The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken a steep drop in performance over the last four weeks, but all will be forgiven if Mike Tomlin can lead his team to a first round playoff win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night. Pittsburgh travels to Baltimore for their third straight road Wild Card game, the last two which came against the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. To have any shot at taking down Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, the Steelers' offense needs to start making plays, and it starts with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in the backfield.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has quickly become the more productive of Pittsburgh's two running backs in 2023.
In his first season as Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith put a strong emphasis on the rush attack. The Steelers finished the 2024 season with the fourth most rush attempts and the 11th most yards under Smith's offense. Harris received nearly half of Pittsburgh's 533 rush attempts this season, while Warren's numbers are much lower. Warren spent a lot of time dealing with injuries throughout the first half of the season, but since he's gotten back to full strength, he's been a huge asset in the backfield.
The AFC North playoff showdown in Baltimore is expected to be a cold one with possible snow conditions. Considering the sloppy weather, both teams will be looking to run the ball. In the Steelers' last meeting with the Ravens just a few weeks ago, Pittsburgh had nothing going for them on the ground. Warren finished the game with 48 yards on 12 carries, while Harris only put up nine rushes for 42 yards. With the passing game seeming non-existent, one of these two backs desperately needs to step up Saturday night.
Manti Te'o, a 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist, former NFL linebacker, and show member of NFL Network's Good Morning Football, explained why Warren is the guy to lean on instead of Harris against the Ravens.
"Jaylen Warren, in my opinion, has been a shining light for that offense," Te'o said. "Arthur Smith loves to run the ball, but specifically he loves to run zone blocking schemes where all of the linemen just go in the same direction and they block whoever's in front of them. When you have that type of blocking scheme, you need a running back that can go horizontal, and immediately put his foot into the dirt, and get vertical."
Both Warren and Harris' production have been very limited over the course of their four-game losing skid. Warren, with his bursting speed, seems to matchup much better against Baltimore than Harris.
"Najee Harris has a tendency to be kind of like a Le'Veon Bell type of runner where he's a little patient, he doesn't really hit the holes really fast. Whereas, Jaylen Warren really comes down hill with some force. So, if they want to have a chance, they have to establish this run, and Jaylen Warren is the guy to do it, in my opinion."
Warren hasn't gotten more rush attempts in a game than Harris since their last outing against the Ravens, and Saturday night would be another good opportunity for him.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jaylen Warren looks to run during a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024.
The Steelers-Ravens matchup is always a tough, physical game that starts at the line of scrimmage. If you give Warren an offensive line that's rolling up front, he's going to have a big game. If Pittsburgh's front five don't do their jobs, then the entire offense will be in trouble, and nothing will get going on the ground or through the air.
Steelers Could Give Warren Majority Of Rushes With Harris Not Likely Back In 2025
When the Steelers decided to decline Harris' fifth-year option for 2025, it became clear that the former first round running back could sign elsewhere through free agency. While speaking with the media as they gear up for Baltimore, Harris told reporters that he is aware this could be his last game with the team. If both parties are ready to move on, Pittsburgh's future at running back is unsure. A huge playoff game against your most hated rival could definitely give Warren an edge as Pittsburgh's RB1 for next season.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Najee Harris runs against the Bengals in a Week 18 matchup during the 2024 regular season.
To have any shot at pulling off a big upset, Pittsburgh's offense needs to get rolling, and Warren could be the key to their success. What do you think? Who should get more touches between Harris and Warren in Baltimore? Let us know in the comments below.
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