Steelers have a huge issue I think with Conner...

He had a few drops too, as I recall. Putting aside his performances in other games, he didn't look right all the time he was in last night.

 

Snell looks more natural and fluid with his cuts. Conner was hesitating too much... trying to be Barry Sanders. That's not his style.

 

I like Connor as an outlet receiver for Ben. Hope his ankle doesn’t keep him out too long. Would love to see him be a big part of the offense this year.

At this point I’m only concerned about this year. His future will be tied to his performance this year, needs to be healthy to do so.

 

That's really bad for Conner a injury prone player, to get injured in the first half of the first game of the season .

 

Moving forward. Benny is our man. Conner needs to go, he is too much of a liability.

 

Willie Parker was a very good back. Would’ve won the rushing crown had he not broke his leg against St.Louis... he was twice the back Connor is.

As for the OP, I’m not sure that we have a problem. We have Snell running well and just drafted McFarland (likely meaning Connor is gone next year regardless of performance). Tbh we let Connor get some carries when he’s healthy, but if Snell continues to play the way he did last night and Connor continues to suck... then we just start Snell and use Connor as the change of pace back. Heck we could even start giving McFarland some carries as the year goes on. Too bad for Connor since it’s a contract year and a recurring theme of injuries. I hope he can turn it around

 

Imagine supposedly being the shiftier back and yet your counterpart the “power” back is way faster and can take a tackle without being seen on the sideline lol

 

Not concerned, for now Snell looks like the better back. I'm hopeful that Snell gets the majority of snaps, and Conner comes in as more of a relief power back late in the game to get his mojo back?

 

If you just look at the stats, you would think he was ok, but he had too many carries for zero or negative yards, followed by one for 12-13 yards. So his yards per carry were ok, but it was terrible for the offense to be in 2nd an10 situation time and again instead of 2nd an 6. After Bettis left, out offense suffered and that was one of the reasons. My opinion and you are entitled to yours.

 

fact is that connor is basically a feel good story...…… there's nothing about the kid to hate, but he is not an every down runner in the nfl..
I wouldn't mind keeping him for the right price, but at a vastly decreased capacity in the offense

 

yeah i corrected that he had already cleared concussion protocol. If he had a chance to supplant Samuels for Week 1 I am sure missing practice didn't help.

 

I have read that theory on the board before. I'm not sure if it works that way or not. One of these days I have to remember to ask my buddy, who is a two-time cancer survivor and a big fan of Conner.

I don't think the Steelers have a huge issue. I think they are smart enough that they weren't counting on Conner being healthy. Snell looks like a viable option. I'm not sure Conner would start against the Broncos even if he was healthy.

 

If Conner is good to go I'm sure Tomlin will be starting him. Might take him out the next play but Tomlin will be loyal to his starters.

 

Nah...He doesn't have the speed or vision....Or talent to be one of the top backs in the league

 

I’d agree. I think he could be a Mark Ingram type solid running back though.

 

Yes Sir...He kept Foster starting TWO years past what he should have

 

Agreed...Love the kid, I think we all do...But bottom line is, I just think he is like an average back

 

This somewhat of an O line issue needs to get sorted out or it won't matter who's toting the rock.

 

Unfortunately that's how statistics work. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that Conner has enjoyed solid O-Line play and we generally had some pretty bad lines in Willie's days. I will say though, Willie had 4 seasons in a row where he was really good (3 consecutive years with over 1200 yards, and the last year at 791 in 11 games ((71.9 avg put him on pace for 1,150 that season))). Conner has had one year so far where he had 973 in 13 games (74.8 avg had him on pace for 1,197). Last year was injury riddled for him and his QB so he gets a pass imo. However, this season is where he needs to show us what type of player he is. Is he the 1,000 yard back he showed he could be in 2018? Or is he a guy that will fizzle out of the league like many RB's do? Only time will tell.

And you're opinion is fine (as is mine of course haha). I enjoy debate and Steelers talk, so I am always down to reply and discuss topics. I would never make someone feel bad or stupid for an honest opinion on a player that is in dissension to my own, and that is never my intention. If I hop on a reply it isn't to beat anyone up because I want a fight, I just enjoy the debate and the Steelers are one of my favorite topics haha Have a good one friend.

 

Foster?

 

We are arguing which middle of the pack RB should start.

 

Barry Foster was a damn good Steelers RB... early Cowher years.

 

He might have been referencing Ramon Foster as an example of a player Tomlin was loyal to past the use by date.

I think Pitt could have an effective running back by committee system if they'd use a short passing game to set up the run. They should use them all if they have to but, help them out with scheme. Other teams have a quality rushing attack without any All-Pros and the only way Conner is going to last a full season is if they limit him to twenty or so touches per game. Having said all of that, if the the offense has to grind the clock, then Benny is the man. In my opinion, he's that kind of back.

 

Yes Foster