The flip into the end zone for a touchdown Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings might very well be the last one that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell does for while, according to Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network.
Bell, who scored his first NFL touchdown from eight yards out with 4:02 left in the first quarter, said Tuesday that he was given a pass for the flip from head coach Mike Tomlin because it was his first touchdown. Tomlin did, however, tell the second-round draft pick to be more careful with his body in the future.
Bell, who would later score a second rushing touchdown in the game, registered 84 total yards of offense in his NFL regular-season debut. He did, however, tweak his previously sprained foot during the game, but was able to return after having it examined by the team doctors on the sideline.
“I tweaked it a little bit,” said Bell about his foot following the loss to the Vikings. “It’s alright, I was still able to finish.”
Bell played a total of 60 snaps during his debut and registered 27 of his 57 yards rushing after first contact.
When you look at Bell’s first touchdown run in the animated gifs below, you will see him first sidestep a tackle attempt by linebacker Chad Greenway in the backfield. Next, he presses the line which in turn forces safety Andrew Sendejo to commit inside. Lastly, he cuts quickly to the outside and around the great block by tight end Heath Miller for the easy score.
If Bell is able to stay healthy moving forward, it should certainly help the Steelers running game that has now rushed for 232 yards on 73 carries in their first four games.
