Will the emergence of McFarland change the play calling a bit?

[SteelBuckeye]

Ben can still run. We saw it last week. If the coaches would ever call a bootleg, I bet the defense would not be ready for it. Not that I want Ben to run much. Everyone once in a while when he has a clear path sure.

I agree Conner limits the play calling. He's not a good draw runner either, stop with that on 2nd and long.

You realize that Tape wasn't saying that Conner limits the play calling right? He was saying that the offense as run and called doesn't utilize Conner's strengths effectively. Big difference. And I NEVER want to see them intentionally roll Ben out on a bootleg. Good way to have #2 out on the field for a few weeks.

 

[Hines57]

I think Tomlin is spreading out some of the touches. Snell took charge but then his fumbles dinged him some. He clearly showed he could be a lead back up until he fumbled twice. Conner has bounced back really well. Not sure what we have with McFarland just yet. Not enough tape on him as a Steeler.

 

[Coach]

You realize that Tape wasn't saying that Conner limits the play calling right? He was saying that the offense as run and called doesn't utilize Conner's strengths effectively. Big difference. And I NEVER want to see them intentionally roll Ben out on a bootleg. Good way to have #2 out on the field for a few weeks.

Why not roll Ben out once, it will work because they don't expect it. I disagree, the offense calls to Conner's strengths except for those bad draw plays.

 

[Sarge]

Yes, Conner has been solid vs bad teams early in the year.

Isn't McFarland running against those same bad teams? And you are impressed by seven touches against bad teams? Coach, you are a walking contradiction.

 

[bigben]

Isn't McFarland running against those same bad teams? And you are impressed by seven touches against bad teams? Coach, you are a walking contradiction.

I can't speak for coach, but I am excited to see how Mcfarland develops, we've had 3 years of James Conner, Some great games, alot of injuries, alot of subpar performances.
7 carries is nothing, he still has everything to prove, but he looked fast, and that's exciting to me.

 

[slashsteel]

I can't speak for coach, but I am excited to see how Mcfarland develops, we've had 3 years of James Conner, Some great games, alot of injuries, alot of subpar performances.
7 carries is nothing, he still has everything to prove, but he looked fast, and that's exciting to me.

Guy has two 100 yard games already. I think he is doing well this season so far...

 

[Coach]

Isn't McFarland running against those same bad teams? And you are impressed by seven touches against bad teams? Coach, you are a walking contradiction.

McFarland has a better yards per carry is better. Use your eyes, it's only a matter of time until he breaks one. That's what I see. Conner is gettting some tremendous blocking. My key point is Conner isn't suited to run the type of plays McFarland is. If you want to use history, its not a question of IF, it's WHEN does Conner break down.

Conner had to good games one one lousy game ( Giants where he was 6 carrels for 9 yards total )

 

[slashsteel]

McFarland has a better yards per carry is better. Use your eyes, it's only a matter of time until he breaks one. That's what I see. Conner is gettting some tremendous blocking. My key point is Conner isn't suited to run the type of plays McFarland is. If you want to use history, its not a question of IF, it's WHEN does Conner break down.

Conner had to good games one one lousy game ( Giants where he was 6 carrels for 9 yards total )

 

[Ike Kelly]

McFarland has a better yards per carry is better. Use your eyes, it's only a matter of time until he breaks one. That's what I see. Conner is gettting some tremendous blocking. My key point is Conner isn't suited to run the type of plays McFarland is. If you want to use history, its not a question of IF, it's WHEN does Conner break down.

Conner had to good games one one lousy game ( Giants where he was 6 carrels for 9 yards total )

How about using your head. Maybe if the rookie had close to the same amount of carries as Conner (40) then an apt comparison is in order.

Your key point isn’t new and everyone whose watched JC since his Pitt Panther days knows he’s a North > South runner and not a pitch/sweep to the sidelines playmaker.

Plus, Conner has already broken several long runs, including one of the longest of the year by a RB. Until then McFarland is a rookie who showed some swiftness and speed. If you keep pimping him you are going to turn jinx him into another Chickillo. The kid has shown promise and could be an exciting 3rd down or situational RB. So calm down with your “HOF ability” drama.


