The Pittsburgh Steelers look to advance to 3-0 against Deshaun Watson’s struggling Houston Texans.
The Pittsburgh Steelers nearly choked away a win against the Denver Broncos last week, but Ben Roethlisberger’s team advanced to 2-0. Pittsburgh looks to remain perfect against Deshaun Watson’s floundering Houston Texans in Week 3. Houston is 0-2 after facing the AFC’s two best teams in the season’s opening weeks.
The Texans are the toughest opponents Pittsburgh has faced this season. Watson is a borderline elite quarterback, and the team’s defense still produces a decent pass rush. The Steelers need big performances from their best players to secure a significant victory and a 3-0 start to the season.
Here are five bold predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2020 season.
5. Running backs remain unpredictable
Benny Snell averaged nearly six yards per carry in Week 1 on his way to a 113-yard game. James Conner battled injuries and only earned six carries. He finished the game with nine rushing yards. All signs pointed toward Snell starting in Week 2. Instead, Conner got the start and ran for 106 yards while Snell fumbled one of his three carries. The Kentucky product finished his day with five rushing yards.
At this point, it’s impossible to know which Steelers running back will carry the load in any given week. For now, Anthony McFarland Jr. seems unimportant for Pittsburgh’s ground game, but the rookie could always begin stealing touches later in the season. Meanwhile, Conner and Snell continue playing the strangest game of hot potato, as they pass around their successes and struggles.
After Le’Veon Bell decided to sit out the entire 2018 season because of a contract dispute, Conner took over. He amassed 1,470 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns in 13 appearances. Unfortunately, Conner couldn’t repeat his Pro Bowl performance last season. The offensive line didn’t play well, and neither did Conner, who battled injuries throughout the year.
During Conner’s down year, Snell failed to establish himself as a reliable running back. Snell finished his rookie season with 108 carries for 426 yards and two touchdowns. Jaylen Samuels also played a role in the running game, but Pittsburgh finally seems content with leaving him on the bench.
At some point, either Conner or Snell have to establish themselves as lead backs. Otherwise, the Steelers will move on and try their hand in the draft again.