4 reasons the Steelers shouldn’t even consider re-signing RB James Conner
By Tommy Jaggi
The scheme is more important than the player carrying the ball
If you know me at all, then you know that I am not a big fan of running backs. In fact, I don’t think there is a position on the field that relies as much on everyone else to do their jobs in order to be successful.
Without a good offensive scheme or competent offensive linemen and tight ends to execute their assignments, a running back will only be able to do so much. We’ve seen this time and again. Essentially, it takes everyone upfront doing their jobs in order for Conner or any other running back to find success on the ground.
The importance of the scheme was evidenced last season. Without Ben Roethlisberger to alleviate pressure and take defenders out of the box, the offensive line had a harder time with their assignments, and the running back had nowhere to go. So far this season, Conner has improved his 4.0 yards per carry in 2019 to 5.6 yards per carry so far this season. However, I’m not convinced that it’s because Conner is suddenly significantly better than he was as a 24-year-old last season.
The offensive scheme and execution are more important to a running back’s success than you might realize. I wouldn’t overrate Conner because of the season he is having so far.