Much like the era of Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker, the Pittsburgh Steelers currently have a tandem of excellent backs on the roster who will both impact the offense this season. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren proved down the stretch in 2022 that this run game can fit two feature backs and you can bet the Steelers coaches will take advantage of that this season.
Last season Harris carried the ball 272 times for 1,034 yards for a 3.8-yard per-carry average. Warren carried the ball just 77 times for 379 yards and a 4.9-yard per-carry average.
Some pundits have wondered if Warren would be a better option to be the lead back with Harris in more of a reserve role. I’m not sure Warren will ever be listed as the starter but I can certainly see games where Warren will outgain Harris given the right situation.
Warren is sure to cut into Harris’ touches this season. If we look at 2023 and there are 350 rushes between them (2022 was 349), here is a realistic split.
Harris gets 65 percent of the carries with 228 and Warren gets 122. Keeping the yards per carry the same, Harris finishes with 866 yards and Warren rushes for 598.
Or maybe this is all wrong and one back will run away with the touches and lead the team by a huge amount. cast your vote and let us know which back you think will lead the team in rushing in 2023.
