The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for another shot at the playoffs, and the offense will once again be their biggest question mark. While the quarterback play will be important, Pittsburgh’s biggest X-factor will be its running game.
Jaylen Warren and the newly signed Rico Dowdle are coming off productive years and are now poised to thrive in Mike McCarthy’s offense.
Warren and Dowdle Delivered in Crowded Rooms
Neither Warren nor Dowdle played in one-man backfields last season. Warren formed a tandem with team MVP Kenneth Gainwell, while Dowdle joined the Panthers as a backup to Chuba Hubbard, eventually taking over the starting job after massive performances while Hubbard nursed a leg injury. Despite this, both players produced more than 1,250 scrimmage yards for their teams.
The big question will be who replaces Gainwell’s receiving load from the backfield. The answer is most likely Warren, as he averaged more than eight yards per catch and is one of the league’s best pass-blocking backs. However, both Warren and Dowdle are capable receivers. The Steelers won’t have to worry as much about exactly who is in the backfield when planning personnel packages.
Both Running Backs Are Bruisers
Even at different heights, both Warren and Dowdle are thumpers on the field. Each player had an explosive rate of over 7.50% and more than 600 yards after contact. These numbers contextualize the physicality that will allow Warren and Dowdle to wear defenses down. With the coaching staff committed to a “thunder and lightning” approach, the duo will get to do that while staying fresh.
“These guys can play all three downs, and that’s important,” McCarthy said to SteelersNow beat reporter Alan Saunders during the league meetings at Phoenix, AZ, this past March.
The combination of a traditional pound-the-rock back familiar with the new coach’s scheme and a short, strong pinball that maneuvers well in open field creates a winning recipe for any offense.
The Steelers’ Receiving Game Will Improve
The Steelers have always had a ground-heavy mindset, but the receiving game got a massive boost this offseason. Pittsburgh traded for Colts receiver Michael Pittman and drafted Alabama wideout Germie Bernard in the second round of this year’s draft. They also drafted tackle Max Iheanachor and guard Gennings Dunker, injecting even more youth into a promising young offensive line.
The offensive upgrades, alongside a new scheme, can open up the Steelers’ offense more than it has been in the last few years. A lethal passing game can stretch the field and give Warren and Dowdle lighter defensive boxes to bulldoze over with their powerful running styles.
Coming off an AFC North title and a Wild Card exit, the Steelers have had many changes this offseason. For a team that will rely heavily on the run game, Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle will be the perfect blend of backs for Pittsburgh’s next campaign.