Richarson came into his rookie year last year as the 3rd pick overall and the second coming of everyone from Earl Campbell to Emmit Smith. Surgery to remove some cartilage issues in his knee robbed him of his entire pre-season. He struggled to live up to his hype all year in 2012. If it wasn't for his ability to catch the football out of the backfield and his 11 TD's his year would have been labeled a total washout, considering his status coming into the season. Then, it was learned that he played much of the season with a couple of broken ribs.
So, what be felled Richardson was a myriad of injuries and suspect Offensive line. The question is, can he come back stronger this year? Well, he's already starting by missing time again. A shin injury currently is keeping him out of camp. Some will argue that Richardson is more of a 'contact' type runner. Couple that with the notion that Cleveland still will wallow among the lower part of the league and that is where you get the pessimism of another down year, or at least another year dodging injury.
However, consider the upside for a moment. You have a new coach, who looks to be utilizing more of an offense that will give young developing QB Brandon Weeden more of an opportunity to succeed. Talk is that Chudzinski will be incorporating more of the pistol formation, which will (hopefully for Browns' fans) not let defenses zero in on either the RB or QB. The Browns offensive line will only get better with a little shuffling of John Greco to the right side and an anchor of Joe Thomas on the left.
I don't see Richardson going crazy this year, especially if he keeps battling injuries. However, the Browns are an improved club. With a developing QB, their offense should be a little better and open up a little more, allowing more room for Richardson to run. I have an upswing for him but maybe not to the extent that he would be a top pick.
Bell is thought to be the prototypical Steeler back, reminiscent of the Jerome Bettis days of a banging bruising back who can withstand punishment for 25 carries a game. I don't think he's the slashing type guy that is going to bust out 75 yard runs. However, Pittsburgh is another team that has an improved offensive line.
Don't look for Bell to be your featured back. I think he might be a great guy to have for TD's, though. They will put the big guy in a lot of goal line situations, so his chances of scoring will be good. In addition, the guy is said to have good hands. Look for Roethlisberger to look for him in safety valve situations or simply to help move the chains. Again, this can be another piece of his arsenal that is overlooked. Here, I think Bell can be good, not great, and a nice complimentary player on your squad.
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