Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds vs. Bengals in Week 4

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs to the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Stud: James Conner, RB

After making the Pro Bowl last year, Conner stumbled out of the blocks to start the 2019 season. In the first three games, he ran for just 97 yards and averaged less than three yards per carry. While Pittsburgh’s ground game is far from fixed, Conner had his best performance of 2019 against the Bengals.

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Conner ran for 42 yards on 10 carries and caught eight passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. While the run game still has a lot of room to improve, Conner looked like himself last night. Now, he just needs to maintain or build on that level of play for the rest of the season.

Dud: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

To be fair, it’s hard to blame Smith-Schuster for his dropping production. While he hasn’t asserted himself as a true No. 1 receiver like fans hopes he would, the third-year receiver is doing his best in a bad situation.

Against the Bengals, Smith-Schuster caught three passes for 15 yards on four targets. All three of his receptions came in the first half. His lack of production has two main causes. First, he’s drawing more double teams and tougher assignments now that Antonio Brown isn’t lining up next to him. Second, the Steelers are running a very simple offense with a below average quarterback, and that puts Smith-Schuster at a disadvantage.

During the game, Smith-Schuster was joking with teammates on the sideline and consoling rookie receiver, Diontae Johnson after an early fumble. He’s developed into a great leader and personality for the team, but his production likely won’t be there this season if the offense continues its current trajectory.

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