'Veon Bell in the first preseason game against the New York Giants went for nine and eight yards respectively. What does the next carry have for the second year back? No one will know because Bell was removed from the game and LeGarrette Blount was placed at the tailback position.
The question is bound to arise sooner or later as to how the division of labor will be decided between Bell and Blount. As Blount told Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, thinking that Bell will be the work horse and Blount used to simply spell him is not necessarily how things will pan out.
"I don't necessarily know how they're going to (split up playing time), but it will be something of that nature, I'm assuming," "Ain't nobody going to sign me to sit me."
Blount has a point, the Steelers didn't bring him in via free agency and pay him millions to simply watch from the sideline and be an insurance policy. However, Bell is the proven starter, and in most circumstances, will see the majority of touches from the running back position.
The Steelers are looking to lean on their ground game in 2014 to alleviate pressure off of Ben Roethlisberger and an inexperienced wide receivig corps, but how the carries get divided between the likes of Bell and Blount will be intriguing to watch not only in the remaining preseason games, but also into the regular season.