Steelers Drop More Hints This Week That Conner’s Workload Might Decrease In 2019

[polamalubeast]

Last season, Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner touched the football 270 times in total in the 12 and a half games that he played in. With the Steelers about to close out their 2019 mandatory minicamp practices, it’s starting to sound more and more like Conner might be hard-pressed to hit those same touch totals this upcoming season. In fact, Conner, who is now in his third season with the Steelers after being selected in the third-round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh, said has much on Wednesday.

“I think it’ll be spread out pretty evenly,” Conner said, according to Jonathan Bombulie of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, in regard to the possibility of the Steelers offense using a much more balanced workload approach in 2019 with their running backs than the previous season.

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https://steelersdepot.com/2019/06/steelers-drop-more-hints-this-week-that-conners-workload-might-decrease-in-2019/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[hawaiiansteeler]

James Conner: Steelers have “a great chance of going all the way”

Posted by Michael David Smith on July 1, 2019

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/07/01/james-conner-steelers-have-a-great-chance-of-going-all-the-way/

[FrancoLambert]

....if Samuels and Snell contribute enough, and if they do, it’ll mean less touches for Conner. Amazing.

They’re not going to cut back on using him if Samuels and Snell disappoint.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

This shows they want to take advantage of Snell's talent as well and I'm all for it and smart move. If of course this is not just off season coach speak.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

I also agree with James and this team will surprise and could go all the way.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

....if Samuels and Snell contribute enough, and if they do, it’ll mean less touches for Conner. Amazing.

They’re not going to cut back on using him if Samuels and Snell disappoint. I don't see Samuels or Snell disappointing. This is a stack offense with great quality depth at all positions. Oh and Grimble is a decent back up at TE.

[86WARD]

When has Tomlin ever dropped the workload of a RB?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I see Snell as a Jordan Howard type runner. He is going to get some touches to spell JC and the O line is gonna love his effort level. Should hopefully be a RB by committee type of backfield. Samuels will be more of a passing down RB that they run draws, screens, split him out in a 5 wide look, etc.

I think most OC's might script their first 15-20 plays, but after that they go by feel of what is working/required, so kind of tough to estimate number of touches or ratio for backs.

[Edman]

Injuries decide everything.

It can be nice to lessen Conner's workload, but injuries may force the coaching staff's hands. Just pray for no injuries.

[hawaiiansteeler]

When has Tomlin ever dropped the workload of a RB?

Podcast: There is no doubt the Steelers will run the wheels off James Conner in 2019

By Jeff.Hartman
Jul 3, 2019

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2019/7/3/20679935/podcast-there-is-no-doubt-the-steelers-will-run-the-wheels-off-james-conner-in-2019-mike-tomlin-nfl

[Fire Goodell]

Podcast: There is no doubt the Steelers will run the wheels off James Conner in 2019

By Jeff.Hartman
Jul 3, 2019

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2019/7/3/20679935/podcast-there-is-no-doubt-the-steelers-will-run-the-wheels-off-james-conner-in-2019-mike-tomlin-nfl

Well after making the same mistake 4-5 times maybe he finally learned :chuckle:

[hawaiiansteeler]

https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_photo_album/f_auto/steelers/v9glkqfyndwyb6hulu4x.jpg

[Born2Steel]

20-25 touches per game would put the pass/run at about that 50/50 split everyone wants. If those carries can be a 75/25 split this season between Conner and Snell might work even better.