4 reasons the Steelers will need a new starting RB in 2021

The Steelers don’t trust either player

The final issue was one that was widely apparent in the Steelers’ Week 12 and 13 games against the Ravens and Football Team. Both teams had their struggles in run defense, and it seemed like a game where the Steelers could try to really establish either running back as a potential future starter. With Conner landing on the COVID list, this was the best time for the team to see what they had in their runners.

Instead, the Steelers opted to focus on the passing game. Despite both defenses being worse at defending the run, the team passed the ball 104 times. There didn’t seem to be any sort of hope with the running game. It was seemingly not in the gameplan, as the team put more faith in their passing offense instead. The team didn’t trust either of these two to carry the ball, and it means they likely won’t have faith in them next year.

This lack of trust was never more apparent than on the goal line. The Steelers would make it down to the goal line, and instead of trying to pound the ball in, they opted to throw. This type of scene was commonplace, as the Steelers kept the ball in the air despite the weaknesses that the Ravens and Football Team had. Given the early and constant lead, Snell should have had at least 20 carries in those games, yet the Steelers opted to keep it in the air.

While both Snell and McFarland have obvious talent, there are serious concerns as to how they would handle being a starter full time. Both players have their limitations, and worse yet the Steelers seemingly don’t trust either to be a true starter. All of this together points to the Steelers likely adding a new starting running back next offseason.