The Pittsburgh Steelers have a clear path to reclaiming AFC North supremacy, largely because of the current state of their divisional counterparts. Head coach Mike Tomlin and Co. must capitalize on the prime opportunity, regardless of how and why. This means making some incredibly difficult, imperative decisions moving forward, including their backfield situation.
Pittsburgh's Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings opened the door for a running back controversy. Incumbent starter Jaylen Warren was a surprise inactive, and backup Kenneth Gainwell took the opportunity and ran with it (literally).
Warren had a fairly firm grip on his spot atop the depth chart in the Steelers' first three games this season. Conversely, Gainwell was operating in a clear change-of-pace role. However, the latter's career day against Minnesota forces Tomlin to strongly consider more of a committee with a 1A-1B approach coming out of their bye.
Kenneth Gainwell's breakout game forces Mike Tomlin to reconsider Pittsburgh Steelers' RB plans
Gainwell was spectacular in the Steelers' international clash with the Vikings. He set personal single-game-highs in touches (25) and scrimmage yards (134) and scored two of Pittsburgh's three touchdowns. The fifth-year veteran looked quite comfortable handling a workhorse role; reverting him to third-down/pass-catching specialist duties would be mismanagement of an asset.
Tomlin must lean into a tandem between Warren and Gainwell when they're both healthy. The Steelers lack playmakers on the outside beyond two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, especially with Calvin Austin III now injured. Tight end Jonnu Smith is a fine ancillary piece, but having him as the No. 2 option doesn't strike fear in rival contenders' eyes.
It's time for the Steelers to funnel their offense through their versatile tailbacks. They're Pro Football Focus's third-lowest-graded passing offense and boast the No. 22 protection unit ($). 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers throwing to an underwhelming supporting cast behind a shoddy offensive line isn't a recipe for success.
Given Pittsburgh's circumstances, we've seen them rely on the ground game; their 44.65 rushing play percentage ranks 11th in the league thus far. The Steelers ostensibly recognize they can't put too much on Rodgers' plate. With that in mind, there's plenty of opportunity to utilize Warren and Gainwell more interchangeably.
Steelers third-round rookie back Kaleb Johnson doesn't appear ready to make a meaningful contribution quite yet. Despite the high draft capital, it's best to let him continue taking a backseat to Gainwell and Warren.