When the Le’Veon Bell antics ensued last season, the Steelers turned to James Conner to be their lead back. However, according to Conner himself, the backfield’s touches will “spread out pretty evenly.”
Conner was a true workhorse for Pittsburgh last season, owning 62 percent of the carries and 64 percent of the targets to running backs. And for the most part, he was successful in this role. He ran for 973 yards (4.5 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns, while totaling 55 receptions for 497 yards and another touchdown.
Last season’s rookie Jaylen Samuels went for 328 yards from scrimmage, when Conner three games. He figures to be used in a variety of roles for this offense. The Steelers also drafted Benny Snell from Kentucky, who totaled 1,449 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.
Pittsburgh clearly feels that they have three capable backs that they can utilize this season. And with the departure of Antonio Brown, they may lean on the running game slightly more this season.
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