Sharing the workload didn’t slow Jaylen Warren down in an intradivisional showdown against the Cleveland Browns. The Pittsburgh Steelers fed Rico Dowdle 15 carries, and Warren still matched his career high with 143 rushing yards. Together they produced 199 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
It provided a glimpse of how Pittsburgh’s backfield can thrive with both backs involved. But it didn’t always look this pretty.
Initially, Mike McCarthy’s fantasy of incorporating an RB committee seemed par for the course. Especially when the Steelers signed Dowdle in early March. An impressive stint with Carolina helped the undrafted free agent earn a two-year $12.25 million deal. His physicality and downhill running terrorized defenders, resulting in consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns.
But after a few games with Pittsburgh, it didn’t feel like Dowdle would reach the same benchmark this season.
Performances during the initial weeks of the campaign were hard to watch. McCarthy incorporated Dowdle in the rotation, but it wasn’t successful. In his first two appearances, Pittsburgh’s tailback earned 15 carries for 37 yards and zero touchdowns. His 2.47 yards per carry were below expectations and limited the offense.
Dowdle’s three-game absence placed greater responsibility on Warren, who responded by becoming the centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s rushing attack. The increased workload established his importance to McCarthy’s offense. It also raised questions about how Dowdle would fit upon his return.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may finally have a lethal RB Committee with Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren
Before Week 2, Warren only accounted for 89 yards on 21 carries. Since then, Pittsburgh’s tailback has earned 925 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. His 143 rushing yards against Cleveland became his season high. The effort also ranked second in yards per carry behind Tyler Allgeier (8.4) among Sunday’s rushers.
A physical downhill running back was believed to be the perfect partner to pair with Pittsburgh’s Swiss Army knife. It proved true during Week 8. Warren continued on his dominant streak while Rico Dowdle decided to join the fun as well. The veteran rusher earned 45% of the rush share and contributed 15 carries for 56 yards.
According to Sumer Sports, Warren (.36) and Dowdle (.07) also ranked inside the top 10 in EPA per rush during Week 8 among players with 10 or more touches. Both backs generated positive expected points when carrying the football, proving that Pittsburgh’s committee approach can produce more than a balanced workload.
The Steelers are reaping the rewards of an offensive explosion led by two determined rushers. A Week 8 victory against the Browns put McCarthy’s unit in first place in the AFC North. The performance also sent a message to opposing defenses planning to disrupt momentum.
A healthy dose of Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle sounded intriguing to begin the season. Now, the duo is more of a recipe for success.
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