Trash talking is not just for the players, sometimes coaches get in on the action. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers are preparing to go head-to-head in Week 16 and Mike Tomlin is giving a little extra motivation to rookie running back Eddie Lacy. Tomlin addressed why the Steelers opted to draft Le'Veon Bell over the Alabama star, giving a little fuel to Lacy's fire.
Tomlin went into detail on why the Steelers draft Bell at No. 48 over Lacy during the 2013 NFL Draft. Lacy was taken by the Packers in the second round, so no hard feelings, but Tomlin noted the decision to go with Bell was "easy" when he looked at all of the circumstances.
According to Tomlin, the Steelers felt Bell was a more versatile running back than Lacy. At the time of the draft Lacy was coming off surgery to repair a toe. Tomlin did not address that factor, but back in April sources close to the Steelers head coach reported he had no interest in a running back with an injury, fearing there would be long-term effects from the repair. Lacy also said scouts questioned his work ethic, abilities and general love of football. In the end, Bell was taken first.
However, as of now Lacy is getting the last laugh. The rookie currently ranks seventh in the league with 1,028 yards. The Green Bay Packers have not had a running back put up over 1,000 yards on the ground since the Aaron Rodgers era began and Lacy is just 77 yards shy of breaking the record for the most yards by a Packers rookie. He also leads the league in yards after contact. The accomplishments go on and on.
Bell is certainly no slouch as the lead back for the Steelers. He is an excellent pass-catching threat, putting up 388 yards receiving off 43 catches. But, he is only managing 3.3 yards per carry on the ground with 646 yards total on the season. Bell continues to bail out Ben Roethlisberger as the Pittsburgh offense is inconsistent at best.
"It's really your only opportunity as a runner to try to get the ball in some open space and make guys miss you," Bell said, via the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. "I love doing that, catching the ball out of the backfield and making guys miss. . .I love the way they get me the ball - out of the backfield, running the ball. I get the opportunity to make plays."
With Matt Flynn failing to remain a constant threat, Lacy is the offense for the Packers. The running back has been relied on more than ever with Aaron Rodgers injured and he is making the most of the opportunity. Should Tomlin have called out the Packers rookie right before their matchup? The stage is set for the rookies to answer the challenge.
