With his seven rushing touchdowns in the team's first six games, Conner finds himself in the same conversation as Jerome "The Bus" Bettis and Franco Harris for the best start by a running back in franchise history.
James Conner has 7 Rush TD, tied with Jerome Bettis (2004) and Franco Harris (1976) for the most by a Steelers player in the team's first 6 games of the season, according to @EliasSports
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 14, 2018
Those are Hall of Famers. And here's another one. Conner is the first Steeler with 100 rush yards and two rushing TDs in consecutive games since Bettis did so, all the way back in 1996.
Good morning, @steelers!@JamesConner_ is the first Steelers player with 100 rushing yards and 2 rushing scores in back-to-back games since @JeromeBettis36 in 1996. pic.twitter.com/ehbFCsvimL
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 15, 2018
Conner has played so well that even QB Ben Roethlisberger said the team needs to keep the back involved, even when Bell does finally return. Conner has allowed the Steelers to maintain a balanced offensive attack while having a nose for the end zone as well.
James Conner has 100+ rushing and 2 rush TD for the 3rd time this season.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) October 14, 2018
Rest of the @NFL has 5 such games combined.
Bell will likely regain his role as the starter when he returns, but Conner has at least made his mark with the Steelers.
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