Todd Haley: James Conner needs to improve in pass protection
by Bryan DeArdo
13 hours ago
Todd Haley answered Steeler Nation's question about James Conner's lack of playing time through seven games.
Haley was asked about his rookie running back's progress thus far, as Conner has rushed for 88 yards on 17 carries. Conner has not received more than four carries in a single game but has had at least one carry in six of Pittsburgh's first seven games.
"James has shown some good things as a runner," Haley said, per Steelers reporter Mike Prisuta. "Protection-wise, he's had a couple little slip-ups that can't happen."
Haley's explanation helps explain why Conner hasn't received more playing time despite Le'Veon Bell having 25 more carries than the second leading ballcarrier, Chiefs rookie Kareem Hunt. After rushing for 144 yards on 35 carries against the Ravens in Week 4, Bell has reeled off back-to-back 30-plus carry games that includes his 35-carry, 134-yard effort in Pittsburgh's Week 7 victory over Cincinnati. Pittsburgh is 4-0 this season in games where Bell has had at least 27 carries.
Earlier this month, Mike Tomlin was asked by Steelers.com if he would be interested in using Conner and Bell together at some point this season.
"A couple of things have to fall in line to see it evolve, but I’m open to it," Tomlin said. "I’m sure we will see it, and it will be interesting when we do."
While Tomlin and Haley seem open to incorporating him more in the offense, it's clear that Conner will have to become more consistent in pass protection if he is to make a bigger impact during his rookie season.
https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburg...mes-Conner-needs-to-improve-in--109491547/Amp
by Bryan DeArdo
13 hours ago
Todd Haley answered Steeler Nation's question about James Conner's lack of playing time through seven games.
Haley was asked about his rookie running back's progress thus far, as Conner has rushed for 88 yards on 17 carries. Conner has not received more than four carries in a single game but has had at least one carry in six of Pittsburgh's first seven games.
"James has shown some good things as a runner," Haley said, per Steelers reporter Mike Prisuta. "Protection-wise, he's had a couple little slip-ups that can't happen."
Haley's explanation helps explain why Conner hasn't received more playing time despite Le'Veon Bell having 25 more carries than the second leading ballcarrier, Chiefs rookie Kareem Hunt. After rushing for 144 yards on 35 carries against the Ravens in Week 4, Bell has reeled off back-to-back 30-plus carry games that includes his 35-carry, 134-yard effort in Pittsburgh's Week 7 victory over Cincinnati. Pittsburgh is 4-0 this season in games where Bell has had at least 27 carries.
Earlier this month, Mike Tomlin was asked by Steelers.com if he would be interested in using Conner and Bell together at some point this season.
"A couple of things have to fall in line to see it evolve, but I’m open to it," Tomlin said. "I’m sure we will see it, and it will be interesting when we do."
While Tomlin and Haley seem open to incorporating him more in the offense, it's clear that Conner will have to become more consistent in pass protection if he is to make a bigger impact during his rookie season.
https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburg...mes-Conner-needs-to-improve-in--109491547/Amp
