Back to the future: Steelers embrace Bell, bruising running game in win over Titans

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Steelers won 27-24. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2014, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley, right, talks with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the sideline during an NFL football game against the Houston Oilers in Pittsburgh. Haley's space age offense went back to the basics on Monday night, Nov. 17, 2014, as the Steelers relied on Le'Veon Bell's churning legs and a dominant offensive line to escape Tennessee with a 27-24 win. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) (The Associated Press)

PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell welcomes the challenge that awaits his team over the final five weeks of the season.

Bell ran for a career-high 204 yards in a win over Tennessee on Monday night, including 128 in the second half as Pittsburgh rallied from an 11-point deficit to win.

The Steelers will rely heavily on Bell as they try to get back to the playoffs after releasing veteran LeGarrette Blount on Tuesday. Blount left the field before the end of regulation on Monday night after failing to register a single carry.

Bell says he was surprised by the decision but understands Blount made a significant mistake. Blount's departure leaves Bell as the most experienced back on the roster, a role Bell says he's comfortable embracing.

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