That had more to do with Mason/Duck at QB. Teams had no reason to respect anything downfield so they just packed the box. The Jets with a top running back, Bell, had a worst rushing offense than we did.
With the 124th overall pick, the Steelers select RB Anthony McFarland
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That had more to do with Mason/Duck at QB. Teams had no reason to respect anything downfield so they just packed the box. The Jets with a top running back, Bell, had a worst rushing offense than we did.
Coryea is correct, we had 8-9 man fronts against us all year long. Teams dared Duck to beat them and he couldn't get the job done. We had a pathetic year on offense. Not a single 300 yard passing game. If that defense can play similar to what they did last year, this team will be very dangerous with a healthy Ben and more weapons on offense.
I agree, It will be better for the Run game with Ben as long as the O-line can protect him. I want to see what Mcfarland can do with a QB like Ben, and a fullback like Watt. Hopefully it reminds us all of Dan Krieder blowing up guys in front of Fast Willie. i know thats a huge ask, but we can dream right?
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he’s not trucking anybody but you do see him run through arm tackles. Point being that he does have a strong lower body and is not a guy like Archer or Rainey who goes down with a stiff gust of wind.
Last year, I believe we started the season with 3 RB's and 1 FB. If so, who is the odd man out now? Edmunds and Whyte are pretty much gone. Conner is No. 1 with probably Snell at No. 2 but you could also put Samuels at No. 2 due to his passing game prowess. Where does McFarland even fit in? Is one of those 3 gone or do we go with 4 RB's and 1 FB this year to start the season?? That seems more than a bit overkill but maybe we do.
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Bell's last season with the Steelers:
1,291 yards, 4.0 YPC, 9 TDs in 15 starts
Conner's first season starting post-Bell:
973 yards, 4.5 YPC, 12 TDs in 12 starts
Samuels first season post-Bell:
256 yards, 4.6 YPC, 0 TDs in 3 starts
Keep in mind, with a stacked box, Snell was averaging 4.4 YPC down the stretch. Don't sleep on Snell yet!
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This is what I am going with regarding the guy. It's not right to call him a probowler or a bust, but he showed some stuff on film. Granted, the Terps don't exactly play against the Ratbirds every week, but he may just have it anyway.
True, HE's not a 150-170lb guy like Rainey and Archer. 208 is a good size for him.
True, HE's not a 150-170lb guy like Rainey and Archer. 208 is a good size for him.
Dave Bryan did an excellent breadkdown of every run over 25 in his career. He's not like a normal speed back, only getting big yardage on the edge, he's going between the tackles and one cutting on most of these runs. My favorite runs are the first and last run on this list from 2019. Using his wiggle and vision to pick the right lane for the big gain!
https://Invalid Link - Check SN Hom...mcfarlands-career-explosive-runs-at-maryland/
https://Invalid Link - Check SN Hom...mcfarlands-career-explosive-runs-at-maryland/
Yep that is the difference he can actually cut inside and hit daylight. Good vision. A special burst. The rest of his game will need developing. But there is something to work with.
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Totally disagree, 'running back by committee' hardly ever works out, you need a stud.
Looks like Conner's days as #1 could be numbered
Ed Bouchette expects the Steelers to "cut back" James Conner's carries in 2020.
The Steelers have a mixed bag of sorts at running back. While Conner is still the No. 1 (for now), his leash is going to be extremely short, and Bouchette expects sophomore Benny Snell to get some between-the-tackles work while he sees fourth-round rookie Anthony McFarland as the "most intriguing" of the Steelers' backs. McFarland is a bite-sized 5-foot-8 but packs 208 pounds on his frame and ran a 4.47 forty. Even Kerrith Whyte flashed some big-play ability over the second half of last season. Conner just can't stay healthy and is headed into a contract year.
https://www.rotoworld.com/sports/nfl/football
with the home run speed mcfarland has and he ran 4.4 anythink think in time he could develop into a similar RB like fast willie but not as fast as willie i believe was 4.32 runner, both have the similar once they are outside the burst to take it to the house.
On film, McFarland looks faster than a 4.4
vs Ohio st he looks like he is a 4.3 guy. Glad we go by committee use Conner for 8-15 carries Snell grind out time 5-7 McFarland for those gadget tosses and screens
Dave Bryan broke down McFarland's intermediate runs. If you don't think this back is tough or can break tackles, this will change your mind:
https://Invalid Link - Check SN Hom...land-jr-s-2019-intermediate-runs-at-maryland/
https://Invalid Link - Check SN Hom...land-jr-s-2019-intermediate-runs-at-maryland/
After watching those cut ups from Depot, I'm definitely feeling better about this pick.
Here's another breakdown of his receptions. He's a natural pass catcher.
https://Invalid Link - Check SN Hom...mcfarland-jr-s-career-receptions-at-maryland/
https://Invalid Link - Check SN Hom...mcfarland-jr-s-career-receptions-at-maryland/
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Reggie bush Loves him thinks he could be better than Bell, hope he is right lol
https://twitter.com/blitzvideos/status/1258072334453354497?s=21
https://twitter.com/blitzvideos/status/1258072334453354497?s=21
That's a great point by Reggie. He's shorter, so if he gets even a small crease, he's ripping off yardage. Guy isn't just a speed back, he's got a good blend of high end speed with the strength to break tackles. Now you have to worry about finding him on defense behind our enourmous line, and while you're searching the backfield, he's running by you. Loving this pick more and more each day.
I don't agree he's can be better then Bell yet, different runners, and Bell couldn't outrun defenders, but I'm excited to see his explosiveness put to work for the Steelers this year!
Good video selections by SD and thanks for posting, Cope. I am intrigued. The unquestioned fact is this: If McFarland expects to see the field, he will need to be able to block a 250 lb. linebacker. For whatever criticism I had of Bell's contract idiocy, his holdout, his hesitation behind the LOS, whatever, the guy could and did smash blitzing linebackers.
Not sure McFarland has that capability. We'll see.
Not sure McFarland has that capability. We'll see.
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Colbert's gottA be getting tired of these home runs........... But as a fan, I'll take E'm
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