Steelers' Mike Tomlin Gives Definitive Answer About Team's Running Back Situation

The Pittsburgh Steelers went into their 2023 Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams without a single rushing touchdown tallied during the entirety of the season. The direction that Matt Canada's offense had been trending made it difficult to believe that their lack of scoring via the run would continue. After Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren put together the most impressive performance on the ground that the 2023 Steelers had to show so far, Mike Tomlin confirmed how valuable having the dual threat is to their success.

Steelers' Harris And Warren Have Tomlin's Confidence

Usually, when a team celebrates a triumphant day running the football, one would expect gaudy numbers and heady production. For the 2023 Steelers, though, their rushing performance against the Rams in Week 7 marked the first time that the Steelers had run the ball for a score. The results were a team total of 86 yards on the ground, but that came with three rushing touchdowns as well. Harris scored one, Warren scored another and Kenny Pickett rounded out the trifecta.

When Tomlin addressed the media following Pittsburgh's 24-17 victory over the Rams, Warren was brought up regarding the jolt that he gave the offense. The reporter asked Tomlin how important it was to have a ball carrier like Warren when Harris struggled, but Tomlin didn't accept the more negative part of the question. His response was extremely to the point and ensured that there was no wondering whether his dual backfield had his confidence.

"We need them both."

Direct and without room for interpretation; everything a Tomlin presser answer should be about. The challenges that Harris has been through in 2023 during a season where the offensive line hasn't been at its best have been very public. The more Warren showed flashes, the more fans questioned whether Harris should be the lead running back for the Steelers. Tomlin making sure that everyone knew how he felt about his two backs was a vital aspect of his postgame comments.

With plenty of football left to play in 2023, the Steelers will need more of the same kind of production from both Harris and Warren.

Steelers' Tomlin Appreciates The Talent In Pittsburgh's Backfield

There was truth in the question that Tomlin was asked following Pittsburgh's victory over the Rams, but it is possible for it to exist without the biting connotation it was given. Has Warren stepped up in the moments where Harris hasn't been able to find success? Yes. Is it necessary for it to be an all-or-nothing situation, though? No.

Tomlin knows that there are a ton of other teams in the NFL that would love to be stuck with his dilemma of choosing between Harris and Warren when running the football. The one-two punch has proven formidable at times but not enough to lift the Steelers' offense out of the gutter during 2023. On Sunday, during their Week 7 win over the Rams, the punches started landing and making a difference.

After making sure to confirm to the media that Pittsburgh relies on both of their running backs, Tomlin also spoke on the performances that he saw from the pair. Not only do the Steelers need both Harris and Warren, it is a welcome blessing.

"We do [need them both], and I'm appreciative of their efforts."

The efforts that he spoke of lifted Pittsburgh to 4-2 in 2023, holding onto second place in the AFC North, though the 5-2 Baltimore Ravens haven't had their bye yet and are a game ahead. While Pittsburgh has their head above water, being two games above .500, their record isn't anything to hang their hat on.

Tomlin can be appreciative of the efforts his players are putting forth, but the bottom line is that for 2023 to be anything more than another non-losing campaign, the coaching needs to be much better. The offense was challenged and, late in their Week 7 victory over the Rams, came through, but the football world knows that it won't be nearly enough in the future. Can Harris and Warren be the two-headed monster that we all envisioned, or will the running success be a limited-time event?

How many touchdowns will the Steelers have in Week 8 of 2023? 

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