Pittsburgh Steelers: Stock rising/falling after embarassing loss to Oakland

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 09: Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers signals first down against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Jaylen Samuels – Stock: Up

Samuels was an afterthought at the start of the season. He was the third back in a backfield that was going to see James Conner backup Le’Veon Bell.

When Bell didn’t show, he then became Conner’s backup for the year. Then came the Chargers game where Conner went down with what wasn’t considered a serious ankle injury at the time.

Fast forward to the Monday after the Chargers loss and the team ruled out James Conner for the Raiders game. Jaylen Samuels had gone from a third option. to backup, to starter in a matter of months, but not because of his performance.

Samuels is a rookie so I did not expect much but he did not throw up a dud. The rookie struggled in the run game but he did do well receiving he ball.

All in all, Jaylen Samuels racked up 18 total touches and 92 total yards. Seven of the touches were catches, which made him 7-for-7 on targets to catches, for 64 yards. He showed he can play to the style that fits the Steelers system but he is not near ready to be a lead guy.

3 most dangerous Patriots in Week 15. dark. Next

Pittsburgh is in deep water and in real danger of losing their playoff spot. The Patriots just lost a stunner last week to Miami so this should be one heck of a match up on Sunday. The Steelers need a win badly and the Patriots are ticked after the way they lost last Sunday.

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