Conner: RB touches will ‘spread out pretty evenly’
The Pittsburgh Steelers are talking a running back by committee to presence.
What first started as a spark from GM Kevin Colbert, has come to be a full-blown fire since the Steelers finish up minicamp.
The latest to imply an RBBC strategy in Pittsburgh is lead-back James Conner.
“I think it’ll be spread out pretty evenly,” Conner said Wednesday of dispersing conveys in 2019, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
During coach Mike Tomlin’s career, he’s never employed a running back committee. From Willie Parker to Rashard Mendenhall into Le’Veon Bell to Conner last year, he has always working a workhorse. This season could change.
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Colbert suggested a committee strategy after the Steelers drafted Benny Snell from the fourth round. Backup Jaylen Samuels then suggested that he and Conner could see slides together. With a trio of competent backs, the time could be for the Steelers to distribute touches.
If Pittsburgh employs an RBBC, Conner would like you to understand it is not due to injury concerns.
“I’m durable,” Conner said. “I missed a few of games. Regardless of your own body is or what shape you’re in, that occurs. You know that is going to occur.”
In Conner and Samuel, the Steelers have two backs which have shown that they’re effective and bring diverse skillsets to the table. Pittsburgh also loves what they have obtained in Snell. While Tomlin may have preferred to ride 1 horse before, he will employ a stable he can expect today.
Ultimately it comes down to the trainer’s comfort level.
“James’ versatility and degree of conditioning will be variables in that discussion,” Tomlin said when asked about a committee approach. “We’re available to it. All folks are working hard, but there are some other workable guys. It’s simply not a two-man talk at the running back position. I’ve been delighted with the progress of this bigger body.”
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