Niner Noise
FanSided

The top question facing each NFL team entering 2017

By Peter Panacy

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 22: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts prior to the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 22: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts prior to the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

Pittsburgh Steelers

Will running back Le’Veon Bell pick up where he left off in 2017?

The Pittsburgh Steelers look as if they’ll be improved on the defensive side of the ball this season.

That’s good. But the biggest question mark for Pittsburgh will be whether or not running back Le’Veon Bell will be able to produce at the same level, or higher, he enjoyed in 2016.

Bell wasn’t exactly enthralled with his franchise-tag status, missing out on training camp and the preseason while also recovering from offseason groin surgery. Ideally, the Steelers would have had Bell back in camp earlier.

As it stands, though, it’s looking as if Bell will be back in time for Week 1. But there’s a good chance he won’t be quite the same runner to start off the season.