It's James Conner Time in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by James Conner, won Sunday 33-18 against Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns. James Conner had 146 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Conner was 34 yards shy of running what Baker Mayfield threw on Sunday (180). This was James Conner’s third straight game running for 100+ yards and scoring 2+ touchdowns, his fourth of the season. He is the first back in Steelers history and in the NFL since 2009 to do that. Pending the Patriots Bills game on Monday Night, Conner is third on the NFL’s rushing leaders list with 599 yards. He is also beneficial in the pass game. He averages 10.4 yards per reception. He is 4th in yards from scrimmage with 992. At the end of the day, receiving or rushing, James Conner averages almost six yards per play when he touches the football. Le’Veon Bell is still holding out. The question isn’t will Le’Veon be himself when he comes back, but rather is James Conner the starting back for the Pittsburgh Steelers? It’s only been seven games for the Steelers, but I say yes it is time.

Before I explain, I want to mention that Le’Veon Bell deserves his money. He is a different breed of running back. He creates mismatches in the passing game, he can make any dead play into a large gain. I love that he is holding out. He is doing what is best for him, but he has gone too far. Le’Veon Bell not only isn’t playing, but he is rusting and watching James Conner take his job.

James Conner is on pace for 1,369 rushing yards on the season. Yes, he did have down games against the Chiefs and Ravens, but the Steelers were down most the game against the Chiefs—running the ball wasn’t a top priority at that point. The Ravens' rush defense at that point of the year was averaging 63 yards rushing on the road. Conner only had nine carries in that game, not enough to really make an impact. Le’Veon Bell is a better back, he is more consistent. However, this is Conner’s second season, first as a starter. He has shown the ability to break tackles and he has learned patience like Le’Veon Bell. Since Conner hasn’t had a full slate of games as a starter, let’s compare Bell’s rookie year and second year to Conner this season.

Conner was not a starter last season, but this is the first year he’s been the number one guy. Let’s see how Bell and Conner compare. Keep in mind I already mentioned most of Conner’s stats in the beginning. Please refer to his stats to compare.

Bell in 2013 (rookie) played 13 games had 244 carries and rushed for 860 yards. He averaged 66 yards per game on the ground. Now, if he played a full slate of games, Bell would have been at roughly 300 carries with 1,060 rushing yards on the season. Conner did not get many touches or receptions his rookie season, it is uncomparable. He wasn’t even a starter because of Bell. Comparing this season to Bell’s rookie season, Conner is on pace to destroy that. Let’s look at Bell’s second season. In 2014, he had 290 carries for 1,361 rushing yards in 16 games. Conner is on pace to reach 290 carries with 1,369 rushing yards. Very similar stat line. If Conner reaches that, he will average 4.72 yards on the ground just like Le’Veon Bell in 2014. That is a difference of .02 (but let’s just round Conner’s down). In the air (2014), Bell had 83 receptions for 854 yards. Conner this season is on pace to have 71 receptions for 738 yards. Bell’s average yards per catch in 2014 was 10.3, Conner is on pace to average 10.4 yards per catch. Bell is great there is no denying that, but I wouldn’t replace Conner right now. He is on pace to being the next Le’Veon Bell, why not give him a shot? You gave Bell a chance and he played better than expected. I wouldn’t ruin that moment for a guy who not only played college in the same stadium, but is so humble and ready to step up for that city. Conner is hot right now and only getting better each game he plays in.

The Steelers head to Baltimore to face the Ravens in a huge matchup. The Ravens are coming off two big losses. They gave up 156 yards on the ground against the Panthers and defensively average just under 100 rushing yards per game. I think Conner will get redemption and plenty of carries in this game. Under Big Ben, the Steelers have lost seven times in Baltimore, but the Steelers are undefeated on the road this season. With a Ravens loss to the Saints and Panthers, they will be hungry, but may also be on their heals going into this game. They need a win desperately to avoid going into a deep hole. Conner will be a key to the Steelers getting a win Sunday. Conner’s first game against the Ravens was an early season test for the Steelers. After destroying the Browns on the ground week one, he had no opportunities against the Chiefs or Ravens because they jumped on the Steelers early. I believe Conner didn’t get enough reps and wasn’t used as much because the Steelers, like against the Chiefs, struggled defensively against the Ravens the first time. This defense is playing well, the Ravens are struggling, Conner and the offense are on fire right now. The Steelers and Ravens usually split the season series, I think Conner and company can secure the victory without Le’Veon Bell.

You be the judge, Le’Veon Bell is probably the safe bet when it comes to who you should pick as your running back because you know the type of player he is. He can produce and help win games, he’s proven that. Is Bell worth the money? Absolutely, but you may have a future with Conner as well. Conner might not be a future Bell, but he is on pace to do great things for the Steelers and maybe for a cheaper contract down the rode. Can James Conner help bring a Super Bowl back to the Steel City? It may be too early to tell, but the way he has been playing this season, he certainly isn’t hurting the Steelers chances. I believe in James Conner and his abilities, do you?