5 burning questions the Steelers must answer in 2019

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stiff arms Kenny Young #40 of the Baltimore Ravens as he carries the ball in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

2. Can they run the football?

The Steelers showcased an explosive offense in 2018, but it was entirely too dependent on Roethlisberger’s ability to throw the ball down the field. Tomlin and his coaching staff need to field a much more balanced attack if they want to return to the playoffs this year.

Pittsburgh was once one of the most physical running teams in the NFL, but they only managed to scratch out 90.3 yards per game on the ground last year. That was good for 31st in the league. At the very least, the Steelers need to get back to the middle of the pack this season.

That obviously means that James Conner needs to improve his ability to run the ball between the tackles. He enjoyed a very productive season stepping in for Le’Veon Bell, but a lot of his damage came as a pass receiver. He’ll need to become a tougher runner if he really wants to be a Pro Bowl caliber running back.

Don’t count out the ability of Jaylen Samuels and/or Benny Smell to pitch in and boost the ground game as well. Samuels is more of an H-back by trade, but Snell was an absolute battering ram in college. Pittsburgh will try to keep Conner fresh which means the other backs on the team will have to get carries. Look for the backups to try to add some real brutality to the Steelers’ ground game.

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