Protecting the Quarterback
Le’Veon Bell understands that protecting his quarterback is essential to a great offense. He is not afraid to sacrifice himself to give his quarterback a few more seconds to throw. Just look at how he comes from the left side of the back field to the right to pick up a rushing defender:
That block on the blitzing defender gave Ben Roethlisberger an extra second to throw. Big time need for the Eagles as their offensive line gets older and this would allow the Eagles to let their tight ends move out on routes more.
In 2017, Bell was 11th among qualified running backs in pass-block rating according to ProFootballFocus:
| Rank | Name | Team | Pass Block Grade | Pass Block Snaps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DeMarco Murray | TEN | 83.9 | 103 |
| 2 | C.J. Anderson | DEN | 83.4 | 91 |
| 3 | Marshawn Lynch | OAK | 81 | 41 |
| 4 | Jamaal Williams | GB | 80 | 62 |
| 5 | Giovani Bernard | CIN | 79.4 | 91 |
| 6 | Dion Lewis | NE | 78.9 | 45 |
| 7 | Javorius Allen | BLT | 75.3 | 67 |
| 8 | Jerick McKinnon | MIN | 75 | 71 |
| 9 | Theo Riddick | DET | 74.9 | 80 |
| 10 | Kenyan Drake | MIA | 73.7 | 53 |
| 11 | Le’Veon Bell | PIT | 73.4 | 65 |
If you take out the backs with less than 60 pass block snaps, Bell would be eighth. This is a crucial aspect of any offense, but especially so with the Eagles. Now, can the Eagles afford him?
