Steelers Columnist Expresses Concerns About Running Game After Tough Start

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ running backs faced a challenging game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, managing only 69 rushing yards on 20 carries.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Paul Zeise expressed concern that the running game might only be average this season.

“I also see a team that struggles to run block, but hey, they make up for it by having two of the most average running backs in the NFL,” Zeise wrote Wednesday. “I think Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell are fine as the No. 2 and No. 3 backs, but the fact that they are the primary rushers for the Steelers is problematic. Warren did have a splash play in the passing game Sunday, but other than that, neither has had much of an impact.”

Warren and Gainwell have struggled to rush effectively this year, totaling 124 yards on 68 carries.

There are several reasons why Warren and Gainwell haven’t been effective in rushing the ball, and it may stem from the offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, the Steelers’ offensive line is ranked 25th in run blocking over the first two games.

Pittsburgh will need improved performance from its running backs and offensive line for the remainder of the season. Otherwise, it will have to depend on 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers to throw the ball more than 40 times a game, which is not a recipe for success.

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