by Bo Marchionte

Entering his fourth season in the National Football League, it is fair to say the career of Steelers James Conner is an enigma.

Conner has been extremely productive as well as injury riddled as his second NFL contract looms after the 2020 season. The possible scenarios of where he will play football next season can stretch as far as the mind can dream.

If the third-round selection in the 2017 draft is productive and healthy, it may signal significant interest from other running back needy NFL franchises. On the other side of the equation will Pittsburgh want to resign Conner if he fails in either of those two categories (production and health).

That is going to be a topic of further discussion that will be worn out by the time free agency rolls around next spring.

Despite what is publicly discussed, it is the interaction with teammates and leadership that the organization witnesses in the film room and team meetings. That is another big positive for Conner who possesses the mindset of a seasoned veteran.

In 2017, he was the rookie. Playing behind Le’Veon Bell and splitting back-up carries with another veteran in Stevan Ridley. With neither back on the current roster it is now Conner who finds himself amid a contract year and leadership role.

“It’s definitely a leadership role,” James Conner said during an Zoom conference call. “It’s my job to get that running back group going. I set the tone every day when I step out there for practice. I teach these young guys. It’s been awesome. I’ve been learning from them, and they’ve been learning from me. It’s been nice.”

His experience cannot go unnoticed.

The collection of carries for the Pittsburgh Steelers amongst his running back teammates equal 254 (Benny Snell Jr. 108, Jaylen Samuels 122, Kerrith Whyte Jr. 24). Conner has 363 carries himself and distinctively is recognized as the workhorse of this young unit.

The selection of Anthony McFarland in the fourth-round of this past April’s NFL Draft places more emphasis on Conner to lead by example and showcase the qualities that made him a team captain at Pitt in 2016.

“We are all learning together. [Anthony McFarland] is looking great being the rookie in the room,” Conner said of the speedy rookie. “He’s learning fast. He’s looking good. He’s eager to learn, asking questions. He’s picking things up as well. We’re all just learning from each other. It’s a group effort going forward. It’s been fun so far.”

Last September when Pittsburgh released its first depth chart, there were three running backs and a fullback retained. Roosevelt Nix is now replaced with Derek Watt at the fullback position leaving an extremely crowded room for the coveted remaining roster spots.

“I feel like there is a lot of options in there,” Eddie Faulkner replied Steelers running back coach to Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 the Fan in Pittsburgh.  “You have experience, for one. Not only at playing running back but also in special teams. Guys who have been production.”

You have a Pro Bowl-type of running back as a starter that, when healthy, is as good as any in the League. You have a bunch of guys that skillsets fit what we look for, whether that is Jaylen Samuels and his versatility. Whether that is Anthony McFarland and his change of direction and burst along with Kerrith White being that similar type of back. Trey Edmunds and Wendell Smallwood, who have a resume, again, not only playing running back but playing special teams.”

Conner expressed that work ethic is the most important factor in the preparation for this up-coming campaign. Despite concerns about his durability over the long haul, Conner was resolute on the way he goes about being in the best shape possible.

I just worked hard. That’s all there is to it,” Conner stated to Mike Prisuta of DVE during the joint media conference call on Zoom. “You just have a work ethic. Every year you attack it. Even though, you’ve got an offseason to prepare for the season. It’s the game of football. Injuries are going to happen, so I don’t really pay attention to what anyone says. Honestly, as long as the people who make the important decisions believe in me, that’s all that matters. I really don’t care what anyone else thinks. The ones who make all the important decisions, they believe in me. I believe in myself. I’ll leave it at that.”

Last year in Pittsburgh the offense was ravished with injuries.

The teams three key cods to the skill positions missed significant time. Ben Roethlisberger, Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster appeared in 24 combine games. Currently the trio is healthy and ready for the on start to this COVID-19 kickoff to the NFL season.

A healthy offensive unit along with his own well being should provided Conner with his best season to date for the Black-N-Gold. In his breakout season of 2018, he had five 100-plus yard rushing games in 12 starts that helped him earn Pro Bowl honors.

Plagued by a one-dimensional offense without Roethlisberger, Conner could only muster up one 100-yard performance, in 2019. In the ten starts from last year only twice did he get over 55 rushing yards.

It is strange theory, but none seems oddly logical.

Should Conner perform to the level of his 2018 performance, he should see big dollars from potential free agent suitors. If 2020 is a duplicate of 2019 then Pittsburgh may elect to change the face of their lead running back.

Regardless if he is retained, Conner is a quality teammate and face for any franchise.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt