Steelers Likely To "Move Forward With This Scheme" After Massive Success In Week 7

The Pittsburgh Steelers handled business during their Week 7 overseas matchup with the New Orleans Saints. A major reason for the victory was the potent rushing attack led by running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. Warren once again had an impressive performance, which is starting to become a weekly theme. Dowdle arguably had his best game as a Steeler, recording 86 yards from scrimmage on 15 total touches. It seems like Head Coach Mike McCarthy has figured out the recipe for his talented running back duo, and Steelers fans should expect a consistently solid dose of both running backs moving forward.

Dowdle, who has appeared in only four games through the first seven weeks, looks like he has shaken off the injury that hampered him early in the 2026 season. He was efficient on the ground while also recording twice as many receptions as any other Steelers player. He tied wide receiver DK Metcalf for the team lead in targets with six, hauling in every one of them. Dowdle did not light up the box score, but he was a key contributor in a contest where the Steelers' running game controlled the tempo.

Many Steelers fans have been calling for Dowdle's opportunities to be reduced in favor of Warren, but his Week 7 performance could make fans rethink their stance. Warren is impressive in his own right and has earned his spot as the starting running back, but Dowdle finally looked like the efficient No. 2 option the team expected him to be when it signed him during the 2026 offseason.

During a recent episode of Kaboly + Mack Live, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly discussed the running back usage split and how Dowdle's breakout performance could lead to more touches in the coming weeks. 

"It seems like they finally figured out how to use Warren and Dowdle together," Kaboly said. "They were both really strong. Dowdle has not played much up to this point, but he looked very fresh. He had great burst. He was quite effective, even though he did not put up the numbers that Warren did. I think that they will move forward with this scheme."

Although Warren has earned a significant workload, Pittsburgh's 5-2 record and position atop the AFC North make it important to keep him as fresh and healthy as possible throughout the season. This will be especially important if the team continues to rely on its running game to propel the offense. Dowdle has shown that he can fit into the offense and make plays when Warren is catching his breath on the sideline. Having a great running back duo like Pittsburgh's is a huge strength, as opposing teams will have to game-plan for both players.

McCarthy has said that Warren is the featured player in the Steelers' offense, and that will not change anytime soon, as Warren has been the team's biggest producer. Dowdle taking on some of the workload should be viewed as a positive for the team, as there are many benefits to having him on the field for 30%–40% of the team's offensive snaps. If this running back duo continues to perform efficiently and stay healthy, it will make life much easier for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the offense, especially while the Steelers' wide receiver room recovers from its current injury situation. 

Steelers Go Jumbo Often In Week 7 Victory

Pittsburgh frequently used the jumbo package in its Week 7 win. Offensive lineman Spencer Anderson played 13 snaps in this package, serving as a sixth offensive lineman. The Steelers gained 104 yards of total offense during Anderson's 13 snaps, helping the team record a season-high 148 rushing yards. This package was very effective for Pittsburgh, and it will be interesting to see whether the team continues to use Anderson to give its rushing attack a major boost.

#SteelerNation