Steelers' Mike Tomlin Open-Minded To Jaylen Warren Getting A Bigger Role

The Pittsburgh Steelers got a victory in Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season when they were able to beat the Baltimore Ravens despite being underdogs and many thinking they didn't have a chance to win the game. The Steelers were coming off of an awful performance against the Houston Texans in Week 3, and were able to turn it around with a divisional victory by a score of 17-10 to retake first place in the AFC North. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Says He Is Open To Jaylen Warren Having A Larger Role

Throughout the first quarter of the 2023 season, and even some of the preseason, there has been a debate amongst Steelers fans and members of the NFL media about whether or not Najee Harris or Jaylen Warren should be receiving the bulk of the workload on offense. 

In the Week 5 contest against the Ravens, both running backs did their respective jobs. Harris found a way to run it inside the tackles efficiently while Warren made plays on the outside, especially late in the game. 

Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin spoke about the success of both running backs during his post game press conference. Warren carried the ball nine times for 40 yards while Harris had 14 carries for 37 yards. Harris' stat line might not sound impressive, but he was constantly being met by defenders in the back field yet was still able to get the ball back to the line of scrimmage. Warren also had three receptions for 39 yards in the game. Tomlin had this to say after being asked about a possible increased role for Warren going forward.

"I'm open to all of the guys that play well getting more opportunities, but playing well creates more opportunities for all parties involved."

Warren and Harris complement each other very well. Harris is clearly a great runner between the tackles, while Warren has that breakout speed on the outside and is more of a factor in the passing game. Tomlin spoke about every one playing well and how it creates more opportunities for everyone involved. If Harris can find success running through the middle of the field, then it opens up the outside runs for Warren to be able to have success. The debate about which of them should get the most touches doesn't matter, all that matters is that they are both playing well so they can use each other's success to benefit their own running game. 

Many have been saying that Harris has been having a down year. However, he hasn't had much help from the Steelers offensive line. He has consistently been met in the backfield by defenders, yet found a way to get back to the line of scrimmage or gain a few yards. 

He hasn't had any amazing long runs yet in the 2023 season, but he hasn't had much of a chance to due to the lack of success the offensive line has been having. He has done the most with what he has been given so far in 2023.

Warren has been the name that many fans have been cheering for so far, as he continues to find a way to make highlight plays. Whether it is on a run, or through the passing game. But as Warren finds more success, it seems more haters for Harris come out. Which is unfortunate since both running backs are so vital for the Steelers offense and they both play off of one another very well. 

Both Harris and Warren had good showings in the Week 5 victory against Baltimore, and they both had good games playing off one another. However, Tomlin might feel that Warren gives the Steelers more opportunities through the passing game and decide to give him the majority of the snaps moving forward. 

What do you think of Tomlin's comments? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation