The Pittsburgh Steelers are a mystery going into 2023. Hopes are high that the late-season success translates into a run at the AFC North Division title and a playoff berth. The Steelers will be counting on a healthy TJ Watt and second-season jumps from Kenny Pickett and George Pickens to lead the way this year.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers' Kenny Pickett and George Pickens celebrating after a touchdown in a game at Acrisure Stadium in 2022.
CBS Sports Tyler Sullivan published an article titled Under-The-Radar AFC Players Who Can Be Stars in 2023 on Tuesday and identified one player from each team who could emerge as a star this season. The list was a mix of rookies like Chase Brown from the Cincinnati Bengals and Michael Mayer of the Las Vegas Raiders, to a former Second Team All-Pro in Calvin Ridley for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The selection for Pittsburgh was Jaylen Warren, an undrafted free agent heading into his second season in the NFL.
In 2022, Warren took advantage of a slow start by Najee Harris and flashed a significant burst in the run game. He showed above-average productivity in pass protection and as a pass catcher as well. Warren was so effective that during the bye week, rumors were flying that he would supplant Harris as the starting running back in the Pittsburgh offense.
A pulled hamstring against the Bengals temporarily derailed any plans of Warren taking over, but upon his return, the tandem of Warren and Harris made the former first-round draft choice more effective behind an improving offensive line.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers RB Jaylen Warren was arguably the team's biggest surprise in 2022.
“Warren should see some more work as the number two on the depth chart,” Sullivan observes. “After a solid showing as a rookie where he averaged 5.6 yards per touch, Warren averaged 6.5 touches (per game) last season. Even if that increases to 10 touches, his ability as both a pass-catcher and pure runner should help create a change of pace in Pittsburgh’s backfield and keep Harris fresh.”
Steelers' Najee Harris Reaches 1,000 Yards As Steelers Clinch Winning Record In 2022
Harris struggled through the first eight games last season and only had 361 yards as the Steelers entered the bye. Warren’s emergence and quick burst into holes gave Harris the motivation after dealing with a foot injury to run more aggressively in the last nine games. He reached 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season after rushing for 673 yards down the stretch as the Steelers went 7-2 over the last nine games.
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Steelers' Najee Harris breaks tackles against the Colts.
Harris unleashed some of his most physical runs in the NFL, tossing defenders to the side and in some cases, slamming them to the ground. Warren and Harris are perfect partners because despite the size difference, they both are looking to dish out punishment to defenders, instead of absorbing it. They both are dangerous in the passing game as outlets, although Warren is the better of the two in pass protection.
The Steelers’ investment in the offensive line during the offseason is demonstrative proof that they think Harris and Warren can carry the Steelers to the playoffs. Omar Khan, Mike Tomlin, and Andy Weidl have rebuilt the left side of the offensive line with Isaac Seumalo and the Georgia Bulldogs rookies Broderick Jones and Darnell Washington. Seumalo is already considered one of the best guards in the NFL and if Jones and Washington adapt quickly to the NFL, Harris and Warren could be running wild through the biggest holes they have ever seen in Pittsburgh.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers OC, Matt Canada has Pittsburgh in a vicious cycle.
Warren’s status as an undrafted free agent who fought his way onto the roster and 2022 production already make him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. He is a hard worker and enjoys the physicality of the running back position. The Steelers are banking heavily on the Harris-Warren tandem in 2023, but the onus will be on Matt Canada to maximize them. In the words of the bard, therein lies the rub.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Will the power running of Harris and Warren work with Canada calling the plays? Please comment below, or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
#SteelerNation
