Five matchups that will define NFL Week 4: How will Le'Veon Bell shift Steelers?
Don't expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to put many restrictions on Le'Veon Bell in the running back's return Sunday from a three-game suspension.
Even in his first action in 11 months, the former all-pro running back will be an integral part of reviving a Steelers offense that fell flat in a 34-3 loss last week to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the team would monitor conditioning, but said, "rest assured, you're going to see Le'Veon Bell and probably a lot of him on Sunday." How Bell fares against a Kansas City Chiefs defense tied for 24th in rushing defense might set the tone for Sunday night's showdown.
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DeAngelo Williams has been solid as a fill-in, but Bell is a more dynamic threat even after suffering a torn medial collateral ligament last November. But Bell's biggest contribution upon return might be in the passing game.
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With Martavis Bryant suspended for the year, the Steelers have yet to find a suitable complement to Antonio Brown in the passing game. Even with Brown's matchups against cornerback Marcus Peters likely to be limited Sunday, Pittsburgh has to be cautious against a Chiefs defense that hauled in six interceptions last week.
Bell had 83 receptions in 2014, trailing only Brown. As one of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's most trusted targets, he could be a valuable asset both out of the backfield and in the slot. The Steelers also could keep the Chiefs on their toes by keeping both Williams and Bell in for several plays.
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Here are four other matchups that will define NFL Week 4:
Vikings DE Everson Griffen vs. Giants LT Ereck Flowers
Even after a three-sack performance last week against the Carolina Panthers, Griffen might not be getting his due as one of the NFL's elite pass rushers. His 26.5 sacks since 2014 put him behind only J.J. Watt, Von Miller and Justin Houston.
The Giants likely won't be taking Griffen or the rest of the Vikings' defense lightly on Monday night after last season's 49-17 drubbing. Though Odell Beckham Jr. was suspended for that game, Eli Manning was sacked four times and threw three interceptions.
Flowers, the No. 9 overall pick in last year's draft, has to live up to the Giants' lofty expectations to prevent another Manning meltdown. Ben McAdoo's quick-hit offense should help neutralize a Minnesota pass rush that leads the NFL with 15 sacks, but Flowers can't have the same lapses in pass protection that plagued his rookie year.
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Seahawks QB Russell Wilson vs. Jets' defensive line
Despite suffering a medial collateral ligament sprain in his left knee last week after a right ankle sprain in the opener, Wilson appears ready to go Sunday. Up against the Jets' formidable front, the Seahawks quarterback will have to be prepared to be on the run once again.
The Seahawks' offensive line is no match for defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams. Wilson is a master of evading the rush, but asking him to elude linemen in his current state could prove dangerous.
Wilson likely will need to make quick decisions in the passing game while having running back Christine Michael take control. If New York can set the tone up front, however, it could be a tough go for Seattle.
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Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin vs. Falcons CB Desmond Trufant
After Benjamin was targeted just once and held without a catch last week against the Vikings, quarterback Cam Newton said "that won't happen again." That might be both a challenge and a warning to Trufant and the Falcons.
Benjamin said he expects Trufant to trail him throughout the game, but he offered a blunt assessment of his opposition this week. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound receiver said Trufant "can't really match up physically" at 6-foot, 190 pounds. Given Benjamin's distinct advantage when the ball is in the air, Trufant will have to close on any cushion quickly.
If the Falcons' pass rush remains lifeless, Benjamin could have more opportunities to make plays downfield and on jump balls. But the Panthers have given up the most sacks (12) through three games of any team, and starting left tackle Michael Oher has been ruled out.
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Ravens WR Steve Smith vs. Raiders CBs Sean Smith and David Amerson
Smith sliced through the Raiders defense last season for 10 catches and 150 yards in a 37-33 loss. Even though Oakland now has a completely revamped secondary, it could have quite the challenge against the 37-year-old.
Though cornerback David Amerson has been stellar so far this season, fellow starter Sean Smith has struggled in the early going. Both Amerson (6-1) and Smith (6-3) are among the biggest at their position and have had trouble with quicker receivers.
Enter the Ravens' threat: At 5-9, Smith is a savvy route runner and can push back on larger defensive backs. His most damaging work could be done after the catch and on third downs, as Joe Flacco found a comfort zone last week with Smith working the short area.
Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.
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