Z-Factor : An opportunity in Oakland for Samuels to succeed
When Jaylen Samuels puts on the pads Sunday, he will be doing so as a starting running back for the first time in his young career. After being invited to the 2018 NFL combine to participate in tight end drills, Samuels is ready to show everybody why he’s a running back, with the potential to be a great one at that.
When James Conner went down last game, the city of Pittsburgh held their breath. You never want to see any player get hurt, but Conner had meant so much to the Steelers and to people everywhere for all that he’s done both on and off the field, that it was gut-wrenching to see him go down. Thankfully, James Conner’s season isn’t over, but the loss of his usual impact will leave a void, for the time being. As Conner was helped off the field to applause from fans, rookie Jaylen Samuels jogs on.
The Steelers offense is cooked, right? Just like when they lost Le’Veon Bell late in the year (twice), right?
WRONG-O.
I wouldn’t be so quick to turn in my terrible towel, and here’s why.
First, Conner is expected back at some point here, he’s not done for the year like Bell was on both occasions. Secondly, and maybe most importantly, the Steelers don’t have to rely on Fitz Toussaint, who lost them the playoff game in Denver. That’s right, he lost it for them, but I’m not mad. Or even worse, Ben Tate, one week removed from the couch and asked to start versus the Ravens. The Ravens usually have a “decent” defense.
Not only is Jaylen Samuels ready to answer the call, but don’t sleep on the veteran, Stevan Ridley. Samuels has told reporters in Pittsburgh that he’s starting this week, but most expect Ridley to see a healthy load of pigskin as well. That’s perfectly fine with me. Coming in versus a Raiders team that ranks 31st in the NFL in rush yards allowed, both players should have ample opportunity to put up numbers. That’s out of 32 teams, by the way. Pittsburgh needs to stick with the run game this week now more than ever, and exploit Oakland’s weakness for all it’s worth.
However, it is Samuels who will be the better receiving option. He is a “tight end” after all. Not only is he a “tight end” but Samuels is North Carolina State’s all-time leader in receptions (RECEPTIONS!). He ranks ahead Steeler great Jerricho Cotchery, and Torry Holt on said list, no big deal.
When asked to fill in for Conner last week, Jaylen was able to find the end zone through the air and give Heinz Field the kick it needed after seeing one of its heroes sidelined. We all know by now his efforts alone weren’t enough to stop the Chargers, but my point remains the same, and that is Jaylen Samuels is a playmaker. He can hurt you on the ground and in the air, almost as if he was being sculpted for this current Pittsburgh Steelers offense (who ask both of their RBs often) while at N.C. State. If the Steelers are able to get Jaylen Samuels 20 touches or more however which way, they win this game on Sunday.
