PITTSBURGH — The Steelers refuse excuses. Coach Mike Tomlin admitted that worrying about injuries and outside criticism is a hobby reserved for the “mentally weak.”
So Pittsburgh entered Saturday’s wild-card playoff game with unflinching resolve, poised to overcome the loss of all-pro running back Le’Veon Bell. The former Michigan State star ranked first in the AFC in rushing and yards from scrimmage.
Ben Tate, a veteran signed early last week, started against the Baltimore Ravens. He carried four times for 17 yards on the first drive then went into hibernation. He finished with 19 yards on five carries.
Josh Harris, an undrafted free agent, spelled him, gaining 25 yards on nine attempts, while Dri Archer, who recorded the fastest 40-yard dash at last year’s NFL combine with a time of 4.26 seconds, lost a yard on his only carry.
Cincinnati Bengals safety Reggie Nelson struck Bell in the regular-season finale, hyperextending Bell’s right knee. Tomlin ruled Bell out Friday night.
“All I could do is be ready when they called,” Harris said.
Bell’s absence hurt statistically. Not only did he gain 1,361 yards in his second NFL season, he caught 83 passes for 854 yards.
With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger guiding a modern run-and-shoot offense, Bell created mismatches on checkdowns and underneath routes.
Bell turning into a spectator conjured memories of the Steelers’ 2002 playoff victory over the Ravens. Pittsburgh played without leading rusher Jerome “Bus” Bettis, an iconic local figure who has a restaurant just a block from Heinz Field.
Bettis received a pain-killing injection for a groin injury in the pregame. It hit a nerve, numbing his leg and forcing him to the sideline.
The Steelers relied on running back Amos Zereoue (63 yards) and former University of Colorado quarterback Kordell Stewart in a 27-10 victory.
