LATROBE, Pa. -- "Backs on backers" is the Pittsburgh Steelers' signature training camp drill, a buzzworthy throwback that draws a circle of scouts, coaches and players out of anticipation. The one-on-one matchups are light on rules and heavy on contact: A tight end or running back must slow a charging linebacker from penetrating the pocket.
This was not a strength of James Conner's a year ago. His pass-protection struggles contributed to 68 offensive snaps and 32 carries as a rookie. But on Friday in Latrobe Memorial, his stuff-and-turn of linebacker Matt Galambos excites his quarterback.