A struggling Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense needs to get the ball in the hands of the players making plays. For two beat writers, that means getting the playmakers on the field more than they are. Recapping Mike Tomlin’s press conference, the PPG’s Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo questioned the Steelers’ plan for RB Jaylen Warren and WR Roman Wilson.
“In my opinion, he is still the best pass protector among the running backs,” Fittipaldo said in a Post-Gazette video. “He is still the best receiver among the running backs. And for Kenneth Gainwell to out-snap him 27 to 24, to me, that’s a little bit out of whack. I want Jaylen Warren on the field more than Kenneth Gainwell.”
Even knowing Pittsburgh’s lowly 50 total offensive snaps against the Los Angeles Chargers, Warren still played less than half the snaps. It’s worth noting he outworked Gainwell until the final drive of the game. Serving as the third-down back, Gainwell saw all the snaps on Pittsburgh’s final drive that pushed up his numbers.
Still, Fittipaldo’s point is fair. Warren cut his teeth to originally carve out a role on third down. Rodgers loves him as a receiver and is on record saying he’s more willing to check down to Warren than other running backs. Warren was Pittsburgh’s best offensive player against Los Angeles, accounting for more than 41 percent of the Steelers’ offense. That number sat over 50 percent until the final drive. Yet Gainwell worked as the third-down back throughout the night, contributing only two catches for 4 yards.
“There’s no question about it. Jaylen Warren has proven to be a number-one back. And while Kenny Gainwell has done a nice job and I understand him being in the game, there shouldn’t be that disparity in snaps between the two running backs.”
During Tuesday’s press conference, Tomlin downplayed the need to expand Warren’s role. He cited that more offensive rhythm, primarily on third down, will naturally create more opportunities.
The same applies to Wilson. Dulac and Fittipaldo noted that Wilson has been among the most productive receivers for the Steelers in recent weeks, catching seven passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
“The guy who is on the field the least is being more productive, if you will, than their regular receivers,” Dulac said.
Wilson hasn’t cracked the 30-snap barrier since logging a career high of 33 in Week 7. Calvin Austin III’s return has cut into Wilson’s snaps. However, Austin had a terrible game against Los Angeles, and Wilson scored on the same concept that Austin had a brutal drop turned into an interception.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see Wilson get increased action starting in Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. While Pittsburgh’s offensive intent has been to spread the football around and get everyone involved, in weighty moments like these next few games, the focus must be on those who are producing. That’s Warren and Wilson. And Aaron Rodgers will need to turn in a far better performance to keep Pittsburgh in the AFC North’s top spot.
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