Homecoming: Tomlin Expects Best From Former Steelers RB

Mike Tomlin expects a homecoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers to bring out the best in James Conner.

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is intimately familiar with James Conner, a former Steelers draft pick who spent four years in the Steel City and he knows that Conner will need to be a focal point for his defense when the Arizona Cardinals come to town this weekend. 

"We can't allow James Conner to do what James does," Tomlin said.

Conner hails from Erie, Pennsylvania and played his college ball at the University of Pittsburgh before the Steelers picked him up in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. A homecoming to Western Pennsylvania is sure to bring out the best in Conner, according to Tomlin. 

"Know and love and got a lot of respect for James," Tomlin said. "He is a legitimate tough guy, a big-time competitor. Expecting nothing but his absolute coming back into Pittsburgh because I know him.” 

Conner is a powerful back who is constantly fighting for extra yards. Tomlin came to appreciate his intangibles while Conner was a Steeler, but he now respects and fears his hard-running that defines Conner's game as he comes back to Pittsburgh as a Cardinal. 

"When he gets into the secondary, he’s tough to deal with," Tomlin said. "He’s a combative runner. He has a nose for the line to gain and the goal line — he has for his entire career. He’s always been a touchdown scorer.”

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