In 2024, the Pittsburgh Steelers have shown flashes of rebounding from the Matt Canada era. The former offensive coordinator did not make many friends during his time in the Steel City, and Arthur Smith was brought in to right the ship. In the midst of a three-game losing streak, the defense has received a ton of criticism for not playing consistently or communicating properly. The offense shouldn't be let off the hook, however, as it has been just as underwhelming. One of the bright spots of the group has been Jaylen Warren, who continues to exceed expectations as a former undrafted free agent.
The Steelers decided to decline Najee Harris' fifth-year option during the 2024 offseason, which would have come it at roughly $6.9 million. The decision told the fan base that the former 2021 first-round pick wouldn't be in the future plans for the organization, potentially opening the door for Warren to explode during his third professional season.
Harris has maintained the lead back status in terms of the depth chart, but it's been clear recently that Warren gives the offense a much better chance at moving the ball down the field. In Week 17, Warren out-snapped Harris, but it still feels as if Warren is still not being used nearly enough, based on the amount of production he brings to the table, even though he has had more snaps than Harris in each game for nearly a month.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin will tell anyone that he will only worry about what's going on in his own building, but it might be time for him to take a little bit of a lesson from friend Todd Bowles, who coaches for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bowles has almost completely given up on former starting running back Rachaad White, and turned all of the attention to a rookie in Bucky Irving.
In the Buccaneers 48-14 route of the Carolina Panthers in Week 17, Irving absolutely dominated. The main reason was because he was the clear-cut, unquestioned starter. The rookie carried the ball 20 times for 113 yards and added four receptions for 77 yards. White, on the other hand, had six carries for 30 yards and one catch for four.
While controlling their own destiny in Week 16, the Buccaneers lost to a depleted Dallas Cowboys bunch, and White had a crucial fumble that completely turned the game upside down.
Something similar happened when Pittsburgh lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, when Harris coughed up the football during a critical drive. While he doesn't turn the ball over often, it's been clear for a good while that Warren is more consistent than Harris. Bowles didn't hesitate to elevate Irving and allow him to lead the way against the Panthers. Unfortunately, Tomlin still sees it as necessary to basically split snaps between Harris and Warren.
Pittsburgh's Christmas Day box score after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs will show that Harris had more yards than Warren, but a lot of Harris' stats came in garbage time. Still, Warren may have had more snaps than Harris, but got two fewer carries.
The clear decision-making by Bowles in Tampa Bay sheds a very negative light on that of Tomlin's. Even if it's not just his call regarding which running back is in the game, he needs to step in as the head coach and endorse Warren over Harris. That's something that Bowles has clearly decided to do, and it worked. Tomlin said in the offseason assistants simply make suggestions, and he makes the decisions. There not better time to act on that ideology than right now.
Steelers' Offense Is Simply Much Better With Warren On The Field
Having a two-headed monster at running back is advantageous, but Warren deserves the chance to carry the load during the final week of the regular season and into the playoffs. What Bowles has done recently with his backfield makes Tomlin look bad, without the Steelers' coach even knowing it.
It is a relatively similar situation, but Bowles has had the guts to go with the hot hand and right ball-carrier. Tomlin, unfortunately, has not had the courage to officially bench Harris just yet.
