The Pittsburgh Steelers added RB Rico Dowdle to the running back room via free agency, and he’s expected to play a big role in the offense along with Jaylen Warren. In his introductory press conference, Dowdle said he thinks he’s a player who can help out late in games.
“As the game goes on, I definitely think I get stronger and get a feel for the defense of how they plan certain things, certain looks. Once you get repeated runs, you know what’s working, you can figure out where you can hit this run at,” Dowdle said via the team’s YouTube channel. “When you find that explosive, and the defense done got tired out, it’s the third quarter and you’ve been banging on them all game. That’s when you get your explosives.”
The numbers back up Dowdle’s assertion. Last season, he averaged 4.7 yards per carry in the second half compared to 4.5 yards per carry in the first half. On 58 fourth-quarter carries, Dowdle averaged 4.6 yards per carry, and that number jumped to 5.1 yards per carry when the game was within seven points. Most of his fourth-quarter carries came with the game within one touchdown, and he ran 40 times for 204 yards with a touchdown in those situations.
It’s natural that a running back could be better when the defense wears down throughout the game. But for that to happen, the back has to stay fresh himself after taking a beating early in the game. Dowdle has been able to do so and excel late in games. In Pittsburgh, he’ll have a partner in Jaylen Warren who can help lighten the load. The two together can take advantage and help the Steelers take over in the second half.
A good football team should be able to win on the ground late in games, and Warren averaged six yards per carry in the fourth quarter last year. Combined with Dowdle, the Steelers have a duo that can wear defenses down and take advantage with big runs late in the game. If Aaron Rodgers returns, it’s safe to assume that the Steelers’ passing attack will again be centered on the quick passing game, and there may be fewer opportunities for explosive plays through the air. If they can make up for that with more explosives on the ground, the offense should be able to take a leap from last season.
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