The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a lackluster offense for the majority of the 2022 season. The play calling is well below average, the passing game has been in shambles and the team's former first-round pick and running back, Najee Harris has been good for nothing since early September.
Some may attribute it to the foot injury he suffered early in training camp and others may believe that he simply isn't as good as many thought he would be. On top of that, undrafted rookie ball carrier, Jaylen Warren has run hard and had much more success since getting an opportunity.
Steelers running back, Jaylen Warren (#30) warms up prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Ed Bouchette, a longtime and recently retired insider for the team, was asked on 93.7 The Fan about former Head Coach, Bill Cowher's comments on Pittsburgh's approach to first-round pick, Kenny Pickett.
"I'd say that's fine if they could run, but they can't," Bouchette said. "First of all, I'm putting [Jaylen] Warren in there, I'm starting him the next game. If I'm coach, that's who's starting the next game."
While Bouchette wouldn't eliminate Harris from the game plan, he would certainly lessen his workload.
"I think Warren has shown, stats and the eye test, that he's a better running back right now and I'm going with him, working Najee in, but I think it would be a statement if you started Warren. You know, saying, hey, get your act together, start running."
Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris (#22) attempts to break a tackle during a game at Acrisure Stadium against the New York Jets on Oct. 2, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
The former insider was passionate about the horrible route Harris took to the first down mark against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8 after catching a pass from Pickett.
"That pass he took to the right where nobody was in front of him and he starts dancing without having to dance. Warren's just head down, go," Bouchette said.
Najee Harris is broken.
— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) October 31, 2022
WHAT IS THIS???? Might be one of the worst plays I’ve seen in awhile.
pic.twitter.com/QU7034qaGV
Harris currently has 361 yards rushing on 108 carries and just one rushing touchdown. That is good for 3.3 yards per rush for those at home who aren't good at math. Warren, on the other hand, has been handed the ball 29 times for 153 yards and a much more convincing, 5.3 yards per carry. Certain factors go into the inflation of Warren's numbers, but no one should believe that he would be at 3.3 if he had the touches that Harris has had.
It would be unprecedented, especially in the Mike Tomlin era, to sit down a first-round selection from the year before in favor of a rookie who wasn't even drafted. With that said, Tomlin is getting heavily grilled from the outside about the offense's production and while he might not care what is said on Twitter, he needs to take a look at having the backs split carries, at the very least. The 30% of snaps Warren has played have been undoubtedly more productive and fun to watch than Harris' time on the field.
Steelers running backs Najee Harris (#22) and Jaylen Warren (#30) on the field at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Warren has also proven himself in pass protection while remaining entirely healthy during his first year. No one is fully convinced that Harris, however, is 100% after his Lisfranc injury was suffered in August. Tomlin and the Steelers coaching staff need to take a significant look at giving Warren a nod to both send a message and let Harris know he is not irreplaceable. Bouchette's comments come after covering the team for 40 years.
Do you agree with the legend's opinion on the running back situation? Let us know in the comments below!
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