JAMES CONNER NEVER FELT PRESSURE REPLACING RB BELL

James Conner's play in 2018 allowed the Pittsburgh Steelers seamlessly to move on from Le'Veon Bell.

Conner made it known to anyone that would listen that it was he wanted when drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. It wasn’t the situation Conner wanted. But the opportunity to be a starting NFL running back. Conner didn’t really feel any pressure because it was everything that he was asking for.

Conner didn't look at it as pressure because it's what Conner wanted. It was a great opportunity and Conner took advantage of it.

The "situation" Conner refers to was the consistent questions about Bell that hovered over Pittsburgh most of the season. As Conner performed well, those queries and sideways glances lessened and lessened. Once Bell was officially out the entire season, most simply shrugged and pointed to Conner's dual-threat ability to fill the gap flawlessly.

Despite being at the center of the swirling Bell storm, the second-year running back had little to say about the situation.

It wasn’t Conner’s place to say anything. According to other players even when Conner was playing well he didn’t say much. From his days from Pitt to playing for the Steelers Conner wasn’t one to talk much and promote things. It was a funny position to be in. Conner’s didn't have control over anything, and the only thing Conner could control was what he did on the field.

Even when his teammates told Conner that they believe in him Conner didn't pay attention to the outside world, what they thought. Conner just came to work every day. It was a funny position to be in, but Conner started all year and things worked out for him.

The biggest concern for Conner was an injury that muddled the end of his 2018 campaign. When he was on the field, the 23-year-old back was a dynamic force. In 13 games, he compiled 973 rushing yards on 215 carries, 55 receptions for 497 yards and 14 total touchdowns.

With two years left on Conner's rookie deal, the Steelers don't have to worry about a repeat the Bell situation in 2019. Pittsburgh has its starting running back.