Reliability
Going into the 2018 season, Bell was first amongst all running backs since 2013 in percentage of snaps played:
In 2017, Bell’s last full season, he played a whopping 85.26% of the Steelers’ offensive snaps. Within those offensive snaps, Bell was in on 91% of the running back snaps, received 87.2% of the carries, and was the only running back to be targeted in the passing game.
Last season, the Eagles’ backfield snap count leader was Wendell Smallwood, who played 29.67% of the offensive snaps. Since 2013 (Bell’s first year in the league), the previous leaders for the Eagles were
- 2017: LeGarrette Blount 31.30%
- 2016: Darren Sproles 45%
- 2015: DeMarco Murray 41.70%
- 2014: LeSean McCoy 65.76%
- 2013: LeSean McCoy 79.06%
A bit of a downward trend for the Eagles since Bell has been in the league. Bell would not only provide a reliable option in the backfield, he brings a skillset that is sorely needed in the Eagles offense.
