Premier running back would return Steelers to championship level

[Shoes]

Let's assume the Steelers can maneuver their salary cap to re-sign Bud Dupree and B.J. Finney. Should the front office sign both, the Steelers, I believe, would be on the verge of possessing a championship-caliber roster.
https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh...ers-141767337/

[st33lersguy]

Premiere RBs are useless without great QB play and great O-line play. Occasionally you find a special talent that succeeds without supporting cast, but typically those teams and offenses still go nowhere

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Who is Matt Steel, if that is his real name?

Steelers had a RB in 2018 that was playing Pro Bowl caliber and they couldn't make the playoffs, because the OC abandoned the run game at critical moments in games. Having a Premier RB in this offense is like having an ice maker in the Arctic. Its all about the QB, so wait until #7 gets back with his caddy.

Another blogger op ed piece that is even below par of many threads started by posters here IMO.

[Mojouw]

Steelers have premier RB: you can plug anyone into a good offense and get great production. Biggest waste of money in football. Can find a RB in almost any round of the draft or FA.

Steelers have a terrible year on offense: Team needs a big-time RB from the first round or two of the draft!

It is going to be a long off-season. Lots of talk about power running and what not. Can't wait.

[Shoes]

There is no way I would draft a RB but I never expected the Steelers to draft a long snapper or take Dobbs over Kettle. I do agree with him that drafting a TE is a priority.

[hawaiiansteeler]

There is no way I would draft a RB but I do agree with him that drafting a TE is a priority.

no way, you want to draft a TE early?

[Rotorhead]

Steelers have premier RB: you can plug anyone into a good offense and get great production. Biggest waste of money in football. Can find a RB in almost any round of the draft or FA.

Steelers have a terrible year on offense: Team needs a big-time RB from the first round or two of the draft!

It is going to be a long off-season. Lots of talk about power running and what not. Can't wait.

QFT

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Steelers have premier RB: you can plug anyone into a good offense and get great production. Biggest waste of money in football. Can find a RB in almost any round of the draft or FA.

Steelers have a terrible year on offense: Team needs a big-time RB from the first round or two of the draft!

It is going to be a long off-season. Lots of talk about power running and what not. Can't wait.

Exactly. Look at the Rams, they pay Gurley $15million a year to eat up cap space and don't use him. Big waste of money.

[steelreserve]

Looks like someone saw the Titans game last weekend and thinks that's every game.

[BlackAndGold]

Last elite RB to win a SB?

[Fire Goodell]

QB play makes a huge diff on the effectiveness of the RB. Derrick Henry wasn't exactly lighting the world on fire until Tannehil replaced Mariota and started balling out.

With that said, James Conner looked much better with Ben last season for a reason. Easier to run when defenses can't stack 8-9 in the box. On the flipside, when your QB is ranked #30 or worse, you'll likely have a tough time running the ball as well.

[Shoes]

no way, you want to draft a TE early?

.

I would have have been overjoyed if they used their R4 wisely in 2017

[Mojouw]

Looks like someone saw the Titans game last weekend and thinks that's every game.

QB play makes a huge diff on the effectiveness of the RB. Derrick Henry wasn't exactly lighting the world on fire until Tannehil replaced Mariota and started balling out.

With that said, James Conner looked much better with Ben last season for a reason. Easier to run when defenses can't stack 8-9 in the box. On the flipside, when your QB is ranked #30 or worse, you'll likely have a tough time running the ball as well.

Interestingly, I saw a few articles and other internet things that argued that the Pats defense was set-up to allow Henry to ramble (I'm sure their plan was less than he did) and ensure that Tannehill and the new found Titans deep passing game didn't beat them. In a sense, it sorta worked. I mean they only scored 14 points. If the Pats offense had functioned this weekend, they likely win....

Not sure I totally buy into all that, but the article might be a bit of an over-reaction.

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Exactly. Look at the Rams, they pay Gurley $15million a year to eat up cap space and don't use him. Big waste of money.

Cards and David Johnson. Had to trade for Kenyan Drake.

I'm sure the "truth" lies somewhere in the middle of "meh, any RB will do" and "Pay all RBs 15+ million dollars". Honestly, if Conner could stay healthy, none of this conversation would be taking place. He's pretty good when he is fully healthy.

