Le’Veon Bell criticizes Joe Mixon on Twitter

Joe Mixon is already becoming a big name in the Pittsburgh Steelers - Cincinnati Bengals rivalry.

Mixon’s first introduction into the series was a promising one, as the rookie ran for 48 yards on just seven carries in Week 7. He also caught three passes for 20 yards and, frankly, was Cincinnati’s best player on offense.

But for whatever reason, the Bengals didn’t give Mixon a single carry in the second half, and the Bengals failed to score another point in what turned into a 29-14 loss.

After the loss, Mixon expressed frustration in not getting the ball more in the second half, something that the Steelers did with their star running back in Le’Veon Bell.

"Me personally, I feel like I can do way more than [Bell] did,” said Mixon after the game. “Like I said, I only had seven carries. I can't showcase nothing if I don't get the ball. There's nothing else I can say."

Well, apparently that had Bell keeping an eye on Bengals rookie as he faced the Colts in Week 8. Bell even took some shots at Mixon on Twitter during the first half.

“For someone who feels they can do “way more” than I can, sure seems like u wanna be me,” Bell Tweeted. “Tryin to mimic my run style, my 1st down celebration... now u wear an arm sleeve on your left arm AND went to the mismatch gloves too?! lol just change your number from 28 to 26 while your at it..”

(Editor’s note: Don’t mind Bell’s spelling mistakes.)

With the Steelers playing in the Sunday night game in Week 8, Bell was able to watch the Bengals battle the Colts in the early slate of Sunday games, and hadn't forgotten about what Mixon said, though it seems rather silly for Bell to be worried about what a rookie is doing.

After the game, Mixon learned of Bell’s tweets, but he kept his cool in how he responded.

Mixon may be a rookie, but that’s a pro response to a veteran who tends to act like a rookie on social media. Mixon also indicated that, if there’sa running back he wants to emulate, it’s Adrian Peterson.

Regardless of who he plays like, all the Bengals need worry about is that Mixon looks like a star in the making, and it’s good to see them finally using him like one.

Update: Vontaze Burfict went on to back up his teammate, which you can read more about here.