One-dimensional football teams rarely find success in the NFL. Sure, the Pittsburgh Steelers escaped Week 1 with a 20-13 victory against Atlanta without many attempts on the ground. That ultimately made the afternoon harder than anticipated.
Surprisingly, Pittsburgh fed Rico Dowdle more than expected. It was a switch few saw coming. Especially knowing that Jaylen Warren brings a full array of skills to the table.
In 2025, Warren accounted for 958 rushing yards on 211 carries. He also hauled in 40 receptions on 45 targets for 333 receiving yards. The 1,291 all-purpose yards were instrumental for an offense struggling to move the football. In the midst of adversity, Pittsburgh’s tailback became a reliable chain mover.
So, if he’s been a consistent workhorse, why limit his impact?
On Sunday, the Steelers finished the evening with 58 rushing yards on 21 attempts. Warren accounted for the majority (46) of the team’s ground total. But you couldn’t tell by the snap count. Despite the production, Dowdle earned 14 more snaps (39) than Warren (25). Yet, he finished with fewer touches (10) and scrimmage yards (21) than Pittsburgh’s versatile tailback.
That doesn’t make sense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must give Jaylen Warren a larger offensive role than Rico Dowdle
After witnessing Warren turning Aaron Rodgers’ check-downs into energizing gains, he should be the primary option in the backfield. Speed, elusiveness, and quickness put incoming defenders at a disadvantage. It makes the former undrafted free agent an asset for an offense working out kinks.
Keeping playmakers on the field is football 101. A team’s best chances of winning appear when game changers are on the field. Jaylen Warren is the star of Pittsburgh’s backfield. In Week 1, he earned 73 scrimmage yards on 15 total touches.
Yes, Warren also coughed up a fumble that resulted in a Falcons touchdown. But the mistake was uncharacteristic of the reliable bruiser. Although his role seemed more limited than before, he still made a huge impact throughout four quarters.
Excitement surrounding a revamped scheme made buying into Pittsburgh’s coaching change easier. McCarthy’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer and offensive mastermind was refreshing for fans longing for the Steelers to score points with less stress. On Sunday, Pittsburgh only scored one touchdown, needing T.J. Watt’s interception touchdown to pull off the win. The performance showed a glimpse of change, but the result felt too familiar.
A slight change in Pittsburgh’s RB reps could be the difference between a struggling and progressive offense. It’s nice to see the Steelers incorporate Dowdle, but it’s clear Warren is the more explosive option. He’s versatile, which allows McCarthy’s group more options with the football. I expect the Steelers to feed Warren more as the season continues. It will lead to bigger offensive explosions and more down the line.
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