3 reasons to be optimistic about Le’Veon Bell’s suspension

Steelers Nation started their weekend stunned and disappointed, when news broke of Le’Veon Bell receiving a 4 game suspension for missing a scheduled NFL drug test.

Due to having already been in the NFL’s drug protocol for a prior incident (see below) a missed test equates to a failure, according to what is publicly known of the NFL’s policies.

Despite the negative overtones surrounding the situation, Bell’s suspension could have less of a negative impact than some may think.

Yes, I’m in denial (somewhat) and sure, I’m looking at the glass half full: but I believe all of the negativity has been beaten to death. We are all disappointed, angry or upset for various reasons, but if there’s to be a silver lining, here are 3 reasons fans should remain optimistic about Le’Veon’s short-term future, and it’s impact on the team.

Bell is appealing the suspension

Nearly one year ago, Le’Veon Bell was facing another suspension of 3 games, for his arrest in August 2014 stemming from driving under the influence and marijuana possession, while driving to the Pittsburgh airport for a preseason game with former teammate LeGarrette Blount.

On July 28th, 2015, Bell’s suspension was reduced from 3 game to 2, following an appeal of his punishment.

Now, almost exactly one year later, Bell has another appeal in place for missing one or “several” drug tests, depending on which report you read. One rumor is that Bell was on vacation when summoned for the test, which the NFLPA is backing the player on. However, if Bell missed several tests, even one, he was already in the NFL’s protocol for players whom have failed a prior test, which adheres to stricter rules.

Bell’s teammate Martavis Bryant was “reportedly” appealing his year-long suspension, before, without fanfare, the appeal was dropped and Bryant accepted the penalty. The coming weeks will be interesting to follow, as more details on Bell’s reasons for suspension, and reasons for his appeal, may leak to the public.

One should assume, as long as he does not drop his appeal, his suspension should be lowered from 4 games.

DeAngelo Williams is Bell’s “backup”

Bell and Williams were referred to as “RB1” and “RB1a” on the Steelers depth chart, alluding to Williams hot start to the 2015 season while filling in for the then suspended Le’Veon.

It’s almost safe to assume, had Williams not be injured in the final regular season game against the Cleveland Browns, he may have cleared 1,000 yards rushing. Williams finished the season with 907 yards rushing, his 3rd best season as a pro and best among all Steelers. He also ran for 11 touchdowns (2nd best career-wise) and had his best year on record as a receiver, hauling in 40 passes for 367 yards.

So good was the Steelers offense with Williams in the backfield, that they had scored more points per game on average than when Le’Veon Bell was the featured back in 2015.

Thus, Steelers fans shouldn’t sweat another short-term changing of the guard, provided Williams is healthy and ready for a repeat of his 2015 campaign.

More time to recover from his knee injury

I had heard an interesting take from Patriots fans (and haters) that soon-to-be 39-year-old Tom Brady may benefit from having a 4 game suspension to start the 2016 season.

The reason? Though Brady will miss 1/4 of the team’s games, that’s 25% less wear and tear on his body. This would also be true for Le’Veon Bell, who isn’t as old as Brady, but is recovering from his second major knee injury in two seasons.

Though teams always want their best players on the field (because it gives them the best chance to win) Bell’s suspension could be a blessing in disguise, as the coaching staff is forced to sit him for the length of his suspension (which, as noted, currently rests at 4 games.)

The additional time off of the field could see a healthier Bell return to the team for the 2nd quarter of the Steelers season, for some big match-ups against the AFC East (Jets, Dolphins, and Patriots) and a road game against their division rival the Baltimore Ravens.


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