The Steelers running backs will shatter 2020 receiving numbers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the 2021 regular season, but before the real games begin, the team has to head to training camp to fine tune their skills. As we here at BTSC prepare you for the start of camp, we give you a series called “30 Scenarios in 30 Days” which gives you a Steelers scenario every day leading up to the start of camp.

It is simple how it works. We provide you the scenario, reasons why it will or won’t happen, and then our prediction for what we think will take place.

Let’s get to the scenario...

Scenario: The Steelers running backs will shatter 2020 receiving numbers

Receiving yards and touchdowns by Steelers running backs:

2020: 376 yards; 0 touchdowns
2019: 640 yards; 4 touchdowns
2018: 752 yards; 4 Touchdowns

Why it will happen: If you’re looking at the numbers from 2020, it’s hard to get much worse. Not even getting to 400 combined receiving yards among all the Steeler receivers was bad enough, but no receiving touchdowns magnified the situation. Looking at just the addition of Najee Harris, who had four receiving touchdowns his senior year at Alabama, these numbers should go up at least a little.

Why it won’t happen: Of the running backs the Steelers still have on the roster, they combined for only 161 receiving yards in 2020. With the departure of James Conner, the majority of the Steelers receiving yards by running backs is now in Arizona. The Steelers did add 166 yards in the form of Kalen Ballage as a free agent. Otherwise, the Steelers are putting all their eggs in the basket of their first-round rookie.

Prediction: The success of Steelers’ running backs in 2021 ultimately comes down to if Najee Harris is going to help the Steelers in the passing game as well. By all indications, I believe he will. Add in a new offensive coordinator and it would be surprising if the Steelers don’t double their receiving yardage from running backs next season and score more receiving touchdowns than they did in 2018 or 2019.

Check out yesterday’s ‘30 Scenarios in 30 Days’ prediction:

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the 2021 regular season.