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Conner was a third-round choice in 2017. Snell was a fourth-round choice last season. The distinction in pedigree is negligible. Conner is a better receiver than Snell, and proficient at blitz pickup. None of that matters if Conner cant play.
After a dicey start, Roethlisberger knocked off the rust with an eight-play, 78-yard two-minute drill (an 85-second drill, to be exact) at the end of the very first half and never ever recalled.
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But the time has come for Benny Snell football, and for Conner to be a backup. That presumes Conners breakable body can handle even that.
Conner left Mondays video game at the New York Giants in the 2nd quarter with an ankle problem. He had six carries for 9 lawns.
He had zip on the ball. The elbow seems fine. If Roethlisberger didnt make all the tosses, he will.
However Johnson settled in, impressing with his durability and finishing with six catches for 57 lawns on a team-high 10 targets. Hes no Antonio Brown, however Johnson might yet assume Browns old function and supply Roethlisberger a rhythm receiver that Smith-Schuster can complement.
Smith-Schuster had six catches and two ratings. His fumble healing was a game-saver. Essential, he was lit. Litty, even.
Because of injury, Conner was sidelined 6 video games last season. In 17 of the Steelers last 21 contests, Conner has either missed out on the video game completely or left it early because hes injured.
Hes got as numerous 100-yard games this year as Conner had in all of 2019. Snell has one key capability Conner does not: Availability.
Had Conner remained healthy in this, the final season of his contract, the Steelers would have likely discovered a method to keep him. The Steelers like the male, they like the story, and they like the gamer when hes healthy.
The Steelers should move on from Conner as their No. 1 running back.
Snell came off the bench Monday and made that decision obvious, although what coach Mike Tomlin eventually does is far from certain.
James Washington utilized second (maybe third) effort on the touchdown catch-and-bash that put the Steelers ahead for great.
The receiving situation is compelling. The depth was on screen, even if new tight end Eric Ebron was slightly quiet and novice Chase Claypool (who made the finest catch of the night, a 28-yard toe-tapper at the sideline in the first quarter) appeared a bit underutilized.
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Snell had 113 yards on 19 brings. Hes got as many 100-yard video games this year as Conner had in all of 2019. Snells 30-yard run in the last quarter established the Steelers clinching and last touchdown.
Thats over. It needs to be. Conner cant be trusted.
Conner is a much better receiver than Snell, and good at blitz pickup. Maybe Conners body is susceptible because of his cancer treatments. When Conner got hurt Monday on top of his injury-riddled current past, the only 2 words to explain the situation are: Enough already.
Conner will recover. He might yet compose another engaging chapter. It can be included in his books 2nd printing.
Ben Roethlisberger can be.
James Conner is a fantastic story. Pitt guy. Cancer survivor. Weve heard the narrative umpteen times, and it is certainly inspiring. Conner even wrote a book.
Is Conner unwilling to play through pain? Is he physically unable to deal with a career in pro football? These concerns can reasonably be asked.
But the main receiving parts were Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson.
When Conner got hurt Monday on top of his injury-riddled recent past, the only 2 words to explain the circumstance are: Enough currently. Conner is footballs Beau Bennett. (Sorry, Beau.).
Johnson had a rough start: He muffed a first-quarter punt that provided the Giants the ball on the Pittsburgh 3. He and Roethlisberger appeared to be using various playbooks early in the game.
Snells fumble duly kept in mind– JuJu Smith-Schuster bailed him out with a heads-up healing worthy of TikTok– Snell ran hard and well. Hes only 5-foot-10, however hes got power.
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Mark Madden Columns|Sports|Steelers/NFL.
Thats simply unacceptable. It deprives the offense of continuity and rhythm.
Perhaps Conners body is susceptible due to the fact that of his cancer treatments. Thats not the Steelers issue.
More essential, hes not constantly limping. When Snell goes down, he gets up. Snell has one key capability Conner does not: Availability.
