How will the Browns contain Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren?
The Browns’ run defense has continued to see some struggles in recent weeks, as they now rank 14th in the league in fewest rushing yards allowed per game at 113.7.
Heading into Week 17, the Steelers average just 101.7 rushing yards per game, ranked 26th in the league, but have threats in their rushing attack that the Browns have to account for in their running back duo of Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren. They are Pittsburgh’s leading rushers, as Warren has 185 carries for 828 rushing yards and six touchdowns this season, while Gainwell has 102 carries for 501 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Yet, the pair also play a role in the Steelers’ pass game, particularly in their ability to gain yards after the catch. Gainwell has 62 receptions this season and leads Pittsburgh with 441 yards after the catch. Warren is third in yards after the catch totaling 373 on the season with 35 receptions.
“One of the things Pittsburgh (Steelers) does with Aaron Rodgers is they throw a lot of short RPOs, quick passes, little option routes to the running back, which are high percentage plays that are sort of an extension of the running game,” Schwartz said. “And both of those guys are really good run after catch. A lot of short throws, a lot of quick throws and run after the catch, and both Warren and Gainwell give those guys…a little bit of a different style. Gainwell’s more of a jump cut, glider kind of a guy, and Warren is just compact and vertical. […] They’ll use both of them, so we got to know which guy is out there, and then also just really work hard for tackling and allowing no run after contact, but also no run after the catch.”