[Fire Goodell]

Interestingly, I saw a few articles and other internet things that argued that the Pats defense was set-up to allow Henry to ramble (I'm sure their plan was less than he did) and ensure that Tannehill and the new found Titans deep passing game didn't beat them. In a sense, it sorta worked. I mean they only scored 14 points. If the Pats offense had functioned this weekend, they likely win....

Not sure I totally buy into all that, but the article might be a bit of an over-reaction.

It was Tannehill's deep passing threat that caused them to back off and let Henry get his yards. You can bet if they faced a Mason Rudolph or Devlin Hodges it'd be cover zero and 9-10 in the box daring us to do anything but run.

[tube517]

Didn't we have threads talking about Gurley, Johnson and Leave'on being the "elite" RBs just a couple of years ago?

[Fire Goodell]

Didn't we have threads talking about Gurley, Johnson and Leave'on being the "elite" RBs just a couple of years ago?

Yep and they're all nobodies now with 0 playoff appearances between any of them this year. Paying RB's a high salary doesn't equate to wins.

Last time I remember an elite RB winning a SB was the Broncos with TD, but they did have that Elway fella that was pretty good. Adrian Peterson never sniffed a SB, got close once, the season when Favre was the QB. QB's matter, RB's do not (unless you have a QB, which brings it back to point one).

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Last elite RB to win a SB?

Maybe Marshawn Lynch.

But Ray Rice, Lynch, CJ Anderson, LeGarret Blount, Sony Michel, Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, etc all had big roles in their respective teams playoff and Super Bowl wins.

[Fire Goodell]

Maybe Marshawn Lynch.

But Ray Rice, Lynch, CJ Anderson, LeGarret Blount, Sony Michel, Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, etc all had big roles in their respective teams playoff and Super Bowl wins.

Lynch's QB is pretty much a future first ballot HoF QB

[GBMelBlount]

An improved OL will upgrade the entire offense and keep Ben upright.

I would be fine if they double dipped OL and picked up a good TE/receiver.

[BlackAndGold]

Lynch's QB is pretty much a future first ballot HoF QB

and elite defense. They blew the doors off of Denver. 43-8.

[Craic]

I am one of those odd ducks that would like to see us move up in the second round and grab a RB if one falls to upper-middle. However, I don't believe RB = Championship. I do believe a well-rounded back = better blocking, another receiver, and a stronger run game provided he can stay healthier than Conner.

[43Hitman]

I am one of those odd ducks that would like to see us move up in the second round and grab a RB if one falls to upper-middle. However, I don't believe RB = Championship. I do believe a well-rounded back = better blocking, another receiver, and a stronger run game provided he can stay healthier than Conner.

This is where I fall as well. I also have a man-crush on Najee Harris.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Lynch's QB is pretty much a future first ballot HoF QB

….and he threw an INT in the end zone in the Super Bowl to lose the game...so what is your point?

[pczach]

Interestingly, I saw a few articles and other internet things that argued that the Pats defense was set-up to allow Henry to ramble (I'm sure their plan was less than he did) and ensure that Tannehill and the new found Titans deep passing game didn't beat them. In a sense, it sorta worked. I mean they only scored 14 points. If the Pats offense had functioned this weekend, they likely win....

Not sure I totally buy into all that, but the article might be a bit of an over-reaction.

People get all bent out of shape when they hear running team=not many points. The truth is, a dominant running game eats up a lot of clock. That limits the number of possessions in a game by both teams. Naturally, the scores are lower, but that is by design. If you can run the ball and execute long drives, it limits how many times your opponent's offense gets the ball. It also gives your defense a lot of rest which makes them more effective. You own the time of possession and it wears down the opponent's defense and demoralizes them. A power running game also really comes in handy when you are trying to get into a 4 minute offense to run out the clock and finish games.

It is always better having an offense that can run the ball well and pass the ball at will that can score tons of points and run away from your opponents. The trick is being able to run the ball when the other team knows you are going to run. If you can do that as an offense, you are nearly unstoppable and you can dictate to your opponents.

[Mojouw]

People get all bent out of shape when they hear running team=not many points. The truth is, a dominant running game eats up a lot of clock. That limits the number of possessions in a game by both teams. Naturally, the scores are lower, but that is by design. If you can run the ball and execute long drives, it limits how many times your opponent's offense gets the ball. It also gives your defense a lot of rest which makes them more effective. You own the time of possession and it wears down the opponent's defense and demoralizes them. A power running game also really comes in handy when you are trying to get into a 4 minute offense to run out the clock and finish games.

