Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds vs. Dolphins in Week 8

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 28: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with Mason Rudolph #2 after a 26-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is wrapped up by Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Stud: James Conner, RB

2019 has been a rough rushing year for Conner, but he had his way with Miami’s defense on Monday night. Before facing Miami, Conner was averaging 39.2 rushing yards on 12.3 attempts per game. He carried the ball 23 times for 145 yards against the Dolphins and scored a touchdown.

Conner’s averaged 6.3 yards per carry against Miami. That’s by far his most efficient game this season. After starting the season near the very bottom of the league, the Steelers are now averaging 88.1 rushing yards per game, which ranks 24th in the NFL.

Unfortunately, Conner suffered an AC joint injury late in the game, when the victory was already secure. His status for Pittsburgh’s game against the Indianapolis Colts is up in the air. Benny Snell is also being evaluated with an injury. That means Jaylen Samuels, who has recovered from arthroscopic knee surgery, and Trey Edmunds could see more work in Week 9.

Dud: James Washington, WR

Washington has not developed into a weapon in Pittsburgh’s offense. With Antonio Brown no longer on the team, Pittsburgh hoped Washington would develop into a second or third option. He has been neither this season.

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Despite playing with Rudolph, Washington’s college teammate at Oklahoma St., the second-year wide receiver has played a replaceable role in Pittsburgh’s offense. Against the Dolphins, Washington caught one pass for 21 yards despite being targeted six times. Who knows when Pittsburgh’s patience with Washington will run out?

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