James Conner has been a disappointment. He's averaging under 40 rushing yards, not clearing 55 in any game. He's dealt with some injuries along the way. But he's had the bye to rest up, and he's healthy now. And he's matched up with a really bad run defense.
The Steelers host Miami on Monday Night Football. Everything has gone wrong for winless Miami, of course, and some of it is intentional. But let's not overlook how bad their run defense is: next to last, better than only Cincinnati, and allowing 161 rushing yards per game.
Miami has played six games, and let six different ground games run all over them. All of those opponents' lead backs (one tandem, and then one No. 2 back, also) has rushed for at least 80 yards, a touchdown, or both.
| LEAD RBS VERSUS MIAMI | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Att | Yds | TDs |
| Ingram | 14 | 107 | 2 |
| Michel | 21 | 85 | 1 |
| Elliott | 19 | 125 | 0 |
| Pollard | 13 | 103 | 1 |
| Ekeler | 18 | 60 | 1 |
| Peterson | 23 | 118 | 0 |
| Gore/Singletary | 18 | 81 | 0 |
Of those players, only Elliott is what would necessarily be considered elite at this point in his career.
Given that, not only Conner but backup Benny Snell might merit consideration in deeper leagues. The Steelers should be running a lot, and when Conner gets tired or the game is in hand, Snell could get a dozen carries too.
--Andy Richardson