3-Wide: How will Le'Veon Bell's suspension impact the Steelers in 2015?
3-Wide is a weekly feature in which theScore's NFL editors debate the hot topics around the league. Grab a cold towel and brace for hot takes.
What impact will Le'Veon Bell's suspension have on the Steelers' season?
Caitlyn Holroyd: The Pittsburgh Steelers planned ahead for a possible Bell suspension by signing DeAngelo Williams this offseason and could also draft a running back to help fill the void. At 32 years old, Williams isn't as dominant as he once was, but as long as he remains healthy, he should be capable of carrying the load for the first three games.
Joe Thomson: Bell missing three games will have very little impact on the Steelers' season. Ben Roethlisberger and his stable of receivers showed a remarkable ability to carry the offense through the air at times last season. With Williams in the mix, the drop off at running back is not as perilous as it was last season and as long as the team avoids multiple division losses, they should be fine. In fact this could be a huge positive, helping to keep Bell fresh for the rest of the season and playoffs.
Dan Wilkins: If Bell's suspension stands after the appeal, as it likely will, this is a massive blow to the Steelers' season. Sure, he'll be back in the lineup for the team's final 13 games, but there isn't much room for error in such a short season. One game can so often make the difference in whether or not a team makes the playoffs, and going without one of the NFL's best running backs will certainly hurt the Steelers' offense for three weeks to start the year.
Which general manager stands to lose the most with a poor draft?
Thomson: Chip Kelly/Howie Roseman. When exactly did Chip Kelly convince everyone of his genius? It must have been around the same time Maroon 5's Moves Like Jagger topped the charts, because I, admittedly distracted by the dance craze that swept the nation, missed it. Now he has the perfect situation, where he is making personnel decisions and Howie Roseman is around to blame when they fail. If Chip screws up this draft, he could lose Roseman as his buffer and expose himself to a Maroon 5-like downfall.
Wilkins: How about Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson? The Colts have put up 11 wins in each of the last three seasons, but, outside of Andrew Luck, there are some significant concerns about the way in which this team has been built. If Grigson can't improve the defense after failing to do so in free agency, and the Colts are unable to take the next step as a result, it would be no surprise to see some changes made heading into 2016.
Holroyd: The Browns were one of the least active teams in free agency, which means they still have a number of needs to address. The recent texting scandal doesn't look good on general manager Ray Farmer, but with an abundance of draft picks (including two first-rounders) and a deep class of prospects to choose from, he has an opportunity to right the wrong. A poor draft could be the last straw for him.
Who will be the Browns' starting quarterback in Week 1?
Wilkins: Though Johnny Manziel should still be given the opportunity to compete for the starting spot throughout training camp, he'd likely benefit from another season on the sidelines. Trading up in the draft to select a quarterback remains an intriguing option, but working out a deal to do so is far easier said than done. The Browns paid Josh McCown to be their starter and, at this point, he gives him their best chance to compete.
Holroyd: Manziel has the talent to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, he just needs to curb his off-field behavior - and his decision to enter rehab suggests he is willing to do so. McCown is coming off a disastrous 2014 campaign, and while he brings plenty of starting experience with him to Cleveland, it's too soon to count Johnny Football out.
Thomson: Johnny Manziel. Are we really questioning whether Josh McCown, who struggled to hold off Mike Glennon in Tampa, will have his job usurped by a reformed Manziel in training camp? "Johnny MANziel: The Road to Redemption" will be the story making headlines as early as August, and we'll collectively learn how to trust again! A quick downfall will follow. But until that time, Johnny will remain America's favorite rich kid-turned-celebrity-turned-backup quarterback-turned-rehab goer-turned-starting quarterback.