Aaron Rodgers Puts Steelers' Controversial Running Back Talk To Bed

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ running game finally looked solid in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers were able to put up 335 yards of total offense in the 23-9 win on Sunday. Pittsburgh’s rushing attack ran the ball 28 times for 100 yards. The Steelers’ offense hasn’t looked bad at all throughout the 2025 season, but the running game has been lagging behind mightily.

While the 3.6 yards per carry isn’t ideal, it reflected the situational nature of many of the runs Jaylen Warren and company executed. The team’s ability to consistently gain positive yards on key downs helped sustain drives and control the tempo throughout the game. The success on the ground certainly played a big factor in Pittsburgh's 23 points on Sunday.

After the win, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers made a big statement about the running game. Many have wondered about the actual depth chart and roles for Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, and Kaleb Johnson. Rodgers seemed to put that debate to rest by emphasizing just how pivotal Warren is to the team’s offensive identity. His comments left little doubt about who the team sees as the primary force in the backfield moving forward.

"Yeah, I mean, I said last week we need to see some more one-high stuff to take some shots down the field, and you have to run the football to do that," Rodgers told the media. "I feel like the line controlled the line of scrimmage today pretty well. I thought Jaylen ran the ball really well. Kenny always does well in the run and pass game, but Jaylen is slippery in there, man. I thought he had some really nice runs."

Warren’s performance and Rodgers’ endorsement underscore the Steelers’ commitment to establishing a balanced offensive attack. While the team will continue to rotate backs based on situational needs, Warren’s ability to make plays in both the run and pass game clearly sets him apart.

With the offensive line creating lanes and Rodgers’ confidence behind him, the Steelers’ ground game could become a defining factor as the season progresses. In fact, even on the Connor Heyward touchdown, Rodgers made sure to highlight just how pivotal Warren was in pass protection to help that play come to fruition.

"Jaylen had a great block," Rodgers said. “I just kinda continued out. The first look was in the flat. The second look was to DK on the backside, and Connor is really kinda a clear-out route… So I just got out there. Connor is a really smart player, and I just told him, 'Either you or DK, one of you see this and go that way,' and Connor did. I put a decent ball on it, and Connor made a nice catch."

That touchdown catch was huge for Pittsburgh, helping put the Browns away for good. Now the Steelers are riding high at 4-1 in the 2025 season. But as many Steelers fans know, it’s a long season, and a strong start doesn’t guarantee success. While Pittsburgh holds a big lead in the AFC North, they can’t afford to take their foot off the gas.

Steelers’ Running Game Gains Some Steam Against Cleveland

Johnson seems to be regaining trust from the Steelers coaching staff after his critical special teams error earlier in the 2025 season. He’s starting to look more comfortable, and Gainwell has been a welcome addition. With Warren healthy and producing, the Steelers’ three-running-back attack may be gaining some confident momentum.

What do you think of the Steelers' running game after the way they played in Week 6 against the Browns? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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