The Renegade: Steeler Position Group Preview: RB/FB

Welcome back to our next segment of position group previews for the 2019 Steelers! This week we take a look at the horsepower of the offense, the RB and FB positions! Throughout the history of the franchise and especially during Mike Tomlin's tenure as coach, the Steelers usually rely on one RB to handle the boat load of carries, but will that change this season? Let's preview the groups!

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RBs/FBs Expected on the 53 Man Roster:

Roosevelt Nix #45 5-11 248

James Conner #30 6-1 233

Jaylen Samuels #38 6-0 225

Benny Snell Jr. #24 5-10 224

Dark Horse to Make the Roster:

Trey Edmunds #22 6-2 223

During off-season workouts, it was reported that Edmunds was flashing at RB and really impressing the coaching staff, which can make for a very interesting headline to follow going into training camp. How awesome would it be to have two brothers on the same team?

Projected Starter:

As in 2018, we expect the Conner-Nix backfield to stick as the starting tandem barring unforeseen circumstances (*knocks on wood*). Conner put together a Pro-Bowl season in 2018 and continues to work hard in the offseason. If offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner remembers to run the ball, JC can and should eclipse 1000 yards rushing and possibly another 500+ receiving. Rosie Nix will be rock solid as always and even plow in some big boy TD's. We're excited to see how the 2 RB sets will play out with Samuels and JC as they're both receiving threats who can line-up in the backfield and at receiver. Plus #38 proved to the world that he can be a reliable RB when called upon.

steelers.com

Best Case Scenario: 

James Conner plays a full and healthy season, accumulating 1700+ rushing and receiving yards combined and at least 1 TD per game, aka at least 16 scores. Math! Hand-in-hand, Samuels grows as a dependable back, but most importantly a swiss-army knife for the Steelers as a back/wing/receiver, basically all over the field. Creating one of the most productive RB combos in the league! Benny Snell gets his fair share of carries and shows us what "Benny Snell Football" truly looks like while running over 5 defenders/play; also, we get to use the hashtag #SnellYeah Most importantly, no more hearing about patience and patient runners.......😤

Worst Case Scenario:

Sure injuries are horrible and we wish them upon no player, especially our own Steelers but at least, to us, the talent seems to be there and we trust the depth more than previous years. Never the less, JC's injury history is a concern and another injury to him could really hurt the 2019 team. But the biggest issue is Randy Fichtner. He abandoned the run for a huge portion of the 2018 season and it created a total imbalance. Turns out their record is better when they run the ball more, but he never acknowledged that fact. Hopefully with the receivers being more of a question mark and the reliability at the RB position, Fichtner realizes what he has and adjusts.

Overall Group Rating: B+

When you return a Pro-Bowl RB and have two promising young backs, you get a very good grade and it is hard to find faults in the group. The group drops to a B+ because of JC's injury history and the youth at RB behind him.

GIF Group Description: Conner and Nix all season long..

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Balancing the run game and the pass game will be the key to how the offense may carry the team. This seems like obvious football wisdom, but the Steelers need to recognize this fact too. This is a very talented and balanced group who can do whatever is asked of them. They can put up, collectively, great production and be the difference between a Super Bowl team and just another playoff team. As fellow Pitt alum, we know how great JC is and can continue to be, he'll be a Top 5 Fantasy RB and 2x Pro-Bowler come 2020. 

- Aaron and Ryan, TGYK