There's an unwarranted disapproval James Conner can fix this weekend

Through two games this season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have failed to find themselves in the winners column. Both offensively and defensively, this team has struggled to find much light to move on this season.

James Conner seems to be a part of this. Through two games, or a game and a half, Conner has totaled 21 rushes for 54 yards and a touchdown. Terrible numbers on the ground for a player who was well on his way to a 1,000-yard season last year.

The slow start is warranting concern as to whether or not he's the feature back moving forward. Despite overlooking a 33-3 loss where conner only touched the ball 10 times, and the offense as a whole did nothing, and a Week 2 injury that had him sidelined for two quarters, people are concerned Conner doesn't deserve his role in Pittsburgh.

Maybe they're right. Maybe, James Conner has suddenly lost the spark he contained last season and isn't a 100-yard back anymore. Or maybe he's just had a rough two weeks.

With the problems in Pittsburgh right now, it's easy to write Conner off with the rest of them. Most are ready to dive head-first into the Mason Rudolph era, let Ben Roethlisberger retire, wipe out the defense and remove James Conner. Basically blow it all up and start again next year.

It's not necessarily just the players' fault though. The offense has dealt with injury after injury and will now head into Week 3 with a first-time starter at quarterback. The defense has been a mess, but it appears to be poor game planning over poor talent. And James Conner, he's fighting everything that can negatively effect a running back.

This week can change things. Conner told Miss Matthews on Wednesday that he isn't sure what his practice availability will be this week, but he is sure he'll be ready for Sunday. Pittsburgh won't risk losing him to a bigger injury, but they will allow him to help his young quarterback if he's healthy enough to do so.

Conner doesn't need a 200-yard performance, or even half that. What he needs to show is impact. A few big rushes, a score, and anything he can do to take the pressure off Rudolph. It's not about statistics, it's about impact.

Through two games, people can be as upset with as many players as they like, but the reasons behind the distaste for Conner is somewhat wrong. He's fought the elements early in the season. With 14 games remaining, he's likely to turn 2019 into a successful season.

So, give it time. Week 3 can resolve a lot of problems. Including the James Conner one.