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Despite the lack of a running game, Steelers James Conner has been a focal point in passing game

The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled to run the football effectively, but it doesn’t mean James Conner has been ineffective overall.

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Chargers Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled offensively in 2019, and likely for many reasons. First, the loss of Ben Roethlisberger in Week 2 put a huge damper on the offense in the short term, but the offensive line just hasn’t had the push up front fans are accustomed to seeing.

While James Conner hasn’t been as productive on the ground throughout 2019, it doesn’t mean he has been ineffective as a player. He has been effective, just more as a receiver than a runner.

The NFL Matchup on ESPN’s verified Twitter account posted some impressive stats for Conner as a receiver throughout the first 6 games of the regular season. and Conner ranks 6th among the Top 10 running backs in regards to total receiving yards, and yards per reception.

To see Conner’s name near the top of the list might come as a surprise to many, but when you look at Conner’s receiving stats they are fairly impressive.

Outside of the Week 5 game vs. the Ravens where Conner didn’t register a reception, he has caught at least 4 receptions in every game so far this season. His highest total receiving was 83 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, followed by his 78 yards against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6 on Sunday Night Football.

Both of those games were the only two wins of the season for the Steelers. Is it a coincidence when Conner is a integral part of the offense the Steelers win? That is up for debate, but it should be noted how when Conner produces, the Steelers are typically on the right side of the win-loss column.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they go through their Week 7 bye, and then turn their attention to the Miami Dolphins in Week 8 for a Monday Night Football game at Heinz Field.