James Conner

[pittpete]

1 rush for 12 yards.
19 for 101 on the year
Is this a Haley decision or a Tomlin decision?
Looking for some articles on this if anyone has them.

I don't understand why we wouldn't want to take advantage of both of their different running styles.

[SidSmythe]

He came up limping after that play.
However the knock on James Connor at this point is the fact he's not very good in Pass Pro

[Ernie]

1 rush for 12 yards.
19 for 101 on the year
Is this a Haley decision or a Tomlin decision?
Looking for some articles on this if anyone has them.

I don't understand why we wouldn't want to take advantage of both of their different running styles.

I read somewhere a few weeks ago... Haley said something about Conner struggling in pass protection. Not trying to justify it, because I'm like you... thinking Conner should be getting some reps. His production warrants it anyways.

[Ernie]

He came up limping after that play.
However the knock on James Connor at this point is the fact he's not very good in Pass Pro

Good call Sid. I read the same thing.

[Steelerphile]

Conner needs to play more. I think it is very obvious. Leveon looks sluggish. He is averaging 3.8 yards a carry. The lowest of his career. He had a really good game in Kansas City but overall this year, he is not vying for best back in the NFL. Conner comes in a looks really good and I am thinking, let's see more and they go right back to Leveon.

I don't think a missed block or even two missed blocks in pass protection justifies not giving Conner more carries. They need the running game to have their offense move. Conner is fresh and it's time to really see what he can do. If they don't give Conner some more touches Thursday on this short week, I think they are certifiably nuts.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Conner needs to play more. I think it is very obvious. Leveon looks sluggish. He is averaging 3.8 yards a carry. The lowest of his career. He had a really good game in Kansas City but overall this year, he is not vying for best back in the NFL. Conner comes in a looks really good and I am thinking, let's see more and they go right back to Leveon.

I don't think a missed block or even two missed blocks in pass protection justifies not giving Conner more carries. They need the running game to have their offense move. Conner is fresh and it's time to really see what he can do. If they don't give Conner some more touches Thursday on this short week, I think they are certifiably nuts.

I see both sides. If the other teams know we don't trust Connor to block, then they know when he's in it's going to be a running play. How well will that work out?

And I sure don't want him in there if it's a passing play, unless it's something like a roll out to the other side or something (but even then if Connor whiffs on the block the only thing between him and our season ending is his yelling to Ben, "I missed, get down, get down, get down!!".

OK, so that's a bit over the top, but I guess I kind of see Haley's point on this one ...

[Steelerphile]

I see both sides. If the other teams know we don't trust Connor to block, then they know when he's in it's going to be a running play. How well will that work out?

And I sure don't want him in there if it's a passing play, unless it's something like a roll out to the other side or something (but even then if Connor whiffs on the block the only thing between him and our season ending is his yelling to Ben, "I missed, get down, get down, get down!!".

OK, so that's a bit over the top, but I guess I kind of see Haley's point on this one ...

I really think if Conner gets some playing time, that blocking issue will disappear in the wind. He is a top caliber back.

[Ernie]

I see both sides. If the other teams know we don't trust Connor to block, then they know when he's in it's going to be a running play. How well will that work out?

And I sure don't want him in there if it's a passing play, unless it's something like a roll out to the other side or something (but even then if Connor whiffs on the block the only thing between him and our season ending is his yelling to Ben, "I missed, get down, get down, get down!!".

OK, so that's a bit over the top, but I guess I kind of see Haley's point on this one ...

If he's that big of a liability in pass coverage (preventing him from stepping on the field) then he should have never have been taken where they took him in the draft.

[Ernie]

I really think if Conner gets some playing time, that blocking issue will disappear in the wind. He is a top caliber back.

I like this! Honestly (and I know Bell has a completely different style), but Conner in his limited action looks more explosive. As has been stated, Bell looks sluggish. I know part of it is his style.. waiting for creases to develop... but it looks like his acceleration isn't what it used to be. Would love to see me some Conner (10-12 touches) per game.

[Mr.wizard]

I really think if Conner gets some playing time, that blocking issue will disappear in the wind. He is a top caliber back.

Conner is a top caliber back?

[pittpete]

I read the same thing.
Here's a brilliant idea though.
Use him to run the ball and not in pass protection...

[pittpete]

I see both sides. If the other teams know we don't trust Connor to block, then they know when he's in it's going to be a running play. How well will that work out?

And I sure don't want him in there if it's a passing play, unless it's something like a roll out to the other side or something (but even then if Connor whiffs on the block the only thing between him and our season ending is his yelling to Ben, "I missed, get down, get down, get down!!".

OK, so that's a bit over the top, but I guess I kind of see Haley's point on this one ...

You could also use that against an opponent.

Be honest though, how many times can you predict what we're going to do on almost any given play?

[Steelerphile]

Conner is a top caliber back?

He was certainly top caliber in college. Averages 5.3 in the pros so far. so far he is top caliber. You may not like him but he needs to play so we can see further.

[Ernie]

He was certainly top caliber in college. Averages 5.3 in the pros so far. so far he is top caliber. You may not like him but he needs to play so we can see further.

Agreed that it's "To be determined". I haven't seen anything yet that would suggest he doesn't have the potential to be top tier.

[Mr.wizard]

He was certainly top caliber in college. Averages 5.3 in the pros so far. so far he is top caliber. You may not like him but he needs to play so we can see further.

Whoa Whoa Whoa, who said I didn't like him? He is only averaging 5.3 ypg because he has only carried the ball 19 times in 9 games that is not an accurate measuring stick. He hasn't had to run between the tackles, he hasn't had to pass protect, and he hasn't had to catch the ball out of the backfield. Being able to do those things well in practice will get him more snaps, he doesn't even get in the game in short yardage, we put in Watson. Not sure how you can say he is a top caliber back he hasn't proven anything except that he can give you a good run occasionally.