Sent from my iPad using Steeler Nation mobile app

 

[Stryker]

McFarland has a better yards per carry is better. Use your eyes, it's only a matter of time until he breaks one. That's what I see. Conner is gettting some tremendous blocking. My key point is Conner isn't suited to run the type of plays McFarland is. If you want to use history, its not a question of IF, it's WHEN does Conner break down.

Conner had to good games one one lousy game ( Giants where he was 6 carrels for 9 yards total )

yea, Conner was LOUSEY against the NYG. If only he didn't fake his ankle injury early in that game...

 

[Sarge]

McFarland has a better yards per carry is better. Use your eyes, it's only a matter of time until he breaks one. That's what I see. Conner is gettting some tremendous blocking. My key point is Conner isn't suited to run the type of plays McFarland is. If you want to use history, its not a question of IF, it's WHEN does Conner break down.

Conner had to good games one one lousy game ( Giants where he was 6 carrels for 9 yards total )

Holy ****. Where to start. Just because I feel emotions should be tempered over McFarland doesn’t mean I am pimping Conner. Try as you might, you cannot **** on the season Conner is having. And saying that Conner can’t run the same types of plays as McFarland is hardly a revelation. Several people, myself included, have said the same thing. Conner is not a sweep kinda back. I would say that in 7 touches, McFarland has shown why he was drafted. He hasn’t emerged. When he has a couple 100 yard games, that’s emerging.

Guy has 6 carries for 42 yards and one of those carries was 20 yards. He has one catch for 7 yards. Better not fit him for that gold jacket and bust at Canton just yet.

 

[Sarge]

And the whole tremendous blocking thing is nonsense. You say that **** like they are only blocking well for Conner and become turnstiles when any other back is in. It’s the same guys blocking for McFarland, Snell and Conner. Without good blocking, you won’t do much on offense no matter who the back is.

 

[Coach]

And the whole tremendous blocking thing is nonsense. You say that **** like they are only blocking well for Conner and become turnstiles when any other back is in. It’s the same guys blocking for McFarland, Snell and Conner. Without good blocking, you won’t do much on offense no matter who the back is.

Blocking can differ from play to play. Try watching the game sport, you'll see that Conner's blocking on some plays has been outstanding, and to top it off if McFarland has the same blocking, he takes it for more yardage.

 

[Sarge]

Blocking can differ from play to play. Try watching the game sport, you'll see that Conner's blocking on some plays has been outstanding,

Wait.....blocking differs from play to play? And sometimes it is outstanding and sometimes it isn't? Holy ****. Say it isn't so.

Ya know, on some plays, Snell has had outstanding blocking, and on a couple plays McFarland has had outstanding blocking. On some plays they haven't. It's football. The defense gets paid too.

and to top it off if McFarland has the same blocking, he takes it for more yardage.

He HAS had the same blocking. IIRC, on his 20 yard carry, McFarland had a nice hole to the left to run through. AV kicked his man out, Feiler picked up the LB and Pouncey took the DT. Opened a nice hole. Hell, even on his first carry there was a nice hole. Like I said, he is getting the same blocking.

Personally, I do not care who starts as long as that person is the best for the job. Conner has done a fine job so far this year, and personally I hope he continues to do so because it likely means increased success for the Steelers. If that person is Snell, Samuels or McFarland, I am fine with that too.

 

[Ike Kelly]

Blocking can differ from play to play. Try watching the game sport, you'll see that Conner's blocking on some plays has been outstanding, and to top it off if McFarland has the same blocking, he takes it for more yardage.

Do you even read your own words before they are posted? You are really laying on thick for six carries. Sounds like you bet your life with someone on this rook.


Sent from my iPad using Steeler Nation mobile app

 

[Stryker]

Do you even read your own words before they are posted? You are really laying on thick for six carries. Sounds like you bet your life with someone on this rook.


Sent from my iPad using Steeler Nation mobile app

He did the same thing with Chickillo. He falls in love with draft picks before they develop. I like what I see so far in McFarland, and I think he has the potential to develop into a good player. If Conner leaves it will be Snell and McFarland battling for top RB and backup RB role, or we may just go to a 2 back system with the change of pace.

