Still Curtain
FanSided

We learned a lot in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason opener

By Noah Strackbein

James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 09: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs past Kamu Grugier-Hill #54 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter during the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 9, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 09: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs past Kamu Grugier-Hill #54 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter during the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 9, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

James Conner is the real deal

People are still skeptical of James Conner’s improvement this offseason. He’s received more hype than anyone on the roster, and last night could’ve doubled that or eliminated it. Well, he made the case that his performance in practice wasn’t a fluke.

He only rushed the ball four times for 25 yards, but you saw the confidence in his play. His biggest issue last season was being hesitant with the ball. The concern was that he couldn’t turn big runs because he wasn’t running through holes quick enough.

He showed promise in changing that, last night. When he touched the ball he was looking north and south. His body improvement this offseason, and a change in running style can go a long way in his success in the NFL.

Bell is still the starter, but each week, Conner can make a stronger case to earn more reps. Week 1 only showed a sample. The next three games could provide more time for Conner to show his improvement.

Home/Steelers News