It is always better having an offense that can run the ball well and pass the ball at will that can score tons of points and run away from your opponents. The trick is being able to run the ball when the other team knows you are going to run. If you can do that as an offense, you are nearly unstoppable and you can dictate to your opponents.

Sure. I can't speak for anyone else, but for me it is all about efficiency. How many times did you have the ball and how many times did you do something with it?

By my quick accounting the Titans scored points on 2/9 drives. While the Patriots got points on 3/10 drives. Any way you slice that, it is pretty darn ineffective on either offense. Both teams, even with a defensive struggle or running game based time of possession slug-fest had plenty of opportunities to put up some points.

Also, FWIW - the Titans had the ball for only 2 minutes and 18 seconds more than the Patriots did. I suspect the Patriots 38 % conversion rate on 3rd downs might have a ton to do with why they lost...

[steelcityboyz]

….and he threw an INT in the end zone in the Super Bowl to lose the game...so what is your point?

Dude needs to prove a whole lot more before I crown him a first ballot Hall of Famer.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Dude needs to prove a whole lot more before I crown him a first ballot Hall of Famer.

Not ready to crown him just yet?

Funny thing is.....if they hand the ball off to Lynch instead of throwing the INT to Malcom Butler....media and fans(including fans on this board) will be saying "Russell Wilson has won 2 Super Bowl titles." Reality is that its a team game, but too many judge QB on championships.

[Fire Goodell]

….and he threw an INT in the end zone in the Super Bowl to lose the game...so what is your point?

My point is elite RB's won't carry a team to a championship, but a QB can. The best Lynch did without good QB play was 8-8 and a divisional round appearance lol. Would the team do better with Le'Veon Bell and Duck Hodges or Ben and Conner?

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Not ready to crown him just yet?

Funny thing is.....if they hand the ball off to Lynch instead of throwing the INT to Malcom Butler....media and fans(including fans on this board) will be saying "Russell Wilson has won 2 Super Bowl titles." Reality is that its a team game, but too many judge QB on championships.

Well considering QB is the most important position in football, yeah they get judged on championships. And nobody's denying that the guy lost them the game vs NE, doesn't make him any less good when you look at his entire body of work. He probably would be the frontrunner for NFL MVP if not for Jackson blowing it up.

[GBMelBlount]

People get all bent out of shape when they hear running team=not many points. The truth is, a dominant running game eats up a lot of clock. That limits the number of possessions in a game by both teams. Naturally, the scores are lower, but that is by design. If you can run the ball and execute long drives, it limits how many times your opponent's offense gets the ball. It also gives your defense a lot of rest which makes them more effective. You own the time of possession and it wears down the opponent's defense and demoralizes them. A power running game also really comes in handy when you are trying to get into a 4 minute offense to run out the clock and finish games.

It is always better having an offense that can run the ball well and pass the ball at will that can score tons of points and run away from your opponents. The trick is being able to run the ball when the other team knows you are going to run. If you can do that as an offense, you are nearly unstoppable and you can dictate to your opponents.

Debates on running backs vs. receivers/TEs vs. QB's vs. Oline is like watching groundhog day. It is hard to have everything...especially when you are invested in a top-shelf defense.

The most important for offense today (imo) is a good QB and quality offensive line.

Sure, everything matters, but if you have good receivers/TE and a good running back with a marginal QB/Oline it will be tough to go far imo.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

My point is elite RB's won't carry a team to a championship, but a QB can. The best Lynch did without good QB play was 8-8 and a divisional round appearance lol. Would the team do better with Le'Veon Bell and Duck Hodges or Ben and Conner?

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Yes, its always been a QB driven league, even in the 60's, 70's, 80's when everybody was looking for Namath, Starr, Unitas, Bradshaw, Staubach, Stabler, etc. and while the rules have made the game more pass friendly and easier to pass than run, its still important to have a running game, while not needing a 1500 yard rusher.

Still in your comparison, Bell, Ben, Conner are all NFL caliber players that have been to a pro bowl, Duck Hodges will only ever get to a cereal bowl, so putting him in the conversation isn't relative.