Former Steelers LB Devin Bush Confident He Will Shut Down Najee Harris And Jaylen Warren

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Devin Bush now finds himself in a different jersey, playing for the Seattle Seahawks. His journey from being a Steelers' first-round draft pick in 2019, to joining the Seahawks as a free agent in 2023, has been a rollercoaster ride marked by injuries and changes in team dynamics.

However, Bush remains confident in his abilities, especially when it comes to stopping the Steelers' formidable running back duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.

The Steelers made a bold move in the 2019 NFL Draft, trading up to select Bush, a lightning-fast linebacker from the University of Michigan. His arrival in Pittsburgh was met with excitement and high expectations, and it seemed like he was poised to become a defensive stalwart for the team. In his rookie season, Bush showed flashes of his potential, racking up tackles and making plays.

However, Bush's promising start took a devastating turn in his second season when he suffered a season-ending injury. The setback derailed his progress, and he struggled to regain his form when he returned to the field. As a result, when his rookie four-year contract with the Steelers came to an end, the team chose not to exercise his fifth-year option, signaling the end of his tenure in Pittsburgh.

Bush's departure from the Steelers led him to the Seahawks, where he signed a one-year, $3.5 million free agent deal. While his playing time has been limited in the 2023 season, an ankle injury to Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks has opened the door for Bush to potentially start and see extended playing time in an upcoming game against his former team.

Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll expressed confidence in Bush's readiness for the game and expects him to be highly motivated to face his former teammates. The matchup offers Bush a chance to prove his worth and make an impact on the field.

Steelers' Game Plan Is Simple According To Devin Bush

In a recent interview with Seattle Sports, Bush offered insights into how he anticipates the Steelers will approach the game without quarterback Kenny Pickett. Bush's familiarity with the Steelers' offensive style, having spent four years with the team, has given him a unique perspective on their strategies.

"That's just the type of style they bring anywhere they go. They got those two backs for a reason, and obviously they don't have Pickett back there, so what else would you do?"

Bush noted that the Steelers rely heavily on their running backs, particularly Harris and Warren, as a central part of their offensive game plan. With Pickett unavailable, Bush believes the Steelers will emphasize their ground game even more.

"So, I mean, yeah, they're gonna bring it. They're gonna run the ball. This helps me out, because I used to be in 9-on-7 with those guys for four years, so I got a feel for and an eye for what to look for, what to see, how they move, who they want to run with, run behind, situations, stuff like that.”

Bush expressed confidence in his ability to counter the Steelers' running attack, citing his experience practicing against them during his time with the team. His familiarity with their running styles, tendencies, and the Steelers' offensive schemes gives him an advantage in understanding how to defend against them, or so he believes.

While Bush exudes confidence in his ability to slow down the Steelers' rushing attack, he may face a daunting challenge in Warren. Known for his physicality and powerful blocking, Warren is not an opponent to underestimate. The intensity and determination that Warren brings to each play could pose a significant challenge for Bush and the Seahawks' defense. For Bush's sake, he better hope Warren doesn't find this interview because he's the last offensive player you want to motivate.

Furthermore, the Steelers may not rely solely on their rushing game, especially given Mason Rudolph's impressive performance against the Cincinnati Bengals' secondary last week. Rudolph's desire to prove his capabilities may lead to an aggressive passing strategy that tests the Seahawks' secondary more than Bush anticipates. Expect Rudolph to target the talented wide receiver George Pickens early and often, just like he did last Saturday.

As the Seahawks prepare to face the Steelers in a crucial matchup, Bush's confidence in his ability to thwart his former team's running game adds an intriguing storyline to the game. Whether his insider knowledge proves effective or not, Sunday's showdown promises to be a captivating clash between two determined teams with their playoff hopes on the line.

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