Le'Veon who? Conner puts up Bell-like stats in Steelers' OT tie with Browns
Le'Veon Bell may be reconsidering his stance after watching his backup run riot in the Pittsburgh Steelers' season opener Sunday.
James Conner did his best impression of Bell during a dramatic 21-21 tie with the Cleveland Browns, posting an outstanding all-around stat line of 135 rushing yards, 57 receiving yards on six catches, and two touchdown runs.
The second-year back showed outstanding burst and vision on his 22-yard score in the third quarter:
To the house!@JamesConner_ finds the end zone again for the @steelers!
- NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2018
: CBS #HereWeGo #Kickoff2018 pic.twitter.com/j89AIeNegO
Conner did get a big assist on his first touchdown run from his offensive line, who were likely extra motivated to ensure Pittsburgh's ground game didn't miss a beat after they blasted Bell for his extended holdout.
First touchdown alert pic.twitter.com/Buqpky0uBi
- Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 9, 2018
Bell forfeited $883,000 by failing to report for Week 1, and there appears no end in sight for the contract standoff as Pittsburgh reportedly doesn't intend to trade its star player.
While the Steelers can't be happy with almost becoming the first team to lose to Cleveland since 2016, they are likely ecstatic with how their Bell-less running game, and Conner, in particular, performed in the opening game of the season.
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