The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a hard-fought victory with a final score of 20-16 in a pivotal Week 9 showdown against the Tennessee Titans. The game, played on Thursday night, carried immense significance for the Steelers, a team that was determined to get back on the winning track. The contest marked the debut of Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada's first time on the sideline, and the Steelers launched the game with an impressive touchdown drive. For Steelers fans, witnessing their offense consistently move the chains and reach the end zone was a moment of pure elation. At times for the offense, getting a first down can almost feel like a touchdown.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Najee Harris ran angry against the Los Angeles Rams during their 2023 Week 7 victory
As the game unfolded, the Titans mounted a strong response, with Will Levis, making only his second NFL start, connecting with DeAndre Hopkins in the first half. The Steelers' secondary, however, rose to the occasion, effectively containing Hopkins in a pivotal second half. In the crucial moments of the game, the Steelers delivered a resounding performance, ultimately sealing the deal with a game-winning interception by Kwon Alexander.
The 2021 first-round draft pick, Najee Harris, has had a season marked by both flashes of brilliance and moments of struggle. In the game against the Titans, Harris exhibited a significant resurgence. He carried the ball 16 times, accumulating 69 yards at an impressive rate of 4.3 yards per carry, and capped off his performance with a crucial touchdown.
Harris's contributions were vital in securing the win and he showcased a bit of the Harris who Steelers fans have wanted to see. Despite a relatively slow start to the season, Harris's performance against the Titans provided a glimpse of the impact he can have when hitting his stride. If this Steelers offense can get some consistency from Harris, it would be huge in opening up the passing game for Pickett. The Steelers showed what the run game is capable of, accumulating 166 yards on the ground.
While Harris has been the marquee name in the Steelers' backfield, an undrafted free agent, Jaylen Warren, has been consistently making a significant impact. Warren, who once fought for a roster spot, has emerged as a valuable asset for the team. Against the Titans, Warren was instrumental in the Steelers' offensive success.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game against the Cleveland Browns on Thurs., Sept. 22 at Cleveland, OH.
Warren carried the ball 11 times, showcasing his explosive style by accumulating 88 yards at an impressive rate of 8.0 yards per carry. In addition to his ground game prowess, Warren showcased his versatility with three receptions for 25 yards. The one-two punch of Harris and Warren has insane potential to become a promising and potent force within the Steelers' offensive arsenal.
Steelers Dynamic RB Duo
The intriguing aspect of this running back duo is the contrasting paths they took to reach the NFL. Harris was a highly touted prospect and a first-round draft selection for the Steelers, while Warren's journey to the league began as an undrafted free agent.
This unique blend of talents has allowed the Steelers to deploy a diverse and effective ground game strategy. When asked about Harris and Warren's comfort with their roles in the offense, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin offered his perspective. They both have the potential to trot onto the field during the first offensive possession of games going forward.
"Yeah, I think they are. They are both starting capable, and they are competitive guys. We are going to need them both. It's really not a new song. We like that group."
Tomlin's response underscores the team's confidence in its running back tandem and the versatility they bring to the offense. He also dropped a Tomlinism on us.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin keeps letting Matt Canada off the hook for their 2023 struggles despite what everyone else already knows
With the Steelers committed to utilizing both Harris and Warren to their fullest potential, the running game is poised to become an even greater weapon as the season progresses. With Canada on the sideline, the Steelers' offense is showing signs of resurgence, and the success of their running backs is undoubtedly a key factor in their upward trajectory.
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