"Shaky Start": Steelers' Jaylen Warren Says The Truth About Rico Dowdle

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns 27-6 to claim first place in the AFC North going into thir bye week. The defense had its best game of the season, holding the Cleveland offense to just six points; all field goals. On the other side, the offense continues to impose its will on the ground, rushing for 200 yards. Jaylen Warren continues his monster season with another 100-yard performance, bringing his total to four on the year. 

Warren is having a breakout season, being the dynamic playmaker he's flashed in years past. While Warren's playing like one of the best running backs in the NFL, Rico Dowdle has put together a nice stretch of games since returning from injury. Dowdle missed four games with a toe injury and has been a completely different player, giving Pittsburgh a boost on the ground.  

In Dowdle's absence, Head Coach Mike McCarthy leaned heavily on Warren, who saw up to 90% of snaps. The offense thrived on Warren's huge workload, which helped fuel their four-game win streak. Though things were humming, the running back's workload wasn't sustainable for long, making Dowdle's return all the more important. The former Dallas Cowboy ran for a season-high 52 yards and his first touchdown of the season. 

After the performance, Warren spoke about Dowdle and what it means to see him succeed after his shaky start to the season. The two met in the end zone following Dowdle's first touchdown as a Steeler.

"Yeah, it was good to see that. Especially the shaky start to the year. Like I said, that's my brother, so seeing him be successful makes all of us happy, and that's what makes us great," Warren said.  

Dowdle was a bit of a shocking signing after coming over from the Carolina Panthers. The organization gave the running back a two-year, $12 million deal, choosing to pay two running backs, with Warren already being extended. The backfield dynamic was a big question mark in the offseason and clearly wasn't working early on. Though injuries are unfortunate, it was a blessing in disguise for both the offense and Dowdle, who looks much more explosive. 

The Steelers' run game has been the offense's saving grace with the lack of depth at wide receiver. Even with missing pieces, they're still running all over opposing defenses. Whether it's sustainable down the stretch is unknown, but using two running backs makes it much more likely. Warren has been a little injury-prone in the Steel City, so the fewer hits, the better. 

Pittsburgh's passing attack has clearly felt the effects of missing two of their top three pass catchers. Aaron Rodgers is still struggling to find open receivers, which is leading to sacks. With the trade deadline looming, the Steelers may want to make a move to help Rodgers in his final season. 

Steelers Should Look To Trade For Wide Receiver

In their Week 8 win, Rodgers threw for just 172 yards and an interception. Aside from Darnell Washington's big plays, the passing game didn't offer much, which will be an issue down the line. Pittsburgh should get Wilson back soon, but Pittman likely won't return for a while. With plenty of draft capital, General Manager Omar Khan should be calling around the league. 

With the Indianapolis Colts cleaning house, Josh Downs is an option that would be a huge help to Rodgers. The Steelers have reportedly already shown interest in Downs, but nothing is official yet. While Downs is an option, Brian Thomas Jr. has seemingly fallen out of favor with the Jacksonville Jaguars and has generated trade interest. 

While Thomas would be more expensive, he still possesses a first-round pedigree and could be a great investment for Khan. While there's no need to break the bank, Khan needs to make a move at wide receiver and give Rodgers another weapon. 

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