James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers need these three players to step up if they want to make the playoffs.
The Steelers came oh so close to making the playoffs last season even without their starting quarterback at the helm. They did so with a smothering defense who will all be back in 2020.
Because of those key defensive players returning this year, the pressure is on the offense to get Pittsburgh back to the playoffs this year. These three players in particular need to up the ante in order for the Steelers to be a contender again.
3. James Conner
James Conner did so well as a backup in 2017, which was his rookie season, that the Steelers realized they were fine without Le’Veon Bell moving forward. Conner continued to be a nice player for the Steelers in 2018, totaling 973 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had 55 receptions for 497 receiving yards and a touchdown.
This past season saw him run into a roadblock, as he battled injuries and only started ten games for Pittsburgh. He had 464 yards and four touchdowns, but also 251 yards receiving and three more trips into the end zone.
Even in the ten games Conner appeared in he didn’t usually finish things out, as he’d take a hit and then be forced to leave the action. Being injury prone as a running back, especially at such a young age is troubling and if Conner doesn’t show he can stay healthy through the course of the 2020 regular season, the Steelers will likely move on from him.