When James Conner took over at the Pittsburgh Steelers starting running back, no one knew exactly what they were getting. Conner, the team’s third-round pick back in 2017. He was highly productive in college but known more as a workhorse and a grinder than a breakaway back.
However, 2018 proved a smart, talented football player can re-invent themselves as a player and adapt to the needs of the team. According to Pro Football Focus, Conner had a 34.9 percent breakaway percentage. This means nearly 35 percent of his total rushing yards came on runs over 15 yards.
As a point of comparison, Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants led the league with 54 percent.
Conner had nine runs of 20 yards or more last season in 215 carries. As a point of comparison, in 2017, Le’Veon Bell had three runs of 20 yards or more on 321 carries. Conner’s ability to get through tackles and accelerate through the hole makes him the ideal feature back.
But the addition of Benny Snell Jr. is such a fascinating dynamic with what Conner does well. They really could be a thunder and lightning rushing attack this season.
