Atlanta Falcons: Three things to watch against the Pittsburgh Steelers

Brian Hill

5th-round draft pick Brian Hill struggled at running back last week against Miami. He managed just 10 yards on 9 carries and has been put on notice by Dan Quinn. This is a far cry from his 5.5 yards per carry he averaged over his last two seasons at Wyoming.

Starting running back Devonta Freeman has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with a concussion. This has a trickle down effect for Hill as it means that Tevin Coleman starts and Terron Ward will spell in for him. This should result in Hill getting more touches with the second string than he did against Miami.

Hill will likely face pressure from behind as well. Recent signing Kelvin Taylor will be keen to impress as he finds himself on his fourth team in just his second professional season.

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Hill is running out of time to make his case for a place in an already stacked backfield. Whether he uses these touches to show Quinn that he is receptive to constructive criticism, or whether he continues to play with hesitation and uncertainty, remains to be seen.