James Harrison And Joe Haden Suddenly Call Out Steelers RBs Jaylen Warren And Rico Dowdle

The Pittsburgh Steelers' running game in 2025 featured a dynamic duo of Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. The two handled different roles, as Warren was the primary running option while Gainwell handled a lot in the passing game. The two had solid seasons, but the run game as a whole needed some significant improvements. With Gainwell departing in free agency, the Steelers had a lack of depth in their running back room. Thus, leading to the signing of former Carolina Panthers playmaker Rico Dowdle. Coming off a career year, Dowdle is looking to form a different duo in the Steel City. 

The tandem will look to share duties at the spot, with many expecting a 1A and 1B is possible. While it won't be clear how snaps will be split once the regular season comes around, the two are super talented and will both have big responsibilities. 

With the team unready to give Warren a clear starting role, the tandem will combine for one efficient run game. The Black and Gold have been going through Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and, throughout the process, various players have been interviewed. One of them was Dowdle, and he came up with a nickname for himself and Warren: "Thunder and Lightning". 

Dowdle spoke on how he and Warren have been super productive, and mentioned that the two will be able to take the league by storm (no pun intended). However, former Steelers greats James Harrison and Joe Haden reacted to the nickname on their podcast, Deebo & Joe. The two believe that the nickname was far-fetched based on the timing, and they had a long discussion about when the appropriate time is for nicknames, especially self-appointed ones. 

"Performance-based. You wanna go ahead and give yourself a nickname? It's time to stand up to the nickname," Haden said. 

Haden's words do have some value to them. It's clear that a lot of pressure is already being put on the new two-headed monster in Pittsburgh.

"You can't do that," Harrison said. "Let's just wait til we get to the season and we get some pads on and we get some play in there. Let's get full games in there before we start giving ourselves nicknames."  

The reaction is fair, as fans have yet to see the two even take meaningful snaps; let alone any game action. The nickname is premature, but the two have a chance to become a great tandem if all goes right. However, the two former Steelers believe that you must earn your nickname. 

Pittsburgh will rely on these two to shore up the run game. The AFC North has presented itself as the most physical division in the NFL. The passing game may not always work, even in the new West Coast offense. Having an established run game will only help the efficiency of the revamped offense. This move is a step in the right direction to accomplish that. 

How Will The Steelers Handle Two Starting-Caliber Backs?

While Pittsburgh won't have a traditional workhorse running back as some teams do, it'll have two ball carriers who complement one another well. This is where the nickname comes from. Though no one has seen them play together yet, the two have skill sets that could work well. Warren is an explosive and elusive talent who finds the hole quickly and uses a huge burst of speed to gain yardage. He makes defenders miss by breaking tackles and the occasional hurdle. 

Dowdle presents himself as more of a power back, running hard downhill and dragging defenders with him. He'll be able to wear down defenses before Warren comes in and explodes for a chunk play. That is the goal, at least. 

In an era where a lot of teams are switching to running back by committee, the Steelers are following the trend. If the duo reaches its potential, there's reason to believe that the rushing attack in Pittsburgh can be dominant. This is something that could improve from the 2025 campaign and only help the Black and Gold trend upward. 

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