If the Steelers win on Saturday night, they will play on the road against the Broncos on Jan. 11. (Denver Post file)
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 star running back Le’Veon Bell. The former Michigan State star ranked first in the AFC in rushing and yards from scrimmage, running LeGarrette Blount out of town because of limited playing time.
Josh Harris, an undrafted free agent, started vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Dri Archer, who recorded the fastest 40-yard dash at last year’s NFL combine with a time of 4.26 seconds, served as his backup. The Steelers also added depth by signing veteran Ben Tate early last week.Cincinnati Bengals safety Reggie Nelson struck Bell in the season finale, hyperextending his right knee. Tomlin ruled Bell out Friday night, believing he couldn’t protect himself from additional injury.
“All I can 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 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 their leading rusher Jerome “Bus” Bettis, an iconic local figure who has a restaurant a block from the stadium. 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 win.
