The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting the Mike McCarthy era in a very unexpected way. The team is 1-1 through the first two games, and the defense has held up its end of the bargain. The offense, meanwhile, has one touchdown in two contests and hasn't been explosive at all. Like in Week 1, the offensive line struggled to generate push against the New England Patriots on the ground, with their longest run coming in at just 14 yards.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers running back Jaylen Warren makes a defender miss during Week 2 defeat against the Patriots in September 2026.
The Steelers hoped to have a one-two punch combination with Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle in the backfield. So far, neither man has stepped up, and the run game has been a non-factor through the first two games. The offensive line can take most of the blame for the lack of production on the ground, but neither back has been perfect either.
So far, the two playmakers are down to a six-carry difference, with Warren at 21 and Dowdle at 15. While Warren has more carries, Dowdle has received more passing-down action, and is often on the field on third down. In their game against the Patriots, Warren caught a check-down and took it for 26 yards, getting the Steelers into the red zone and proving he may be the lead back.
Insider Mark Kaboly said on his show, Kaboly + Mack, that Warren has been the better of the two players and should see more opportunities. With Dowdle banged up in the loss on Sunday, Warren should be able to touch the ball more and help the Steelers offense put up more of a fight.
"I think after the game, obviously Dowdle got hurt, came back in, went out again. He was limping noticeably heading to the locker room," Kaboly said. "I don't know about you, but Jaylen Warren looks like a better back through these first two games, and I don't think they're giving him enough opportunities. So, maybe by default, if Dowdle's banged up, if he has to miss a couple games or some time, that they have to be forced to go with Jaylen Warren."
Dowdle left Sunday's game with a toe injury and was in and out until the toll was too much. While neither player has produced as the organization had hoped, Warren is an expert at making something out of nothing and has already done that at times this season. He's built a career on breaking tackles and demolishing blitzing linebackers, and now the Steelers may need him more than ever if they want a spark on offense.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jaylen Warren attempts to break a tackle during a regular-season game against the Patriots in September 2026.
Both players are getting paid decent money, and there is only one football to go around. With the split being close, Kaboly believes it's time for the coaching staff to lean on the former undrafted free agent. Giving the playmaker more touches to make good things happen. Given how things have looked through two games, trying a new approach can't make things worse.
Steelers Run Game Needs To Help Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers took some massive shots in the loss to the Patriots, including a huge blindside hit that turned into a strip sack. The pass protection was abysmal, and Rodgers paid the price. At 42, he won't be able to endure punishing hits all season. The run game must be his crutch, taking the pressure off his hands. The offensive line needs to play better, starting with moving people off the ball and being in the right spot.
Perhaps moving to more gap-scheme runs could make a big difference in blocking angles, along with more motion in the backfield. Give the defense more window dressing to look at, get them moving, and create better paths.
The run game will have to start clicking for this to work; otherwise, Rodgers will revert to his 2025 form, dumping the ball as soon as possible, and give the defense no downfield threat. Hopefully the men in the trenches can start getting things going. If not, Rodgers' final season could end terribly.
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