Cam Heyward Predicts Strong Run Game Could Transform Steelers' Defense in 2026 A defense’s success often hinges on a productive run game, as it allows teams to control the clock, limit possessions, and give their defensive units time to rest and recover. The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled with this aspect in recent seasons, but defensive star Cam Heyward believes the 2026 season could mark a turning point. Speaking on his Not Just Football podcast, Heyward highlighted the potential of the team’s running back duo, Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren, as a key factor in shifting the Steelers’ fortunes. The Steelers’ offensive struggles have been glaring, particularly in terms of time of possession. In 2025, the team ranked fourth-worst in the league, averaging just 28 minutes and 22 seconds per game. This was significantly below the league-leading Buffalo Bills, who managed an average of 33 minutes and 18 seconds per contest. The disparity in time of possession translated to a substantial difference in defensive workload. Pittsburgh’s defense played 1,112 defensive snaps during the season, compared to Buffalo’s 950. To put this into perspective, the average game features around 62 defensive plays per team, meaning the Steelers’ defense faced roughly 2.5 additional games’ worth of snaps compared to their rivals. This extended defensive exposure had tangible consequences. The extra 162 snaps meant more opportunities for opponents to score and for Steelers players to sustain injuries or fatigue as the season progressed. While the defense itself bears some responsibility for failing to stop opponents on third downs, the lack of an effective run game compounded the issue. For years, the Steelers’ offense has struggled to maintain consistent production in the running game, leaving their defense to carry the burden.#pittsburgh_steers #mike_mccarthy #rico_dowdle #jaylen_warren #cam_heyward
‘Clean Division of Labor’ – Fantasy Football Analyst Projects Jaylen Warren To Have His Role Reduced in 2026 Jaylen Warren’s role in the 2026 season is expected to see a reduction compared to his 2025 workload, but the fantasy football analyst argues this shift does not diminish his value as Pittsburgh’s primary running back. While Rico Dowdle remains a viable depth option, Warren’s versatility and efficiency continue to position him as the team’s lead fantasy asset. The analyst emphasizes that Warren’s ability to contribute in both the running and passing game makes him a safer bet in a backfield that may distribute touches more evenly than in previous seasons. Warren’s case is rooted in his unique combination of rushing and receiving skills. Over the past three seasons, he has joined an elite group of running backs who have consistently posted at least 300 receiving yards and 500 rushing yards. This group includes Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Breece Hall, all of whom are considered top-tier players. Warren’s performance since 2022 further solidifies his standing, as he ranks sixth among running backs with at least 500 carries in yards per carry (4.7), outperforming players like Jonathan Taylor and trailing only Robinson. His efficiency places him in the same tier as De’Von Achane, James Cook, and Derrick Henry, all of whom are viewed as high-upside threats. Despite his impressive stats, Warren’s 2025 workload was unusually high, and the analyst suggests a reduced role in 2026 is not a setback but a realistic adjustment. Even a slight decline in rushing volume would still leave him with a per-touch baseline that exceeds his career average and surpasses the typical contributions of committee backs in the passing game.#pittsburgh_steelers #aaron_rudders #jaylen_warren #rico_dowdle #wild_card_game
