{"id":8071,"date":"2018-09-07T10:06:41","date_gmt":"2018-09-07T10:06:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legitgambling.com\/news\/?p=8071"},"modified":"2018-09-07T10:06:41","modified_gmt":"2018-09-07T10:06:41","slug":"steelers-hoping-no-bell-no-problem-at-cleveland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legitgambling.com\/news\/steelers-hoping-no-bell-no-problem-at-cleveland\/","title":{"rendered":"Steelers Hoping No Bell No Problem at Cleveland"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ClevelandQuite possibly the biggest storyline this offseason has been revolving around the Cleveland Browns<\/a> and their potential emergence from the cellar. Appearing<\/a> on Hard Knocks only exacerbated these expectations, and now the Browns have turned from whipping boy to public darling.<\/p>\n

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming into the 2018 season with another Super Bowl or Bust mentality. With an electric core of Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le\u2019Veon Bell, the Steelers have boasted one of the NFL\u2019s<\/a> most explosive offenses over the past few years. Their hopes may have taken a hit however, with news of Le\u2019Veon Bell’s prolonged contract disputes reportedly spilling over into the regular season, and he is expected to miss substantial time this season.<\/p>\n

This AFC North rivalry features huge storylines from both teams, and should be a much more interesting matchup than in years past. MyBookie has the line for this game set in favor of the Steelers at (-4) and an over\/under total set at 44.5.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3 in 2017)<\/h2>\n

The Steelers will be without<\/a> their versatile superstar Running Back Le\u2019Veon Bell for this matchup, as contract disputes with the Steelers have taken a turn for the worse. Bell\u2019s agent has hinted that his absence may last longer than a few weeks. Pittsburgh\u2019s Offensive Linemen, including Ramon Foster and Maurkice Pouncey have publicly ripped Bell for his absence as drama continues to follow this franchise.<\/p>\n

But the Steelers won\u2019t let Bell\u2019s attendance, or lack thereof, affect their win now mentality. Reports are that Big Ben Roethlisberger showed up to camp noticeably thinner and more spry than he has in years. Pittsburgh also brought in a new Offensive Coordinator in former Wide Receiver\u2019s coach Randy Fichtner, who they promoted to take over after Todd Haley\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n

A lot has been made of the Steelers\u2019 high-powered offense, but their defense has shown a lot of potential. A strong front line led by TJ Watt, Stephon Tuitt, and Cameron Heyward attack opposing Quarterbacks with a variety of blitzing schemes designed by Keith Butler. The Steelers led the NFL in total sacks last year with 56, and hope to be back near the top in 2018.<\/p>\n

Their defense missed Ryan Shazier in the postseason last year, one of the most dynamic Inside Linebackers in the league, who suffered a horrendous neck and back injury on a hit against<\/p>\n

Cincinnati last December. They are hoping to piece together a rotation of guys to make up for Shazier\u2019s absence. Vince Williams is expected to step up big time, and the Steelers drafted Strong Safety Terrell Edmunds and brought in Safety\/Linebacker Morgan Burnett in Free Agency to help fill Shazier\u2019s role in coverage.<\/p>\n

Injuries and Inactive Watch<\/h2>\n