Pittsburgh Steelers training camp: 3 Most important position battles

1. Running back

Pittsburgh’s running game crumbled after Le’Veon Bell decided to sit out the 2018 season during a contract dispute. That year, James Conner thrived in his mentor’s absence. The Pittsburgh product racked up 1,470 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns in only 13 appearances. However, his success wasn’t reflected in Pittsburgh’s overall rushing numbers.

The Steelers finished 31st in rushing two years ago, averaging a measly 90.3 yards per game. For reference, the Seattle Seahawks led the NFL with 160 rushing yards per game that season. Last year, things didn’t improve for Pittsburgh.

Conner battled injuries throughout the 2019 season. He only started ten games and exited several of those matchups early with injuries. Conner finished the year with only 464 rushing yards. Fourth-round pick Benny Snell didn’t do much better. He ran for 426 yards and averaged 3.9 yards per attempt. Pittsburgh finished the 2019 season with the 29th fewest rushing yards in the NFL and only 90.4 yards per game.

In another attempt to salvage their backfield, the Steelers drafted Maryland’s Anthony McFarland Jr. in the fourth-round. Fans hope he can inject some new energy into a static backfield that struggled last year because of injuries, poor offensive line play, and the quarterback situation. Pittsburgh also recently reached a one-year deal with Wendell Smallwood.

Outside of Conner, McFarland and Snell, Pittsburgh’s backfield also features Jaylen Samuels, Ralph Webb, and Kerrith Whyte Jr. The combination remains unimpressive, but don’t count Conner out. If the young running back remains healthy, he can resurrect Pittsburgh’s running game. Conner is in the final season of his rookie contract.