The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their preseason on Thursday night. Using a burst of early offense, they were able to shut out the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 24-0. The win gives the Steelers a 3-0 record in the preseason as they prepare for an exciting 2023 season. The defense was exceptional all night, allowing zero points and simply making offense difficult for the Falcons. But perhaps the biggest surprise was the success and balance of Pittsburgh’s run game. With two rising stars as the starters and a few capable backups, this Pittsburgh Steelers rushing offense could be primed for a 2023 breakout.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Run Game Primed For Breakout Behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren
If the preseason has proved anything, it’s the fact that the Steelers have depth at nearly every position. Granted, they have several stars at different positions that will see the majority of snaps, but there are very few positions where star power simply takes over. One such position is running back, and the Steelers have certainly had their fair share of good-to-great ones over the years. But this year, things seem to be different, and if the preseason has shown anything, it’s the fact that they have plenty of capable options on offense. Four separate skill players, expected to make the roster, shined in Thursday’s preseason win. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, along with two backups, look primed for a big year in 2023.
The Debate: Najee Harris vs. Jaylen Warren
Over the past few weeks, many Steelers fans have started arguments regarding who the starting running back should be. Harris has been the workhorse starter for each of the past two years, but a lack of explosiveness has created doubt in many fans’ minds. Warren’s sensational preseason play which included a 60+ yard touchdown run has started conversations on who should be the starter. But the answer is: it should be both of them. You simply cannot give up on two guys who have proved to be stars at one point or another. Instead, the Steelers should and likely will roll out a two-running back system in 2023, a system that could tremendously help their offense as a whole.
Jaylen Warren takes it to the house from 62 yards out! #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/7b289883vo
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) August 19, 2023
Harris leads the NFL in touches over the past two seasons and has accumulated over 2200 total yards and 20 total touchdowns. He was an every-down back for a while, but injuries have slightly caught up to him and he has never truly been “fast”. Warren, on the contrary, is entering his second year as the backup but seems to complement Harris very well. This year, Pittsburgh should try a two-back system where both Harris and Warren get a substantial amount of carries. Based on his previous starter and first-round status, Harris should see a higher share but not too much higher. If the Steelers can craft a system where they use the strengths of both Harris and Warren, they’d be due for a big breakout and a substantial overall offensive boost.
Two Other Players Have Earned Roles in Rushing Offense
The Steelers usually carry a third running back, and this year, it should be Anthony McFarland. He did not make the team last year, with Benny Snell instead selected to be the final back in 2022. But this year, McFarland should see a nice role on the team that includes both offense and special teams. He has great speed which makes him dynamic in both offense and special teams. In Thursday’s preseason win, McFarland ran ten times for 55 yards and a touchdown. For the entire preseason, he has 75 yards and two touchdowns over three weeks of play. Don’t get me wrong: Harris and Warren will be the primary backs by a long shot, but in certain situations or with injury, McFarland would immediately catapult into a different and greater role. It’s great to see him come back hungry after making the practice squad last year!
Connor Heyward has also surprisingly found a spot in the rushing offense. In his rookie season of 2022, he had a minimal but growing role as the team’s third tight end. But this year, he has been catapulted to the starting fullback role and an accompanying tight end, too. He had four carries out of the backfield on Thursday night where he was the only guy back there. His longest run of the day was for eight yards, and he also presents receiving upside with some of the best hands on the team. Heyward can certainly help out in both aspects of offense and will be a breath of fresh air for the Steelers offense.
How Can These Stars Produce/How Will It Affect The Overall Offense?
These four backs mentioned should see every carry this year excluding injuries and QB or WR runs. All four guys have what it takes, and each one is different and provides something different. The group is undoubtedly talented and will flourish, but that is thanks to the offensive line. Retooled and rebuffed through free agency and the draft, the Steelers offensive line looks to be the best in years. With great strength and push-up front, these four backs should be comfortable and productive in 2023. The addition of guys like Isaac Seumalo should help tremendously with the overall offensive production.
An improved and sound running game lifts a heavy weight off of Kenny Pickett’s shoulders. The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has plenty of stars to use in the receiving game, but they’ll have to open up space and plays for them. They do that by asserting their presence in the run game, which allows for leaks and big plays in the receiving game. This offense has something about it, something that makes the unit seem really special. Only time will tell how the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense will run in 2023, but they could be among the league’s best with how well they were crafted and coached.
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