The Pittsburgh Steelers got big contributions from several rookies last season. More than expected. Chase Claypool was fantastic, Alex Highsmith stepped up, and Kevin Dotson played beyond his years. All three guys are entrenched as starters going into their sophomore seasons.
One rookie who was quiet in 2020 was RB Anthony McFarland. Though running backs typically make an easier jump from college to pros, McFarland carried the ball just 33 times, averaging 3.4 yards per carry for the league’s worst rushing attack.
Talking with reporters on a Tuesday Zoom call, RBs Coach Eddie Faulkner cited lack of preseason and offseason reps as the reason for McFarland’s slow first year in the league.