Steelers’ Young Stars Send Warning to Rest of NFL

It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers offense is carrying some lofty goals into 2015. Arguably the most explosive unit in the league last season, the Steelers uncharacteristically tore the field up through the air and on the ground, while their raw, middling defense struggled to even the playing field against a bevy of pass-happy opponents.

Now, with mere weeks until the season opener in New England, two of Pittsburgh’s notorious “Killer Bs” have sounded a warning to the rest of the league.

Talking to ESPN about his supposed breakout season last year, renaissance man and running back Le’Veon Bell said, “I look at it as just me getting started.”

Bell’s bottomless bag of tricks in 2014 included reliable pass catching and crisp route running as a receiver, vastly improved blocking for his oft-battered quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and a uniquely patient running style that yielded huge dividends behind a revamped offensive line.

“I still feel like I can do a lot of things better,” Bell continued. “Last year wasn’t even close to me being my best.”

If true, the young tailback is in for an extraordinary 2015. Unlike most other top tier running backs in the league, Bell doesn’t have to worry about defenders loading the box or overcommitting to the run in an attempt to slow him down. His stacked receiving corps will make sure of that.

Among the youngest of that group, sophomore sensation Martavis Bryant, echoed Bell’s confidence about the upcoming season. Bryant simply tweeted, “A storm is coming” following Tuesday’s practice session.

After being elevated to the #2 receiver role opposite Antonio Brown earlier this offseason, Bryant will look to build on a wildly efficient rookie campaign; one that saw him catch just 26 passes after a slow start, but take 10 of those to the house.

The first team offense was in on only one series in their first taste of preseason action last week, but their intentions couldn’t have been clearer. After marching to midfield with ease against the Jaguars, Bryant enjoyed ample separation from the covering corner, hauling in a 44-yard bomb for the first of what should be many big plays. Week 1 can’t come fast enough for Steeler Nation.