The expectation entering the season was that Warren and Dowdle would split carries, with the latter potentially fitting better who McCarthy wanted to be. But in the first five games, and especially with Dowdle out, it’s clear Warren is the Steelers’ best playmaker. When he touches the ball, good things happen.
“I’m just not really surprised,” Rodgers said. “He’s just such a slippery player. The first guy rarely brings him down. He’s good inside the tackle. He’s good outside the tackle.”
Warren rushed 15 times for 101 yards and a touchdown in the win, gaining 82 of those yards after contact. Through the air, he caught all six of his targets for a team-high 87 yards and a touchdown, with 80 of those yards coming on the first-quarter touchdown reception. On 21 touches, Warren forced five missed tackles and generated a career-high 130 yards after missed tackles.
“Anytime we can get him in space with the ball or just get him the ball in general, he’s going to make big plays,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. “He’s been very underrated in this league for a long time.”
Warren generated 188 of the Steelers’ 352 scrimmage yards, with 130 coming on the two explosive plays.