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Breaking Down the Reasons Behind the Steelers 0-3 Start

By Chris Ross

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the start of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the start of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 08: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

James Conner

After filling in as Le’Veon Bell’s replacement last season, James Conner was one of the best stories in the NFL. The former Pitt star and cancer survivor burst onto the scene to the tune of 973 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground, allowing the Steelers to thrive without Bell in the lineup. This season, however, Conner has looked like a shell of himself, struggling to recapture his form from last season. Injuries have played a part in his struggles, but Conner also looks like a different runner in this offense.

Part of what allowed Conner to play so well last season was his decisiveness and burst. Through three games, though, we have seen a version of Conner that looks timid and unsure of himself. Part of this stems from the offensive line failing to get any push off the line of scrimmage, but Conner deserves plenty of blame for not taking advantage of the opportunities he does get. With an average of 2.9 yards per carry, he has only been able to muster up 97 yards on the ground. As a receiver, Conner has been a reliable option, but until he gets it going as a runner, this offense will remain stagnant.

With a young quarterback for the rest of the season, the running game is crucial to take the pressure off the passing game and allow Pittsburgh to remain competitive. Hopefully, Conner can get back into form or else the team may need to look elsewhere for a spark.

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