Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ running game in last Sunday’s 34-32 over the New York Jets left a lot to be desired, rushing for only 53 yards on 20 carries (2.7 average). Despite the poor outing, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is not panicking.
“Average, at best. But that doesn’t make you panic. … We’ve got to keep working,” Smith said on Thursday when asked about the running game against the jets.
Smith said the team loves what running back Kenneth Gainwell brings to the table as a pass catcher. That factor played a role in why Gainwell received more snaps than Jaylen Warren on Sunday. Gainwell played 29 snaps, while Warren received 25.
“We knew a lot about him coming out and we watched him coming out. And last year, when we played Philly, we saw him, and I was really excited,” Smith said of Gainwell. “All those backs have different, unique characteristics, and he does a lot for us in a lot of ways — in the passing game and as a runner.”
Gainwell is a shifty back who excels in space. He displayed that against the Steelers in Week 15 last season, recording seven carries for 20 yards and three catches for 40 yards in Philadelphia’s 27-13 win.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned Gainwell’s standout performance against Pittsburgh last year during his Tuesday press conference.
“We’ve played against him, and he’s made some plays against us,” Tomlin said. “We played him in Philly a year ago. Those third-down conversions that he made were a significant component of the game. They threw the ball to him on swings with very little risk. He won some one-on-one circumstances and converted, allowed drives to stay alive and put points on the board.
“You know, maybe his talents were minimized because of the talents of those around him. “I mean, he did play with Saquon [Barkley]. So those are some of the things that went into the excitement around his acquisition.”
Gainwell believes the Steelers can get the run game going.
“Yeah, it was a couple things we were trying to see last weekend. Pretty sure this week y’all gonna see a lot of big runs. We’re gonna try to do everything that we can. Me and Jaylen harp on every detail that we have, and we’ll try to make this thing explode this weekend.”
Gainwell is a threat both in the running and passing game. He can play on special teams, too. Gainwell’s biggest play against the Jets came on special teams, as he forced a fumble on Xavier Gibson on a kick return in the third quarter. Ben Swowronek came up with the loose ball. Two plays later, Rodgers connected to Calvin Austin III for an 18-yard touchdown to give the Steelers a 31-26 lead.
“I’m a weapon ,and I know I am. And I’m just excited that I got the opportunity to show that versatility on the field,” Gainwell said. “And I know the guys that are around...
