Steelers News: Anthony McFarland adds breakout potential to the Steelers stable of running backs

It has been a one-of-a-kind offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. Unable to attend most player pro days and participating in the NFL’s first virtual draft, the Steelers keep pushing forward toward a return to football activities. Just because the Steelers are unable to hold their typical OTA’s doesn’t mean we stop providing you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over throughout the offseason!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at the new player in the Steelers running back room.

Let’s get to the news:

• How much can Anthony McFarland help the Steelers running game?

Rookie Impact: Anthony McFarland Brings Big-Play Abilities to Steelers Backfield

By: Donnie Druin, Sports Illustrated

Rookie impact is a series previewing each Pittsburgh Steelers draftee and their potential impact for 2020 and beyond. For second-round pick Chase Claypool’s potential impact, click here. For third-round pick Alex Highsmith, click here. Today we continue our series with running back Anthony McFarland.

Player: Anthony McFarland

Position: Running Back

School: Maryland

Drafted: Round 4, Pick 124

The Pittsburgh Steelers backfield has been nothing short of a hot topic heading into 2020, as lead-back James Conner heads into a pivotal contract year with questions surrounding his health and ability to stay on the field. Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert was not shy about Pittsburgh addressing the backfield during the offseason, and followed through on his word after drafting Anthony McFarland in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

“Man, his talents speak for themselves” said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin on a Instagram live chat with Maryland coach Mike Locksley. “His stop-and-go quickness, his game-breaking ability in terms of his ability to make big plays, we’re excited about. We feel like we got some talent in the backfield, but we feel like he’s got a skill set that’s a little bit different than the guys that we got in our backfield in terms of his speed and open grass ability.”

Let’s evaluate McFarland’s short and long-term impact in Pittsburgh:

Immediate Impact

As long as James Conner is healthy, he will continue to be the lead back and receive a majority of the touches. If things go to plan for Conner and the rest of the Steelers offense, McFarland’s services may not be needed on a frequent basis. However, coach Tomlin was adamant during the same Instagram live chat that McFarland would get his opportunities.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The Steelers are still at the forefront when it comes to promoting diversity with NFL coaches

Steelers’ Art Rooney II part of QB coaching summit aimed at promoting diversity in NFL

By: Joe Rutter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The NFL’s third annual Quarterback Coaching Summit will include the participation of Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II.

The summit, which is held in partnership with the Black College Football Hall of Fame, will be held June 22-23 in a virtual setting. Its aim is to build the coaching and personnel development pipeline and strengthen diversity across the NFL.

Rooney is chairman of the NFL’s workplace diversity committee, which last month instituted policies designed to increase employment opportunities for women and minorities in key management and coaching positions.

NFL and NCAA assistant coaches will participate in the two-day program. Among the other participants are Buffalo Bills president Kim Pegula, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator and former Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and Bills assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Devlin Hodges is ready for Ben Roethlisberger to take the reins in 2020

Duck promotes Ben’s ‘2020 Revenge Tour’

By: Jeff Hartman, DK Pittsburgh Sports

When it comes to quarterback play, 2019 was a year to forget for the Steelers. Whether it was Mason Rudolph or Devlin “Duck” Hodges under center, neither could generate enough offense to see the team hit a 30-point total in any of their 16 games.

The team’s average of 18.1 points per game last season had them finish near the bottom of the league, 27th overall, and also had fans hoping and praying Ben Roethlisberger would be able to come back healthy.

Since the end of last season, Roethlisberger has received nothing but good reports from doctors, players and coaches alike. He’s shown he is working his way back to the field, and both Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert have been glowing about the potential of Roethlisberger being back and better than ever.

Sure, we all need to see him actually get on a football field and make all the throws necessary to be considered the elite quarterback he was before his injury, but motivation will not be on short supply for Roethlisberger in 2020.

The media has written off Roethlisberger, and the Steelers’ offense was nothing to write home about. Just another unit with an aging quarterback and an offensive line getting long in the tooth. What is coming in 2020 for the Steelers’ opponents? According to Hodges, it will be the start of the Roethlisberger “Revenge Tour.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• BTSC articles you may have missed

Roethlisberger to Ebron should be a big part of 2020 for the Steelers

Chase Claypool looks to have a strong rookie season

The 2020 preseason could be shortened by 2 games

Salary cap contraction is a real problem to be faced in 2021

Several of the Steelers position groups have high ranks going into the season

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