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Baltimore Ravens: The pros and cons of targeting Le’Veon Bell

By Chris Schisler

KANSAS CITY, MP - JANUARY 15: Running back Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tosses the ball forward after gaining a first down against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MP - JANUARY 15: Running back Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tosses the ball forward after gaining a first down against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The Pros:

Bell coming to the Ravens would be a nightmare for the Pittsburgh Steelers which is definitely one of the most intriguing aspects of all this. If the Ravens make it interesting, Bell could choose to come to Baltimore and stick it to the Steelers. The Steelers would see one of their biggest stars in recent years go to their arch rival. Bell would be the biggest play-maker the Ravens have had for their offense in a very long time. The Ravens have shuffled through running backs since Ray Rice’s departure after the 2013 season. It could be time to invest in a running back that will be more than a mere placeholder.

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The Ravens are going forward with the Jackson era, which means they need a strong running game. Gus Edwards and Kenneth Dixon don’t have to go anywhere, but they can’t make the total impact that Bell can. With Bell on the field their offense would be less predictable because the defense knows Bell isn’t just a ball-carrier but also a dynamic receiver. Pairing that with Jackson’s dual threat quarterback play and the defense has a lot to worry about. Edwards would be a perfect change of pace back. Bell is a Pro Bowl caliber player, and is better than just about everyone at his position. Edwards is a good player, but if the Ravens can logistically handle the Bell signing, having Edwards isn’t going to prevent them from doing it.

The Ravens could end up with the best running back trio in the NFL. When Lamar Jackson came into the Ravens starting lineup, the Ravens became one of the best running teams in football. Just imagine the damage that they could do with Bell in their backfield; the Ravens would be an even  better team with Bell. This would be taking a strength, doubling down on it and making it a winning edge. It boils down to helping Jackson. The best thing the Ravens can do to help Jackson is to put talent around him. Bell would give them a lot of everything they need. They need a good running game and a security blanket for Jackson in the passing game. If you’re Eric DeCosta, singing Bell would be the best investment you could make to help your young quarterback.

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