Las Vegas Locomotives: Joel Bell Continues to Transition from CFL to UFL

Joel Bell started his third straight game at left tackle for the Las Vegas Locomotives this past Saturday. The former Saskatchewan Roughrider spent his Sunday evening going over game film in preparation for next week’s game against the Nighthawks, their second game against them in as many weeks.

“You can’t bring the same thing to each game,” Bell said about facing the Nighthawks twice in a row. “They’re going to try to change up their style, and we just have to focus on our job and we’ll be fine.”

This won’t be the first time Bell has played the same team twice in a row. In 2009, the Saskatchewan Roughriders played the Calgary Stampeders twice in a row, and four times total for the entire season.

“Day to day, good teams win and focus on the little details. Week to week, we have to correct what was wrong with the last game. Whatever technique error, you got to fix it,” Bell explained about his weekly preparation.

Before Saturday night’s game, the Locos signed Tony Ugoh, the former Indianapolis Colts left tackle who has started 27 games in the National Football League. Bell understands that signing a veteran is about business, and doesn’t take it personal.

“You've got to be careful, football is a job, but it’s a business too,” Bell explained. “(The Locos) are going to do whatever it takes to be the best. Every day at practice is a fight to get better and play in the next game.”

Ugoh played at left guard on Saturday, and Bell knows that his presence will only bring the best out of him.

“It encourages you if you’re a good player, it’s not an insult,” he said. “It just makes the competition that more heated. You work together and work on your technique. Players get lackadaisical when there isn’t good competition behind you.”

Not Bell, though. Don’t count on him letting off of the gas as the season continues.

The Locos are striving for another championship and know that a three-peat can happen as long as they play to their potential. They have a road game in Omaha followed by two home games to close out the season. If the Locos plan on playing a seventh game this year, they’ll have to put in work on every snap of every practice and every game.

“I believe God gave me these talents," Bell said. "And I want to glorify him every time I practice and play. I try to do my best in that sense. Because he gave me all these blessings that I don’t deserve.”

Rob Brown is a contributor for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.