Joique Bell to get more playing time (1 Viewer)

[Grape_Van]

Lions OC Scott Linehan reiterated that Joique Bell will take on a bigger role going forward.

"Him rattling off really the three explosive runs that we've had this year certainly gives him more opportunities I think in our offense, not just in the games," Linehan said of Bell. "I think you'll see him playing a little bit more throughout the game." It could be a blow to the value of Mikel Leshoure, whose fantasy production has been propped up by short touchdowns the past five weeks.

Related: Joique Bell

Source: detroitlions.com Dec 7 - 10:52 AM

Leshoure was already TD dependent the past few weeks.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I've liked RB Joique Bell DET since the preseason. I wondered why he's never gotten a shot to be a starter. He's got the running skills. He has shown himself to be an effective receiver out of the backfield. Now he's making some big plays.

Over the last two games he has 128 yards rushing with 1 touchdown on only 12 carries.

The guy has earned more carries and if he ever gets a shot to start he would show he deserves to be a starting RB in the league.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

I've liked RB Joique Bell DET since the preseason. I wondered why he's never gotten a shot to be a starter. He's got the running skills. He has shown himself to be an effective receiver out of the backfield. Now he's making some big plays.

Over the last two games he has 128 yards rushing with 1 touchdown on only 12 carries.

The guy has earned more carries and if he ever gets a shot to start he would show he deserves to be a starting RB in the league.

He is not a starting NFL RB. The role he has now is a good one for him. I understand getting him a few more touches, but he reminds me a lot of Jason Snelling in Atl. People see a few nice runs, and see him being an adequate blocker and descent pass catching guy and think he would flourish in a starting role. Truth is they are good in that role, but not starting NFL caliber guys. Good back ups and guys who could fill in, but Bell who will be 27 years of age this summer is not going to garner a starting role anywhere.

 

[mad_dog]

Linehan said this? Bump Leshoure.

Seriously, I don't think this takes a lot away from Leshoure. They use Leshoure to establish the run, GL, and from what I have seen, he looks good doing it. I like Bell too, and think he is a nice insurance policy for Leshoure, but I don't think you can dismiss what Leshoure has done for this team which is help produce a somewhat reliable and decent running attack.

I think this news does confirm Bells role as a nice change of pace runner and probably long shot flex play from week to week.

Own both Leshoure & Bell.

Thanks for sharing this quote.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

He is not a starting NFL RB. The role he has now is a good one for him. I understand getting him a few more touches, but he reminds me a lot of Jason Snelling in Atl. People see a few nice runs, and see him being an adequate blocker and descent pass catching guy and think he would flourish in a starting role.

Truth is they are good in that role, but not starting NFL caliber guys. Good back ups and guys who could fill in, but Bell who will be 27 years of age this summer is not going to garner a starting role anywhere.

Says you.I don't agree.

They haven't said anything other than he's going to get more work and he should.

My take is he has obviously deserved more work based on what he has produced and I also feel he would prove to be an effective starter if he got that opportunity.

I think it would be a much better mix if Bell were the starter and LeShoure was the goal line and short yardage back.

Bell can break off long runs and its smarter to have that sort of back on a long field. Also Bell has already sewn up the third down reciever role so he wouldn't have to get taken off the field in those situations.

I didn't agree with the Lions forcing Mikel into the majority of the carries fresh off his long absence and he faded after that hot first game back.

Now at the end of the season with the Lions playoff hopes nearly gone, it makes sense to do some chemistry experiments and Bell is a guy who has earned more snaps and how he performs could go a long way into determining how the snaps will be split next season IMHO.

I do NOT agree with the so-called experts who have dismissed Bell. They are wrong and the kid will prove it if he gets a chance.

 

[CentralPA]

I've liked RB Joique Bell DET since the preseason. I wondered why he's never gotten a shot to be a starter. He's got the running skills. He has shown himself to be an effective receiver out of the backfield. Now he's making some big plays.

Over the last two games he has 128 yards rushing with 1 touchdown on only 12 carries.

The guy has earned more carries and if he ever gets a shot to start he would show he deserves to be a starting RB in the league.

He is not a starting NFL RB. The role he has now is a good one for him. I understand getting him a few more touches, but he reminds me a lot of Jason Snelling in Atl. People see a few nice runs, and see him being an adequate blocker and descent pass catching guy and think he would flourish in a starting role. Truth is they are good in that role, but not starting NFL caliber guys. Good back ups and guys who could fill in, but Bell who will be 27 years of age this summer is not going to garner a starting role anywhere.

I respectfully disagree. I think he's shown he can be dangerous running and catching the ball and in limited action. He's shown more than LeShoure.

 

[Ladsud]

Hes out performed Leshoure by a large margin. Leshoures biggest play from scrimmage is 16 yards, for having almost 200 touches so far on the year thats pretty pathetic. Hes a plodder that hits the hole and falls down 3 yards later. Bell may or may not be a starter long term but he should be seeing the majority of the carries if the lions want to salvage any respect out of this poor season.

Leshoure 161/591 rushing, 16/170 receiving

Bell 57/325, 34/333

 

[BlueBlazer05]

A lot of Lions fans loved the idea of the hometown hero getting a chance in Detroit. For now, Linehan has dubbed Bell "The Finisher". He comes in late when the opposing defense is worn out, runs hard and strong, and even breaks off long plays despite not having much speed. I'm not sure how well he would work out in a featured role. Probably about the same as Leshoure.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Same as always with the Lions. Pass most of the time and split up the carries. Not too good a recipe for a FF RB going forward.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Hes out performed Leshoure by a large margin. Leshoures biggest play from scrimmage is 16 yards, for having almost 200 touches so far on the year thats pretty pathetic. Hes a plodder that hits the hole and falls down 3 yards later. Bell may or may not be a starter long term but he should be seeing the majority of the carries if the lions want to salvage any respect out of this poor season. Leshoure 161/591 rushing, 16/170 receiving Bell 57/325, 34/333

That is cherry picking stats. There is plenty of cases where the back up has a much better YPC then the starter. A lot has to do with situations, worn out defense, draw plays on 3rd and long when team is in prevent, etc. Leshoure has played well in his role and so has Bell. I would venture to guess that Bell and Leshoure's stats would be similar if their roles were reversed for Detroit. Leshoure though at 22 years of age and being a rookie coming off a major injury has more upside going forward in the NFL and in fantasy.

 

[Grape_Van]

I didn't start leshoure in week 14 and I won't in week 15. Too bad, Arizona has totally given up this week so leshoure and bell could both be good options.