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5 bold predictions for Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls a play during the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls a play during the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 22: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Steelers 16-10. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

4. James Conner will double his rushing total from 2019

Conner was one of the most productive running backs in the NFL two seasons ago. Then, injuries limited him to just 10 games in 2019. His final numbers of 464 yards on 116 carries were uninspiring at best.

The combination of Conner getting healthy and having Roethlisberger back in the mix should lead to a big uptick in the versatile back’s output. His best plays may still come via the pass, but he’ll get plenty of carries on the ground.

The presence of Benny Snell in the backfield should cut into Conner’s workload slightly, but he still should receive over 200 carries. That gives him a great chance to sprint past the 1,000 yard plateau on the ground.

Conner is never going to be as explosive as Le’Veon Bell was for the Steelers in his prime, but he is still an integral part of Tomlin’s offense. In many ways, he’s the best indicator as to how productive Pittsburgh’s attack will be in 2020. This team’s scoring ebbs and flows depending on Conner’s ability to produce big yards.

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