Steelers News: Benny Snell’s rookie season shows he is a key contributor

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 contributions of Benny Snell Jr. from his rookie season.

Let’s get to the news:

• Between the tackles, Benny Snell was the guy for the Steelers in 2019

Film Room: Benny Snell’s Rookie Campaign Proved Impressive

By: Donnie Druin, Sports Illustrated

When you think of Benny Snell, a few things come to mind.

If you’re a Penn State fan, you think of Snell’s dominating 144 yard/2 touchdown performance in the Citrus Bowl prior to his entrance in the 2019 NFL Draft, a performance that saw Snell grab Kentucky’s career rushing record.

If you’re just here for fashion or memes, Snell’s mouthpiece now has a whole generation of young football players wishing to have spinners on their grill.

As for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Snell can be looked at as bruiser on the football field. His power and motor at the running back position was enticing enough to put Snell in black and gold despite the presence of James Conner.

Snell’s rookie campaign doesn’t offer much if you’re simply box score scouting. 116 attempts across 13 games for 2 touchdowns doesn’t exactly scream rookie of the year honors. With Conner now healthy again and Anthony McFarland now in the mix, the Steelers backfield is murky to say the least.

However, when it comes to Snell’s tape last season, one can come to the conclusion that 2019 proved Snell is capable of significantly contributing in the future.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Teammates continue to chime in on the health of Ben Roethlisberger

Ben showing Steelers arm strength no issue

By: Jeff Hartman, DK Pittsburgh Sports

The 2020 NFL regular season is on the horizon, and the Steelers’ success, or failures, very well could fall on the arm of Ben Roethlisberger. After having his elbow reconstructed after Week 2 of the 2019 season, the Steelers are built to contend if the offense can score more points than the 18.1 points per game they averaged last year.

The fact the offense never scored 30 points in a game should be a clear indicator of how the offense needs their quarterback back on the field, but the big question entering 2020 isn’t if Roethlisberger will return, he will, but how effective will he be? Will he be able to make all the throws elite NFL quarterbacks need to make?

If the answer to the last question is yes, the Steelers’ offense should be vastly improved just by Roethlisberger stepping under center.

With no minicamps or OTAs, videos of Roethlisberger throwing have been scarce. Fans are left to rely on quotes from Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert and teammates, all of who will toe the company line as it pertains to answers on Roethlisberger’s health. For those who have been working out with Roethlisberger during the coronavirus quarantine, his arm is looking healthy and strong as ever.

“He looks great, the ball was whistling,” James Conner said during a segment on ESPN. “He’s confident. He works so hard to get back to where he’s playing confident. We’re just excited for him. That’s our guy. We’re just so thankful that we’ve got our quarterback. He has Super Bowl rings and that’s what we all want to do. He leads by example going out and organizing things. It’s been awesome to be back there with him.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• It was 21 years ago the construction of Heinz Field began

The start of something special

By: Teressa Varley, Steelers.com

Heinz Field Groundbreaking

June 18, 1999

This year will be the 20th season at Heinz Field. Yes, 20 years at the home of the black and gold that seems like it opened not that long ago.

And the dream for the shiny new home for the Steelers all began on June 18, 1999, when ground was broken in the shadows of Three Rivers Stadium 21 years ago today.

Late Steelers’ Chairman Dan Rooney and team President Art Rooney II were among those who took part in the groundbreaking, along with Hall of Famer Joe Greene and former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

“We have worked hard to design a spectacular football stadium for our fans, one of which they will be proud and can enjoy for years to come,” said Art Rooney II on the day of the groundbreaking. “In addition to being a great stadium for fans to watch football, we wanted the design to be distinctively Pittsburgh. We believe the current design accomplishes both objectives.”

Part of that Pittsburgh feel was the 12,500 tons of exposed steel in the South end of the stadium which gave fans a view of the city’s skyline.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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