Anthony McFarland Primed for Steelers RB3
LATROBE -- Anthony McFarland went streaking down the sideline past Cole Holcomb and hauled in a 25-yard pass in between two defenders - the first big play on the first day of Pittsburgh Steelers training camp.
It was a good, crucial first step for the fourth-year Steelers running back. He's part of a crowded position group but has as good a chance as he ever has to break into some more significant playing time this season. Whether it's on offense or special teams, McFarland wants to make sure he's ready.
“I’m just keeping my head down, working and trying to make the team better in the way I can," McFarland said. "I’m not really too worried about offensive role, I’m just trying to get on the team.
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are expected to dominate the backfield this year for the Steelers, who behind a beefed-up offensive line appear ready to impose their will on the ground when they have the ball.
But McFarland brings something different to a Steelers offense centered around power. With 4.4 speed and fantastic agility and creativity while making cuts, he is a drastic change of pace from the hard running of Harris and Warren, but that speed has been contained mostly to the practice squad for the past two seasons.
It's easy for a speedy pass-catcher like McFarland to stand out when everyone is in shorts and helmets, but he's proven that he can contribute when the lights are bright and the plays really count. With Harris injured on the sideline, he accounted for 41 yards on eight touches as the Steelers beat the Colts 24-17 on Monday Night Football in Week 12, a personal reminder that he's capable of contributing at this level.
“I never let my confidence fade away, no matter what my circumstances are," McFarland said. "But yeah, you could say that [it gave me more confidence].”
He's a candidate to play special teams as well, something McFarland knows will be a part of his reality . The Steelers' 2022 leader in combined kick and punt returns, Steven Sims, signed with the Houston Texans this spring, leaving a hole in Pittsburgh special teams. His experience returning kicks is limited - just three for 73 yards in 2021 and one for 40 yards in 2019 at the University of Maryland - but McFarland has been working to open that possibility for himself.
“I’m ready for it," McFarland said. "I know special teams are a big part of making a team and I’m starting to understand that more than ever.”
McFarland was still on the field at St. Vincent College hours after practice following the first day. Entering the league at 21, he wasn't the kind of professional he wanted to be and has committed himself to learning about and practicing the kind of discipline necessary to make it in the NFL.
That's been McFarland's most important area of growth over his four years with the Steelers and what he hopes come through most clearly to his coaches as he fights for a roster spot and snaps.
"You can’t always just rely on your athleticism and your talent. It’s all in the details at this level,” he said. “That’s just me everyday, man. I’m really starting to understand the details in the game and I just want to find every way to be good.”
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