Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 X-factors for the 2019 season
By Samuel Teets
James Conner, RB
James Conner already had a breakout season last year where he showed how capable he was of impacting games. However, his play and health are very important for the Steelers, more-so than I think has been stressed in the past.
While the Steelers live and die by the passing game, the running attack did the offense no favors last season. Pittsburgh finished 31st in the league in rushing yards per game last season with 90.3. Only the Arizona Cardinals rushed for fewer yards per game. Whenever you’re in a statistical range with the Cardinals, it’s never a good thing.
Entering his second year as a full-time starter, Conner will be charged with resurrecting the Steelers ground game. He is a Pro Bowl running back capable of carrying the load but he needs to stay healthy for a full season and prove he can continue to raise his game.
While Conner also caught 55 passes last year, he also has a lot of room to improve as a receiver. With Antonio Brown gone, Pittsburgh will be exploring various other targets for Ben Roethlisberger this season. Conner could see more balls coming his way.
Last season, Conner rushed for 74.8 yards per game, which was the eighth-most among running backs with at least 50 attempts. He had a nose for the end zone, finishing the season tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL. Conner’s goal should be to get into that 80 yards per game range, which already hosts most of the elite running backs.
Conner also needs to focus on cutting down his turnovers. He fumbled three times in 2018 which was tied for the second-most among runners who finished in the top 20 for attempts. One of those fumbles came in the Week 1 tied against the Cleveland Browns that haunted the Steelers later in the season.
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Even if it’s only by a little bit, Conner needs to be more involved in the Steelers offense next season. He’s the heart and soul of the ground attack. Any success Pittsburgh will have in that area of the offense will be thanks to Conner. The young back also needs to remain healthy down the stretch.