Ravens DC takes shot at Bell: 'Steelers are actually better without him'

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale isn't exactly relieved his team doesn't have to go against Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell this Sunday.

"There are a lot of stats (since 2015) that the Steelers are actually better without him," Martindale said, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "That might be why he's riding a jet ski down in Miami right now."

Bell has yet to report to the Steelers this season and continues to protest his franchise tag.

Martindale isn't preparing for a surprise appearance from the running back.

"What if Terry Bradshaw wants to come back and Lynn Swann? Oh s---," the defensive coordinator said.

Since 2015, with Bell in the backfield, the Steelers have averaged 23.9 points per game, and 29 without him. Also, the Pittsburgh offense averages 413.3 yards per game without Bell compared to 369.9 with him.

The Steelers have turned to running back James Conner in Bell's absence. Conner has 599 rushing yards, 323 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns through seven games this season.