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5 reasons the Steelers will win the AFC North

By Rucker Haringey

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to the crowd prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to the crowd prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images /

4. The Steelers can still run the ball

Ben Roethlisberger’s injury had an obvious impact on the Steelers’ ability to throw the ball in 2019. That lack of offensive balance also made it really difficult for Pittsburgh to get their running game going.

Look for that to change in a big way this season. The team certainly is looking for a better season from James Conner. He only played in 10 games last season, but the franchise appeared to hold him out late in the year when the team was out of playoff contention.

Assuming he comes back healthy in 2020, all the pieces are present for a really good rushing attack. The offensive line returns a lot of productive veterans led by Maurkice Pouncey in the middle. The interior group should blow open quality holes on a regular basis.

Conner also isn’t the only talented running back available to the offensive coaching staff. Jaylen Samuels will get a lot of snaps on third down. He’s more of a receiver than a runner, but he can convert first downs when needed. Steelers fans should also keep an eye on Benny Snell to emerge in his second season as a pro.

The Steelers will throw it a ton in 2020, but they’ll set up a lot of those deep pass patterns with their physical ground game.

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