The Pittsburgh Steelers have been playing better offensively over the last month or so of the season, and a big reason for that has been running back Jaylen Warren. He has played some of the best games of his career as of late, and that was especially true when he was getting more snaps due to Rico Dowdle's toe injury. Both backs were involved during the Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints, and that is when the Steelers can be the best version of themselves. Warren led the way in the backfield, but Dowdle chipped in with some healthy gains on the ground and through the air.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) hands the ball off to Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during the second quarter of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
In the win over the Saints, Warren accounted for 101 yards on the ground and he also recorded 36 receiving yards. Dowdle carried the ball nine times for 41 yards and he caught six passes for 45 yards. That's the kind of production Pittsburgh wants to see out of its backfield, and it will probably always come with Warren leading the way. The snap share should not be 50-50, but there should be some room for Dowdle to get involved and make plays. That was a part of the winning formula in Week 7.
There is no doubt that the Steelers are going to lean on the run in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are a hard team to throw the ball against due to the ability to play man coverage from the secondary, so Warren and Dowdle will need to have great showings. Browns defender Jared Verse was asked about Warren while he spoke to the media this week, and he spoke about the approach to playing against him.
"I think they have been causing a lot of displacement up front," Verse said. "They've been able to get movement up front, get a little separation and open those A-gaps, B-gaps and sometimes it will open the C-gaps. And he's able to bounce into those gaps and get going. Our goal is to get that knock back on them. Lower those gaps and make them small so he has to bounce outside to us or go inside to Quincy Williams. And if he goes into Q, I'll take Q every time."
Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers running back Jaylen Warren runs the ball during a Week 4 matchup against the Browns in October of 2026.
Warren is one of the best backs in the league when it comes to breaking tackles and staying on his feet, so that was a dangerous comment from Verse. It can easily be used as whiteboard material for the running back. Verse has been talking a lot throughout the week leading up to this game, and he has even gotten Browns fans upset with some of his comments as he has barely accomplished anything on the season.
Steelers' Offensive Line Is Much Improved Since First Meeting With Cleveland
Warren averaged 5.5 yards per carry during Pittsburgh's last matchup with Cleveland, and the offensive line has only improved since then. That was the current group's second game starting together, so the starting five has more experience with one another now that it is Week 8. Rookie right tackle Max Iheanachor has also developed a good amount over the last three weeks. Hopefully Warren will have even more space to run this time around against Cleveland.
The running back has been enjoying the best season of his career, and he will look to rush for 100 yards yet again on Sunday afternoon.
What do you think about Verse's comments about defending Warren? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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