The division of labor at RB

Geez!
Why don't you people wait, and see who is more productive, and used here.
I don't know about the rest of you ,but I've never seen Dowdle play for the Steelers, nor have I seen McCarthy coach for them. All of this will be worked out later, and I suspect no matter what happens there will still be some on here praising the glories of one RB over the other. Some people hate to be wrong, and some learn from it.

 

A RB's (or any skill position player) primary job is keeping the offense on schedule. How he does it is up to his role in the offense. The highest paid and most valued RBs can do it running and/or receiving.
Warren and Dowdle are so similar that they may end up interchangeable in MM's offense. The one thing that could tip the balance is Warren putting the ball on the ground. He improved on that last season.

 

Ding ding we have a winner with an honest answer

 

It was a simple statement. The evidence does not back up your claim that they are even running the football. Dowdle has handled heavier workloads, going over 1,000 yards twice. Last season both were starters, and Dowdle ran for more yards with the higher average per carry.

Where did you get this notion that the Panthers were a better offensive team in 2025? The Steelers averaged more yards per game than the Panthers. They scored more points than the Panthers. They had the better passing game, which should have made things easier for Warren. Carolina's one edge was the running game, mostly because Dowdle was the best runner on either team.

I don't think either guy is capable of being a true lead back, but I'm looking forward to an improved running game this year because Dowdle is an upgrade over Gainwell, and because improving the receiving corps should make it harder for defenses to focus on the run.

 

Its pretty easy to see... they really aren't significantly different backs. Warren is better in space, better at slipping tackles, and a better blocker, but Dowdle is actually a pretty well rounded player in his own right.

The difference in Warren and Dowdle's seasons last year were 25 more carries to Dowdle (due to Warren missing a game and a half banged up). When you round to two decimals, Warren had 4.54 YPC and Dowdle 4.56... its the same in YPC. They had similar seasons in the pass game... Both players are just under-valued guys that have done nothing but produce when they've had their number called. Its wild to see that we spent a first round pick on Harris, only to let him walk and field a tandem of undrafted guys who are both undoubtedly better players than the guy we selected 24th overall. Now, we're spending a decent amount of money on the position (12 million a year AAV), but we are absolutely getting our money's worth in player value.

 

Oh just great!! Running and Receiving production
HELL, We'll have two RBs working at DQ come '27!!
THANKS MIKE!!! THANKS ROONEY!!!

 

Yes you're correct. Matt Canada has been unemployed for 3 years after the Steelers fired him. He was the first coach the Steelers fired mid season since 1941. Not one pro, college or HS team has hired him since his disastrous time here with the Steelers.

 

If our OL can get their **** together, a great running game would take
alot of pressure off AR, play action passing would improve dramatically
And passing game could be NFL level.

 

It's just another reason why many teams are reluctant to pay RBs big money. It's not overly difficult to replace decent RBs.

 

You want to dismiss that Dowdle had 118 more rushing and a higher average per carry, but make a big deal out of those 33 more yards receiving by Warren. Interesting.

The Panthers may have had a better line, but they had a weaker passing game, making it harder for their backs to find room to run. The evidence simply doesn't back up your claim that Warren is better. If you want to say they are about even overall, that's fair.

 

I didn't realize he was still unemployed. Man, Tomlin screwed that up so badly.