The Pittsburgh Steelers do not need to answer Tampa Bay’s pressure-heavy defense by putting more on quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ arm. Their most important offensive task is keeping running back Jaylen Warren central to the plan. Doing so has led to him producing 410 rushing yards and 230 receiving yards in five games.
Locked On Steelers host Chris Carter said Warren has become the engine of an offense that works best when it can threaten defenses with the run, quick throws and heavier personnel. Carter pointed to Warren’s 80-yard catch-and-run touchdown against Indianapolis as an example of Rodgers making the efficient decision rather than depending on a difficult downfield throw. Warren finished that game with 101 rushing yards, 87 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Carter’s preferred formula lines up Pittsburgh wide receiver DK Metcalf with tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, forcing defenses to account for multiple run and pass options without allowing them to key on Warren. That balance gives Rodgers clearer answers before the snap and limits the opportunities for Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles to dictate the game with blitzes and tight man coverage.
The challenge is substantial. Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has 406 rushing yards on 77 carries, and the Buccaneers’ front has made stopping the run a foundation of its early season approach. Carter identified the interior matchup against Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea as the keys that determine whether Warren gets the clean lanes that have powered Pittsburgh’s ground game.
If Tampa Bay contains Warren early, Rodgers will face more obvious passing situations against a defense built to disguise pressure. Locked On Bucs host James Yarcho asserted that Bowles’ blitz packages can force Rodgers into the third-down situations Pittsburgh has struggled to solve. For the Steelers, keeping Warren involved as both a runner and outlet receiver is the clearest way to prevent the game from becoming a pass-rush showcase.
Steelers News and Notes
– Rodgers vs. pressure: Yarcho said Tampa Bay’s blitz is the key to watch, citing Rodgers’ drop in completion rate and sharp increase in sacks when opponents bring extra rushers. Pittsburgh’s ability to use Warren on quick throws could be a critical answer.
– Irving creates a separate defensive problem: Carter warned Pittsburgh cannot allow Tampa Bay’s lead running back to control the game. Irving entered Week 6 averaging 5.27 yards per carry, and an effective Buccaneers ground game would limit the Steelers’ chances to unleash their pass rush.
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