Steelers Backfield Battle: Thomas Vs Warren

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Post on Dec 09, 2024

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Steelers Backfield Battle: Thomas vs. Warren – A Fight for Carries

The Pittsburgh Steelers' backfield is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing position battles of the 2023 NFL season. With Najee Harris seemingly entrenched as the starter, the fight for carries behind him is heating up between two young, talented backs: Jaylen Warren and Anthony McFarland Jr. While McFarland flashes potential, the real competition appears to be between Warren and Harris. This article will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of both Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris, analyzing their potential roles in the upcoming season and predicting the likely outcome of this crucial battle.

Jaylen Warren: The Underrated Contender

Jaylen Warren emerged as a pleasant surprise in 2022. His performance quickly elevated him from an undrafted free agent to a key contributor in the Steelers’ running game. Warren showcased impressive vision, decisiveness, and surprising power for his size. He consistently found ways to gain extra yards after contact, displaying a toughness that resonated with the coaching staff and fanbase alike.

Warren's Strengths:

• Elusive Running Style: Warren possesses excellent agility and balance, allowing him to make defenders miss in tight spaces. This is a significant asset in short-yardage situations.
• Pass-Catching Ability: He showed the ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield, adding another dimension to his game.
• Durability & Work Ethic: Warren's performance remained consistent throughout the season, showcasing both physical and mental toughness.

Warren's Weaknesses:

• Size and Power: While surprisingly powerful for his size, he may struggle against larger, more physical defenders in between the tackles. This limits his potential as an every-down back.
• Inconsistent Pass Protection: While improving, his pass protection still needs refinement to compete for more significant snaps.

Najee Harris: The Incumbent Starter

Najee Harris, the Steelers' first-round pick in 2021, enters the 2023 season as the established starter. However, his performance in 2022 raised questions. Despite a high volume of carries, his efficiency wasn't always consistent. This opens the door for Warren to steal more carries.

Harris' Strengths:

• Power Running: Harris possesses the size and strength to run effectively between the tackles, making him a valuable asset in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
• Experience and Leadership: Harris' experience and leadership within the Steelers’ locker room are invaluable.
• Pass-Catching Proficiency: He is a reliable receiver out of the backfield, offering a versatile option for the offense.

Harris' Weaknesses:

• Injury Prone: Harris has a history of minor injuries that hampered his performance in previous seasons.
• Ball Security: A couple of fumbles in key moments during 2022 raised concern about his ball security.
• Efficiency Concerns: While carrying the ball frequently, his yards-per-carry average wasn't always impressive.

The Battle for Carries: A Prediction

The Steelers' backfield situation in 2023 will likely be a committee approach. While Harris remains the starter, Warren's impressive rookie season positions him to significantly challenge for carries. The Steelers will likely use Harris as the workhorse in short-yardage and goal-line situations, while Warren will thrive in situations requiring agility and receiving skills.

Ultimately, the distribution of carries will depend on game flow and the success of each player's performance. Expect a healthy competition throughout the season, with both players contributing significantly to the Steelers' rushing attack. Warren's success hinges on his continued improvement in pass protection and his ability to consistently produce against tougher competition. The competition should push both players to improve, benefiting the Steelers’ offense as a whole. The battle is far from over; it's a story unfolding throughout the 2023 season. Keep watching!