Black and Gold Links: Trying to figure out how Benny Snell fits into the Steelers’ backfield

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May 2019

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Time to check on the latest news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With the 2019 NFL Draft in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2019 season is fast approaching, and the news surrounding the black-and-gold is far from over. As the team now turns their attention to more offseason workouts, OTAs and minicamp, there is no shortage of news.

Today in the Black-and-gold links article we take a look at how although Benny Snell Jr. is an awesome interview, how does he fit into the stable of running backs? Does he spell James Conner? Where does Jaylen Samuels fall in this equation?

Let’s get to the news:

  • Benny Snell Jr. is a gem. Just listen to one of his interviews. But the big question here isn’t his maturity, but where he actually fits in the Steelers’ scheme/stable of running backs.

Tim Benz: Understanding what ‘Benny Snell Football’ should be for Steelers

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

OK. Just so long as Benny Snell realizes that Benny Snell is still third string.

For now.

“Benny Snell football could be second (down) and 3 (yards to go),” Snell explained this weekend at rookie minicamp.

“Third and 3. It could be fourth and 2. It could be third and goal. Fourth and goal. Or it could be four-minute offense. You just have to run the clock out to win the game. It’s just feeding him. Let him run it up. He’s going to get up. He’s going to dance a little bit. He’s going to do it again. Everybody in the stadium, both teams, know what’s happening.”

That less-than-bashful explanation of what “Benny Snell Football” is — based on a question about his fourth-quarter stomp-out performance of Penn State in the Citrus Bowl in January — continued to feed what has become a developing narrative about what the Kentucky product should be for the Steelers this year: a circa 2005 Jerome Bettis closer of a running back.

I don’t buy it. At least not in 2019. For many reasons.

To read the full article, click HERE

  • Sure, all of the Steelers are talking about more turnovers, but talking about them and actually getting them are two completely different things.

Tim Benz: For Steelers defense, talk is cheap when it comes to turnovers

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

For as much complaining as there was about the Steelers defense in 2018, it was sixth-best in football with 327 yards allowed per game. It led the NFL (along with Kansas City) with 52 sacks. Its 22.5 points allowed per game was exactly in the middle of league in 16th place.

Yet, the Steelers defense created only 15 turnovers last season. That was 29th in the NFL.

Getting the ball back is part of playing defense, too. As Williams alludes, it might be an even bigger part of the game than what has been the case in years past.

Therefore, as is so often true with the Steelers in the Mike Tomlin era, how about a little less talk and a little more action?

To read the full article, click HERE

  • Some good information about jerseys and stuff…

Asked and Answered: May 14

By: Bob Labriola, Steelers.com

JEFF RUSSEL FROM SAULT STE. MARIE, MI: Is it common for the first round pick to get his jersey number assigned early? Why is that and why can’t Devin Bush change it?ANSWER: It all has to do with selling merchandise. The NFL wants to get a jump on selling jerseys, and so all first-round draft picks are required to pick a jersey number very soon after the draft, and then the NFL gets a start on manufacturing and selling those jerseys. And once that manufacturing process begins, players only can change their number if they agree to purchase ALL of the jerseys the league already has manufactured with the old number on them, and that can get to be a lot of $$$$$.

TIMOTHY PREGANA FROM MILILANI, HI: In a recent Asked and Answered you talked about jersey numbers that were retired and other jersey numbers that weren’t retired but not in service. What is your take on No. 92, when it was reissued this past season? Lastly, your what is opinion on No. 26 and No. 84?ANSWER: My take on No. 92 is that the previous wearer forced his way off the team with what could be considered conduct unbecoming and then signed with the New England Patriots. As for the others, Mark Barron will wear No. 26, and I’m thinking No. 84 also might end up in use in 2019 because it’s difficult to keep jersey numbers in the 80s out of circulation because of the number of tight ends and wide receivers on a typical NFL roster.

To read the full article, click HERE

Steelers’ Cameron Heyward to host 30th birthday party with Boys & Girls Club

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Cameron Heyward isn’t let the Big 3-0 prevent him from celebrating like a kid.

The Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive lineman is scheduled to host a party Tuesday at Dave & Busters. The third annual “Heyward House Birthday Bash” will benefit his namesake foundation (http://www.thecameronheywardfoundation.org/) that benefits children’s causes – and on the invite list are children from the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania.

Heyward and Steelers teammates will play arcade-style games with the youngsters – and serve them dinner, including, of course, birthday cake.

To read the full article, click HERE

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