The greatness of one has become the greatness of the duo. Franco Harris & Rocky Bleier, Warrick Dunn & Mike Alstott, Bo Jackson & Marcus Allen. Two men carrying the load for the ground game is not new to the NFL. There are endless examples of teams utilizing two backs to accomplish the goal.
The run game for our Steelers has turned a substantial corner. Najee Harris & Jaylen Warren are the next great duo to grace an NFL sideline. What is puzzling to me is why the fan base seems to feel like we have to only have one or pick sides? Why does Steelers twitter explode with criticism of one and praise for the other like a prize boxing match? Can we not enjoy the fact that we have two capable carriers of the football who can tote the rock for our offense and lead us to victories?
Now, understand that I get the issues that fans bring up. “Jaylen should get more carries.” “Najee isn’t productive enough.” There is absolutely no excuse for not having Jaylen in down the stretch in Cleveland after his explosion that afternoon. Let’s transition to the play-calls of that last guy. Please comprehend the predictability of the offense at the time. When 22 was in the game with 2 TE’s (12 personnel) and the QB under center on first down, the defense, as well as every Steelers fan, knew what was coming and they could stack the boxes against him. When Jaylen was in the game and we were more spread and using him in the passing game, it fit his strengths a little better.
22 & 30 are both capable of putting together dominant games. What we all witnessed this past week against Cincinnati was an actual offensive game plan. **gasp** I know I was shocked too. Then to hear Jaylen Warren’s comments after the game talking about the specifics of the plan being one of the first times they’ve had that kind of plan only further justified Canada’s exit, but I digress.
Jaylen’s rushing stats to this point (week 12). 93 carries, 542 yards, 5.8 average, 3 TD’s.
Najee’s rushing stats to this point. 143 carries, 598, 4.2 average, 4 TD’s.
I’m not naive to the scheme issues and I’m not naive to think that the fanbase still won’t argue at every aspect of the run plays moving forward. I simply wanted to point out that we can relax and enjoy the fact that we have a two headed monster backfield there carrying the rock. As the scheme and play calling evolves with new leadership, they can be even more dynamic.
Enjoy the ride, and the runs!
