5 Steelers who will be critical to Pittsburgh’s success down the stretch

RB James Conner

The expression ‘you get what you pay for’ is a perfect way to describe James Conner. Though the running back made the Pro Bowl in 2018 (a fan-voted honor, mind you), he has been less than spectacular in almost every facet of the game – solidifying the notion that he should not have been taken any higher than the third round a few years back.

Conner has had some impressive games this year. From Weeks 2 to 6, he topped 100 rushing yards and 5.0 yards per carry on three separate occasions. During that stretch, he also punched in four rushing touchdowns while giving Steelers fans false hope in Pittsburgh’s run game. However, it wouldn’t last.

While all the struggles on the ground may not be his fault, Conner has been very pedestrian this year, and he hasn’t given the Steelers any reason to seriously consider signing him to an extension – even if the price is right. In order to have a truly successful offense in the final games of the season against competent teams like the Bills and Colts, Pittsburgh must be able to run the ball, and James Conner will either be part of the problem or part of the solution.