Anthony McFarland

[Prison_Mike]

I didn't get to watch the game, but someone posted all of his touches from his debut:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlKt9mJln7Y

It looks like the speed & receiving ability translates.

What are your thoughts on his outlook?
Are you buying? If so, at what price?

[Dshank87]

Steeler fan here. I watched the whole game. He definitely looked explosive and better than Snell. Knowing how Pittsburgh/Tomlin uses the backfield, I wouldn't want to give more than a couple of 3rds. He wouldn't be a significant contributor unless Conner goes down and I'd still assume a Snell/McFarland committee.

[jcc6fd]

Despite Snell's unexpected week 1 blow up, McFarland proved why he is more valuable to PIT. He's faster and much more athletic. Snell likely retains a role absent of Conner but I'd expect McFarland to be the lead back, albeit with much less volume, if Conner gets hurt. Remember that Conner is the most likely starting RB to sustain an injury. I'd try to grab McFarland now before a Conner injury if possible.

[DLF3000]

I knew he'd get a chance this year, just wasn't sure when. Great debut - definitely played more than I expected. Excited to see if he continues to be a positive part of the rotation there.

[SoftwoodGrampian]

He got a shot when they didn’t even need to play him. Earlier than expected in just the third week. He’s a hold if two 3rds is the asking. He is the difference maker between the three backs.

That being said, he didn’t look totally comfortable or naturally in his cuts and vision. I think we’ll see him become more comfortable w each passing week he plays.

[jjleurquin]

I'm not buying it. I didn't see him do anything the line didn't provide for him. He was running against one of the worst defenses in the league.

He showed he's fast. We knew that coming in though.

[dynastyninja]

I'm not buying it. I didn't see him do anything the line didn't provide for him. He was running against one of the worst defenses in the league.

He showed he's fast. We knew that coming in though.

The Steelers are incredible at making whatever weapons they have look good. I agree that Mcfarland didn't look unstoppable, but he doesn't need to in that offense to produce at a high level.

[Jigga94]

I'm not buying it. I didn't see him do anything the line didn't provide for him. He was running against one of the worst defenses in the league.

He showed he's fast. We knew that coming in though.

The Steelers are incredible at making whatever weapons they have look good. I agree that Mcfarland didn't look unstoppable, but he doesn't need to in that offense to produce at a high level.

Agreed. Look what they've done with Conner

[dynastyninja]

I'm not buying it. I didn't see him do anything the line didn't provide for him. He was running against one of the worst defenses in the league.

He showed he's fast. We knew that coming in though.

The Steelers are incredible at making whatever weapons they have look good. I agree that Mcfarland didn't look unstoppable, but he doesn't need to in that offense to produce at a high level.

Agreed. Look what they've done with Conner

I concur. I own the guy more because of situation than talent. I don't think Conner is all that great.

[jjleurquin]

The Steelers are incredible at making whatever weapons they have look good. I agree that Mcfarland didn't look unstoppable, but he doesn't need to in that offense to produce at a high level.

Agreed. Look what they've done with Conner

I concur. I own the guy more because of situation than talent. I don't think Conner is all that great.

Conner actually is pretty high in missed tackles per touch for RBs. Not sure where the narrative that Conner isn't good comes from. Does situation help? absolutely but watch the film by OP and tell me where McFarland did anything to further himself on the field that his line didn't pave for him. I think you're just looking at the stat line 6-42. I haven't seen the talent yet. Keep in mind that the guy who outperformed him his last 2 seasons at maryland is not even on a practice squad right now.

[Prison_Mike]

Agreed. Look what they've done with Conner

I concur. I own the guy more because of situation than talent. I don't think Conner is all that great.

Conner actually is pretty high in missed tackles per touch for RBs. Not sure where the narrative that Conner isn't good comes from. Does situation help? absolutely but watch the film by OP and tell me where McFarland did anything to further himself on the field that his line didn't pave for him. I think you're just looking at the stat line 6-42. I haven't seen the talent yet. Keep in mind that the guy who outperformed him his last 2 seasons at maryland is not even on a practice squad right now.

Sure, I think Conner is a good player, just not special. I think the “he’s not good” narrative has a lot to do with his lack of speed. He doesn’t jump off the screen to a lot of amateur talent evaluators (myself included).

[MEuRaH]

I'm not buying. Most of his runs were due to great blocking and getting what was available. RBs I buy will make defenders miss at the LOS, he'll create space, he'll lower his hips, burst on his cuts, etc.

1.jpg (59.79 KiB) Viewed 302 times

This was a well-blocked play. McFarland has great speed. The safety came in to contain. McFarland planted an outside foot which caused the safety to slow up and cover inside just a split second. McFarland should have immediately juked back outside where open space and a teammate was blocking considerably well.

The rest is just average to me. He's just a guy.

[CL3VELANDBR0WNS]

I would make him a priority addition in all leagues. James Conner is highly likely to sustain an injury this season and he has much more juice than Benny Snell who has looked awful outside of one big game against the Giants run defense. I think the Steelers got a steal here because of his final season injury.