Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 questions the coaches need to start answering in Week 9

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 28: Justin Hunter #11 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs up field after a catch as T.J. Carrie #38 of the Cleveland Browns attempts a tackle during the first half in the game at Heinz Field on October 28, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes for a 22 yard touchdown during the fourth quarter in the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on October 28, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

James Conner’s dominance

James Conner may be one of the top five running backs in football. Might be. But even if he’s not, he’s certainly good enough to be the full-time back in Pittsburgh. With one week remaining before Le’Veon Bell declares himself out for 2019, Pittsburgh needs to know what the backfield will look like with two runners.

Someone brought up that Conner may not be as strong as the season progresses. It’s something a lot of people certainly haven’t thought about. But really, it’s only his second season in the NFL and last year he didn’t have much time to wear himself out.

17 games into the season, he may start to slow down. That’s something Pittsburgh needs to evaluate. If the wall is going to be hit, they need to know so they can have a plan in place. Week 9 starts the second half of the season, and the start of the decline, if there is one.

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