And DIC, I pray to be up by 15+ points at the end of a game. My heart would appreciate it!

 

[Ike Kelly]

Cope, I like what I see out him as well. But I don’t see him as a starting back, only as a change of pace. In fact I see him as a Zereoue type player. Loved him when we had him as a change of pace over Bettis. But that year him getting the starting nod (2002/2003?)....just didn’t work out.


Sent from my iPad using Steeler Nation mobile app

 

[bermudasteel]

So far on the season, even with a **** first game, Conner's season is:

1. In the top 10 in rushing yards (8th).
2. One of only 10 players with a run of over 40 yards.
3. His 59 yard run against the Broncos is the 3rd longest run of the season.
4. His average of 5.6 yds/carry is 10th in the league regardless of position, 8th among RBs and 4th among those with at least 40 rushes.

McFarland has 7 touches to his name. Let's keep getting him those touches and hopefully he grows into a potent 1-2 punch with Conner. But, let's not make it seem like Conner hasn't been effective these last two games. Hopefully he stays healthy. Because he's got a special year shaping up so far.

You popped Coach's agenda bubble...

 

[bermudasteel]

Yes, Conner has been solid vs bad teams early in the year. His history even as rookie shows he gets dinged up. The OL has given him great run blocking. McFarland in his 7 touches has impressed. I do think Conner is the better inside runner, I just worry about his durability and fumble issues. A mix of the two is best for now, but I would not be shocked if McFarland is our staring back in 2021.

Najee Harris says, "hi"...

 

[bermudasteel]

I think Tomlin is spreading out some of the touches. Snell took charge but then his fumbles dinged him some. He clearly showed he could be a lead back up until he fumbled twice. Conner has bounced back really well. Not sure what we have with McFarland just yet. Not enough tape on him as a Steeler.

Personally, I think Jay Sam is a better back than McFarland; but that's only due to the body of work I've seen on Jay Sam vs. McFarland. I believe McFarland will be a good back but I don't see a starting back in the NFL at this point in time...

 

[bermudasteel]

McFarland has a better yards per carry is better. Use your eyes, it's only a matter of time until he breaks one. That's what I see. Conner is gettting some tremendous blocking. My key point is Conner isn't suited to run the type of plays McFarland is. If you want to use history, its not a question of IF, it's WHEN does Conner break down.

Conner had to good games one one lousy game ( Giants where he was 6 carrels for 9 yards total )

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/IbnEx7GUoJDX2" width="480" height="447" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/martin-lawrence-show-IbnEx7GUoJDX2">via GIPHY</a></p>

You base your analysis on assumptions...

 

[bermudasteel]

Blocking can differ from play to play. Try watching the game sport, you'll see that Conner's blocking on some plays has been outstanding, and to top it off if McFarland has the same blocking, he takes it for more yardage.

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/xT8qB7Sbwskk27Rdy8" width="480" height="361" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/dave-chappelle-xT8qB7Sbwskk27Rdy8">via GIPHY</a></p>

 

[slashsteel]

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/IbnEx7GUoJDX2" width="480" height="447" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/martin-lawrence-show-IbnEx7GUoJDX2">via GIPHY</a></p>

You base your analysis on assumptions...

He/she is always digging on people use your eyes, etc. To somehow validate his/her drivel.

I am saying he/she until he/she clarifies his/her gauntlet comment. I think cooch might be a her.so I am using both as I don't want to be gender insensitive.

 

[bermudasteel]

He/she is always digging on people use your eyes, etc. To somehow validate his/her drivel.

I am saying he/she until he/she clarifies his/her gauntlet comment. I think cooch might be a her.so I am using both as I don't want to be gender insensitive.

Beeeootch works for either gender...

 

[SteveA]

Guys, Guys....No need to get "married" to one back...We can date a few women at one time, & we certainly can use all our backs...I say get touches to all our backs as we feel the game dick-tates...

We got 3 women, errrrr RB's that all deserve touches in spots...Sometimes you want sweet, sometimes you want hot, sometimes you want light, & sometimes you want rough....

I wanna see two backs in the backfield at the same time....Just like I'm seeing 2 women this Saturday...