News & Info/Headlines

As Associated Press sports writer Will Graves put it, "Even with opponents throwing bodies at the line of scrimmage like a store opening on Black Friday, Bell is still finding enough room to be effective."

In fact, Bell has accounted for 277 total yards over the last two weeks, becoming the first player in nearly three years to go over 100 yards rushing against Baltimore and backing it up with 111 in San Diego, the final one propelling his team to an emotional victory.

"It's hard to compare him to a lot of different people because he is a little unique on how he does things," offensive coordinator Todd Haley said.

Which presents Haley with a chance to play his favorite role, the one where he goes all mad scientist thinking up ways to get Bell involved.

In San Diego it was dusting off the wildcat formation and letting Bell channel his inner high school quarterback. Bell kept his arm under wraps, either taking it himself or feeding it to DeAngelo Williams, but isn't against Haley allowing him to let it loose at least once if the moment presents itself today against Arizona (4-1).

Bell figures he could chuck it 50 yards if necessary, but would be fine if he did a jump pass Tim Tebow-style, and pointed out he completed the only pass he attempted during his three years at Michigan State. It's an intriguing concept, though one Haley laughingly declined to indulge in when asked about it Thursday.

The way Haley figures, no need to push it.

There's enough for Bell to do already. As Graves suggested, the second-year man is arguably the best receiving back in the league, one who looks just as comfortable lining up in the slot as he does in the backfield. Defenses no longer put a linebacker on him, instead opting for a safety.

Still, the 6-2 Bell is a matchup problem no matter where he is at the snap after dropping down to 215 pounds, 10-15 pounds lighter than last season when he finished second in the NFL in yards from scrimmage.

And about that running style, he's not quite as patient as he used to be. He's worked diligently to improve his footwork so he can plant and go once he decides he's ready. That vision also allows him to avoid the kind of direct hits that shorten the careers of most backs. He carried it 21 times against San Diego and doesn't think he was drilled once.

"It's all been drag-down tackles or getting knocked out of bounds, things like that," Bell said. "As I get older I'm going to continue to get better at it."

The Cardinals, of course, realize he's already pretty good at it.

Arizona's defense gives up only 97.4 yards per game on the ground but had trouble containing Rams rookie Todd Gurley, who had 146 yards on the Cardinals two weeks ago

Still, the Sports Xchange expects Arizona to devote all resources to stopping the run and try to put the game in the hands of Michael Vick. The Cardinals have been adept at collecting turnovers (14, including 11 interceptions). The Steelers have committed only three turnovers, however.

One last note on this one. ... After totaling three carries during Bell's first two games of the 2015 season, DeAngelo Williams racked up five attempts on Monday night.

As Profootballfocus.com's Mike Clay suggests, there's no need for Bell owners to be concerned.

Bell was on the field for 51 of the team's 56 offensive snaps, compared to nine for Williams. Since returning to the lineup in Week 3, Bell has been on the field for 95 percent of the Steelers' offensive plays. That's helped him to 83 percent of the team's carries and 24 percent of the targets.

Bell trails only Devonta Freeman in fantasy points among running backs during the span.

Not that anybody is shying away from Bell in season-long leagues, but DFS players might not want to shy away from the high-end price tag either.