35 carries !!

[feltdizz]

Not sure where you got that info, but what I read makes a whole lot more sense. As we've all witnessed, seems Conner runs the ball well whenever he got the call.

.....BUT, the coaches are suggesting he just isn't very ready in his blocking assignments. One of his missed blitz assignments led directly to a Roethlisberger interception in the JAC game. Now you might say don't put him in on pass plays, but the reality is run plays are often switched to passes given the defensive looks. So Conner not playing is more about protecting the QB than about spelling LB.

Makes sense... I think both of you guys are correct. Bell doesnt like coming off the field because he says he wants as many touches as possible to stay in rhythm.

and I believe Conner was picked to replace D' Angelo so he is insurance. He isnt there to split carries. It eoild be nice to get a few leads early so we can grind a few games away with Conner

[fordfixer]

From what I read from Mike Tomlin and Todd Haley interviews, I think most of the reason they continue to give Bell 35 carries is that is what he demands, and they don't want him to be unhappy. If they put Conner in, Bell becomes grouchy. Even if ultimately it would be better for him and I think for the team.

Bell grouchy, MB vents on social media, and wants out of Pittsburgh.AB throwing a water cooler, and Ben’s a Drama Queen. Have I missed anyone... oops How could O forget about JuJu’s bike? This is quite a Soap Opera we have here.

[Steelerphile]

Not sure where you got that info, but what I read makes a whole lot more sense. As we've all witnessed, seems Conner runs the ball well whenever he got the call.

.....BUT, the coaches are suggesting he just isn't very ready in his blocking assignments. One of his missed blitz assignments led directly to a Roethlisberger interception in the JAC game. Now you might say don't put him in on pass plays, but the reality is run plays are often switched to passes given the defensive looks. So Conner not playing is more about protecting the QB than about spelling LB.

If a guy misses one block, I don't think that should lead to a six game benching. A lot of players missed blocks in the first few games, and running game stalled. They kept playing and the blocking improved. You improve by playing. Rosie Nix is killing them blocking, right now but I think it took a few games for him to get up to that speed.

Conner is definitely big and tough, and able to block. I hear Haley say Bell just doesn't want to come out of the game. In the interview with Mike Tomlin that Labriola had, Tomlin expressed his confidence in Bell's conditioning and ability to play with the workload he has, but also said Bell chirped when they put Conner in at the end of the last game.

That is my feeling, that Bell's insistence on staying in, is a great factor in them not giving Conner more touches.

[Steelerphile]

Makes sense... I think both of you guys are correct. Bell doesnt like coming off the field because he says he wants as many touches as possible to stay in rhythm.

and I believe Conner was picked to replace D' Angelo so he is insurance. He isnt there to split carries. It eoild be nice to get a few leads early so we can grind a few games away with Conner

They should "share" carries not split them evenly. Should be 75% Bell, 25% Conner. not 91% Bell 9% Conner.

[feltdizz]

They should "share" carries not split them evenly. Should be 75% Bell, 25% Conner. not 91% Bell 9% Conner.

its a long season. I expected about 5 to 6 touches a game and some short yardage, RZ attempts but given the way Bell is running right now I can see why coaches are sticking with him. If Ben was throwing more TD’s I think Conner would see more playing time.

[Mr.wizard]

The problem for Conner is his inexperience in pass protection and his ineffectiveness as a receiver out of the backfield. This limits his snaps because we need Bell in there on third downs. As far as using him when we have a lead, the reason Bell stays in the game for those situations is because he is able to run against a stacked box and Bell secures the ball better than anyone.

[pittpete]

Would be nice to get a BIG lead in a game so we could then put in Conner.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Would be nice to get a BIG lead in a game so we could then put in Conner.

Yeah, I read that's what they feel they need to put Connor in the game (can't remember if it was Tomlin or Haley, or maybe something Labriola wrote).

[pittpete]

Maybe giving the ball to connor inside the 10 might not be a bad idea instead of kicking FG's

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Maybe giving the ball to connor inside the 10 might not be a bad idea instead of kicking FG's

Then they stack the line, so we have to (or should) audible into a pass play ... then Connor turns into a blocker and is responsible for Ben's health. No prob if he can block well, potential disaster if he can't.

Is it well-established, or just urban rumor, that he can't block well?

[NorthCoast]

Then they stack the line, so we have to (or should) audible into a pass play ... then Connor turns into a blocker and is responsible for Ben's health. No prob if he can block well, potential disaster if he can't.

Is it well-established, or just urban rumor, that he can't block well?

I don't know that it's his technique that's being questioned, it's more about knowing who to pick up in the rush.

[pittpete]

Then they stack the line, so we have to (or should) audible into a pass play ... then Connor turns into a blocker and is responsible for Ben's health. No prob if he can block well, potential disaster if he can't.

Is it well-established, or just urban rumor, that he can't block well?

Perfect time for play action then...Theres also no written rule that you send on 3 TE's when your going to run the ball...LOL

[RuthlessBurgher]

We really need to monitor Bell's workload this weekend against Indy, because if we overload him on Sunday, he may be a shell of himself since we play again only 4 days later on Thursday night. It's the perfect opportunity to see what Conner can do with 8-10 carries, and maybe even another 3-5 carries for Terrell Watson as well.

[pittpete]

I agree, but that all depends on whether or not we let Indy stay around.

[NorthCoast]

I agree, but that all depends on whether or not we let Indy stay around.

The million dollar question; with this team what is the lead you would be comfortable with before swapping guys out? Are 2 TDs enough cushion going into the 4th qtr?