The Pittsburgh Steelers have been fighting to reclaim their identity throughout the season. A reach for veteran expertise during the offseason and a focused NFL Draft were proactive steps taken by general manager Omar Khan to ensure long-term success.
Early returns were uneven. But football seasons aren’t defined in September—they’re remembered in December. And in a must-win Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions, the Steelers finally looked like themselves again.
That rediscovered identity came riding on the shoulders of their running backs.
Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell didn’t just contribute against Detroit—they carried the offense outright. In a statement game the Steelers could not afford to lose, the running back tandem became the engine that powered Pittsburgh to victory.
Every snap felt urgent. Every yard mattered. Both teams entered Sunday knowing their postseason lives hung in the balance. Dan Campbell’s Lions needed a win to stay afloat, while Mike Tomlin’s group needed one to keep a firm grip on the AFC North.
From the opening drive, Pittsburgh made its intentions clear. This game would be played on their terms.
For the second consecutive week, Arthur Smith’s offense dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 34:06. That wasn’t accidental. It was strategic, methodical, and rooted in trust—trust in Warren and Gainwell to wear down Detroit’s defense and control the pace. The Lions were caged by a relentless ground attack that never allowed them to get comfortable or dictate momentum.
Pittsburgh Steelers have a special tandem in Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren
Warren and Gainwell combined for 193 rushing yards and two touchdowns, repeatedly flipping field position and injecting life into an offense that had been labeled one-dimensional for far too long. When Detroit threatened to swing the momentum, Pittsburgh responded with chunk plays on the ground that quieted the crowd and steadied the sideline.
Gainwell’s impact went beyond the run game. He emerged as Aaron Rodgers’ most reliable target, leading the team with 78 receiving yards and hauling in an impressive touchdown catch that showcased his versatility. Time and again, he slipped into space, punished mismatches, and reminded everyone why balance matters in January football.
What made the performance so satisfying wasn’t just the numbers—it was the timing.
READ MORE: The Pittsburgh Steelers have a special tandem in Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren
The Steelers have been haunted for years by predictable usage in the backfield. Najee Harris grinding forward for modest gains while Warren was used sporadically in passing situations became an all-too-familiar script. Those days feel gone. Arthur Smith has unlocked a more dynamic approach, allowing his playmakers to dictate matchups rather than react to them.
This evolution is changing the narrative around Pittsburgh’s offense. It’s no longer about surviving games—it’s about controlling them.
Without their running backs, the Steelers don’t score a single point in Week 16. That reality underscores both the challenge and the comfort this team now embraces. Others will need to step up as the postseason approaches, but it’s refreshing to know that when the moment demands toughness, explosiveness, and heart, Pittsburgh has two workhorses willing and able to answer the call.
And that feels like Steelers football again.