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Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 things we learned in win over Baltimore

By Zack Goncz

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws the ball in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws the ball in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Running Back James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is tackled as he carries the ball by cornerback Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Running Back James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is tackled as he carries the ball by cornerback Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

The Pittsburgh Steelers went to face their old rival in Baltimore. They didn’t run away with it but  controlled the game throughout and walked away with a 23-16 win, holding on to the lead in the AFC North.

The Steelers showed what a different team they are from the last time they faced off against the Ravens. They started the season with both sides of the ball struggling to make up for All-Pro talent in Bell and Shazier. It’s a testament to both the players and coaches that they so confidently controlled the game to maintain their place atop the AFC North.

The game started off with a classy tribute to the tragedy in Pittsburgh a week ago from the Ravens franchise. As a Pittsburgh fan, you have to tip your cap to move like that. The teams traded scores and neither truly dominated the other but Pittsburgh consistently outpaced the Ravens and came away with the win, 23-16.

Here’s what we learned:

James Conner is having a Pro Bowl season

We’ve learned so much about James Conner this year. We learned he’s good. We learned he’s a true NFL starter talent, beyond a backup. Now, looking at the stats, we’re starting to figure out he’s in the middle of a ProBowl caliber season. He may be too young or too new for ProBowl voters to recognize the name, but his stats are easily ProBowl worthy.

He ran for 107 yards on Sunday and caught another 56. He caught a touchdown as well. For the season, he’s second among backs with 135.6 yards per game. He’s got 706 yards on the ground, 2nd in the league behind Todd Gurley. He has 379 receiving yards, 5th among running backs. He’s also got 10 touchdowns, which is 4th in league. Six running backs go to the ProBowl each year. By every measure, Conner should be one of those six.

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