When the game against the Dallas Cowboys ended, I put a post on X (@CGillis2021) with gif’s of Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson and the words “Somebody send the bat signal!!!”. It is tough to watch this offense’s inability to create any explosion on the ground. Najee Harris has been consistent, but he’s been consistently average. His 3.3 yards per carry average with a long run of 21 yards is not going to cut it. Throughout his career, he’s averaged 3.9 yards per carry, and his longest run has been 37 yards. Harris is the type of back who can grind out tough yards between the tackles, but he’s not the explosive, breakaway playmaker that can flip a game in one snap.

That’s where the absence of Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson is really felt. Warren, when healthy, has been a spark plug for the Steelers over the past few seasons. He’s averaging 5.1 yards per carry in his career, with a long of 74 yards, showing that he’s got the speed and vision to break off those big, momentum-shifting runs. The same goes for Patterson, who has averaged 4.9 yards per carry with a career-long of 67 yards. Both of these guys bring some explosiveness the Steelers are desperately missing in their offense.

Unfortunately, both Warren and Patterson are currently dealing with injuries, and their absence is glaring. The Steelers’ offense has been pretty stagnant and predictable over the years with the hope of change with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. We’ve seen glimpses of improvement, but nothing consistent. Sadly, both Warren and Patterson’s return will be delayed at last another week, but when they’ll be back in the lineup will be important to see Arthur Smith at his best. Their ability to create splash plays is exactly what the team needs to start moving the ball regularly.

Of course, the Steelers also need help at wide receiver. Adding another dynamic playmaker on the outside who can stretch the field would make a world of difference for this offense, opening things up for the running game. But that’s a topic for another day. Right now, the primary issue is the lack of explosiveness in the run game.

Without those big plays from Warren or Patterson, it’s been tough for the offense to find a rhythm. Getting them healthy and back on the field could be the key to unlocking more of the Steelers’ offensive potential. Until then, it feels like the team is stuck in neutral, unable to break through and make the kind of plays that keep drives alive and put points on the board.

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Stay Blessed and Stay Positive… “Here We Go”