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3 reasons why Steelers should use ‘committee’ approach at running back

By Tommy Jaggi

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with James Conner #30 after 6 yard touchdown reception during the second half in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with James Conner #30 after 6 yard touchdown reception during the second half in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have always relied on a feature back to carry the load. Here’s why they should use a committee approach this season.

From Jerome Bettis to Willie Parker to Rashard Mendenhall to Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers have almost always had a running back with a ‘workhorse’ label. Those days in the NFL should be coming to an end.

It’s time for Pittsburgh to take a page out of Bill Belichick’s playbook and use a ‘committee’ approach at running back.

The Steelers are used to finding one guy that can do some of everything (like Le’Veon Bell) and giving him 350-400 touches a season. Here are three reasons why the Steelers need to forget the workhorse days and start using a committee of running backs:

Keep James Conner healthy

James Conner hasn’t finished a full season in each of his first two years in the NFL. Conner has proven to be a powerful, capable running back with a well-rounded skill set, but has trouble closing out the season due to injuries.

Nothing is more important than making the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl, and the Steelers missed the tournament by one game last season. A healthy James Conner is the first ingredient in a recipe for success at the running back position.

Keep the price tag of running backs down

This may seem like a weird argument, but there is truth to this. Part of the reason Le’Veon Bell was seeking so much money was because of the stats he was able to put up in Pittsburgh. Bell had 3 seasons of over 335 touches and most recently had a 406 touch season in 2017.

It stands to reason that the more touches a running back gets, the more stats he will compile. And with the more stats he will compile, the more he will want to get paid. If we spread these touches out between Conner, Jaylen Samuels, and Benny Snell, it will be easier and cheaper to retain James Conner in the long run for the Steelers.

Keep your running backs fresh

Apart from trying to keep James Conner healthy, the Steelers need to be able to keep their running backs fresh. Le’Veon Bell looked beat at times for the Steelers. Though he carried the ball 321 times for the Steelers in his last season starting, he managed just 3 carries of 20 yards (1 every 111 touches), and took a major dip in his efficiency (4.9 ypc in 2016 to 4.0 ypc in 2017).

Bill Belichick and Sean Payton are experts at keeping running backs fresh and using them to the best of their skill set. It would be beneficial to give James Conner some much needed rest and mix things up with the skill sets of Samuels and Snell.

Next. Social media continues to divide the Pittsburgh Steelers. dark

Some readers may not agree with my logic here, and want the best player on the field at all times. I understand that. However, I think it is important to remember the ultimate goal. If the Steelers can have a fresh and healthy James Conner throughout the playoffs, that will ultimately be better for the team.

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