The division of labor at RB

And when I read freak’s post I thought that sounds familiar so I went searching google

 

Dowdle carried the ball 25 times more than Warren last season, not 60. He had the higher average per carry, 4.6 yards to 4.5. I seem to remember you thinking a higher average per carry was important. The gap in average per carry was even larger the previous season, 4.6 to 4.3. He has been the better back for two years, so this implication that he would only start over Warren because he's McCarthy's guy is a load of crap. I assume they are going to split the workload among them fairly evenly, but play each to their strengths. Warren is better in passing situations. Dowdle is better at running the ball.

 

Is anyone concerned that our RB coach has never coached a position where players actually "Touched" the football before. Lifetime: Zero experience in coaching players how to run with the football or catch the football. 4 years in the NFL and he spent all that time on 2 different teams as the O-Line coach. Before that he was a Highschool O-Line coach. This Complete lack of experience may show its ugly head with the Steelers running back room in 2026.


Ramon Chinyoung Sr.
Dallas Cowboys (2023–2026): assistant offensive line coach
Denver Broncos (2022): Served as offensive quality control coach.
High School Assistant offensive line coach (2012–2021) at Westfield High School; head coach at Fort Bend Willowridge High School (2020–2021).


Everyone was impressed last year with the production of the Steelers RBs, but that was with coach Eddie Faulkner who had been coaching RBs since 2002 in college and the pros. I still have no idea why McCarthy did not bring back Eddie Faulkner.

Eddie Faulkner.

• Anderson (IN) (2002)
  Running backs coach
• • Ball State (2003–2010)
  • • Graduate assistant (2003–2004)
  • • Running backs coach & special teams coordinator (2005–2008)
  • • Offensive coordinator & running backs coach (2009–2010)
• Northern Illinois (2011)
  Running backs coach & special teams coordinator
• Pittsburgh (2012)
  Running backs coach
• Wisconsin (2012)
  Tight ends coach
• NC State (2013–2018)
  Tight ends coach, fullbacks coach & special teams coordinator
• • Pittsburgh Steelers (2019–2025)
  • • Running backs coach (2019–2025)
  • • Interim offensive coordinator & running backs coach (2023)
• Baltimore Ravens (2026–present)
  Running backs coach

 

I personally like Jaylen Warren better, though that could just be because I’m more familiar with him. In my opinion, he’s the stronger third-down back — he’s a better pass blocker and a little quicker. IMO, Tomlin underused Warren. He is better than N. Harris was for sure.

That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if Dowdle enters camp as the No. 1 RB . McCarty knows him well and Dowdle is further ahead on the McCarthy's playbook right now. Plus, Dowdle is more durable. So it’s not a load of crap to assume one of them is the preferred guy for the time being.

 

What a great problem to have. Two very good RBs with one unproven. Will be a very interesting season to watch.

 

I don't think he underused Warren. I think he saw that Warren is best suited to get 50 percent of the snaps or less. My issue was with this idea that if Dowdle ends up starting and getting the ball more, it is because he is McCarthy's guy. I think McCarthy is smart enough to use them in the manner that helps the team the most.

 

I've never seen a coach come into any team that was a coach elsewhere that when they brought some of his players he didn't favor them, at least for a while.

 

I'm concerned as You, but they have to start somewhere. Let's hope he gets good at it.