Jaylen Warren Belongs in Top RB Conversations

Warren Took off in Week 3

Warren, just like the Steelers’ offense, had a slow start to the season. In two games against the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots (both stout run defenses), Warren failed to rush for 5o yards each game. He still logged more than 70 scrimmage yards via catches, but the Steelers’ plan for a “backfield by committee” was clearly not working.

Dowdle arrived in Pittsburgh to complement Warren, similarly to how Kenny Gainwell did last year. McCarthy and running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung raved about the combo. Instead, Dowdle only mustered 65 yards in 19 touches before exiting the New England game with a toe injury that knocked him out of the next three games.

The injury derailed the team’s aspirations at a split backfield, but the Pats loss triggered changes to the offensive line. Brock Hoffman and rookie Max Iheanachor became the starting right linemen over Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook. More importantly, though, a thin rushing room of Lew Nichols and Travis Homer sat behind Warren. This was Warren’s chance to prove he can be the sole workhorse.

Since then, Warren has exploded. Warren has accrued 490 total yards in three games and has galvanized the Steelers offense. He now sits third behind Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs for total scrimmage yards with only 89 touches.

High-Impact Plays Generating Points

The only thing lacking in Warren’s box score is touchdowns. He only has two, and both came in Week 5. Still, Warren is the engine through which the Steelers offense thrives, and he has done so because of explosive plays, such as both of his scores on Sunday.

This play works out perfectly, even if Rodgers got crushed almost immediately after the snap. Warren broke out into the flat and beat out rookie Bryce Boettcher to the edge of the field, high-stepping a bit to avoid his tackle attempt. DK Metcalf actually did a tremendous job of blocking both Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum enough for Warren to turn on the jets and fly towards the end zone.

Warren’s second score midway through the third quarter is even more impressive. A run towards the left side where Warren immediately cuts it to the middle, jukes out Akeem Davis-Gaither and wiggles through a swarm of other Colts defenders, emerging into an open plain of grass for the 50-yard run into the end zone.

Both plays required Warren’s quick decision-making, insane contact-breaking ability, and bursts of speed to work. These are the skills that have revived the Steelers offense out of a dreadful start to the year.

Immaculate Trust Between Players

Warren has been fantastic for three weeks, but the Steelers as a unit have excelled in creating the necessary space for Warren’s explosive plays. The Steelers’ run blocking has been night and day after the line switch, and their receiving weapons are completely bought into the run-blocking culture.

Both touchdowns are a prime example of this: Metcalf hustled out two defensive backs to give Warren the lane up the sideline in the 80-yarder; meanwhile, tight end Darnell Washington and wide receiver Brandon Smith opened the path for Warren’s 50-yarder.

“That’s just the way we practice, so when it shows up on Sundays, none of us are surprised,” said Warren in his post-game press conference (around the 1:30 minute mark), continuously crediting his teammates and offensive line for the success he has had so far.

His teammates feel the same way. Freiermuth, who also scored twice, spoke highly of Warren and the team’s desire to get him the ball in space so he can “make big plays.” Rodgers referred to Warren as a “slippery player” in his presser, also calling him “one of the most liked players on the team,” which makes everyone want to block for him.

Warren earned the team’s respect a long time ago; that much is telegraphed by how much his teammates want to help him succeed. It is time for others to include him in the crowded national conversation for top back in the league, right where Warren belongs.