There’s no denying the Pittsburgh Steelers run game is completely substandard. As a team, Pittsburgh rushed for only 54 yards but realistically when you fall so far behind so quickly, you don’t have much choice but to abandon the run game. This is what happened in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills.
However, if there is a takeaway from the run game, it’s that undrafted rookie Jaylen Warren has an NFL set of skills and deserves more touches. Former first-round pick Najee Harris finished with only 20 rushing yards on 11 carries. Warren led the team in rushing with 24 yards on only five carries. Warren also outpaced Harris as a receiver one more catch and 23 more receiving yards. Warren’s 59 total yards trailed only wide receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson.
But it goes well beyond the boxscore. Warren has proven he has NFL skills that translate to a run game without a dominant offensive line. His vision allows him to break down opportunities quickly and his footwork and quickness keep him moving and make him a difficult target. In contrast, Harris is a huge target who does himself no favors with his upright, flat-footed rushing style.
No one is calling for Harris to be benched but we have to put away the narrative of the offensive line being so bad it doesn’t matter who is running the ball Elite running backs don’t require elite offensive lines. They find ways to make plays even when things aren’t ideal. This is where Warren is and where Harris needs to get to.
