Steelers OC Matt Canada Has Plans To Make Rushing Attack More Balanced Moving Forward

Amidst the Pittsburgh Steelers' rough start, the running game hasn't done well. As a result, the offense hasn't had much balance at all, making it difficult for second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. Through three contests, the Steelers' 201 rushing yards is third-worst in the NFL, while their 3.2 yards per carry is fourth-worst. No matter how you spin it, they haven't done well in any aspect.

Many people have already called for backup running back Jaylen Warren to take Najee Harris' starting role. The coaching staff has listened a little bit, as Warren has been seeing more and more playing time. At this point, it seems to be heading toward a near 50/50 split in terms of playing time. When speaking to the media on Thursday, Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada gave insight into how they can improve the running game via Nick Farabaugh.

This offseason, the Steelers made it a point of emphasis to get back to old school football. So far, teams have been able to stack the box against this offense, and Pickett hasn't been able to take complete advantage of it. As Canada references, the team has incorporated a lot of heavy personnel. When the team drafted tight end Darnell Washington in the third round back in April, this was their exact plan. Washington has played 79 offensive snaps so far, but has yet to register a catch. 

Now to be fair to Harris, it's not like Warren has been much more effective, at least in the running game. Actually, Harris is averaging just about 4.0 yards per carry, which would be the best number of his career if it were to stand. He's been able to break longer runs on a more regular basis, a main criticism of his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. On the contrary, Warren has averaged just 3.2 yards per carry across 17 attempts.

Why Is The Steelers Running Game Still Struggling?

Pro Football Focus hasn't been too kind to the two tailbacks, as neither of them rank inside the grading site's top-35 running backs thus far. Out of the 54 qualified running backs, the two actually rank back-to-back at 38th and 39th. Warren's impact in the passing game is what has really narrowed the gap between the two. After 115 catches in his first two seasons, Harris has caught just three passes for two yards in the first three contest.

The offensive line hasn't exactly helped the running backs either, as defenders have been in the backfield at a consistent rate. It's been a somewhat disappointing start for the unit, especially considering the investment that the front office put into the group this offseason. Rookie Broderick Jones has played just four offensive snaps, which has featured him as an extra lineman on the field.

It may not be long before he takes over the left tackle job, as Dan Moore Jr. hasn't been any good in three contests. After that, there's some hope for the offensive line and running game to take a step forward. In Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Steelers did have a season-high 105 rushing yards on the night. They still lacked efficiency, but it seems like the meeting between Harris and the offensive line may have worked.

Who do you think is the better running back between Harris and Warren? Who do you think is most to blame for the running game's struggles thus far? Would starting Broderick Jones over Moore benefit the running game? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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