The Pittsburgh Steelers do not need to reinvent their offense before Sunday’s Week 7 game against the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France in Paris. They need to use an option already sitting at the top of their depth chart.
Locked On Steelers host Chris Carter framed the issue plainly during the show’s crossover with Locked On Saints. Carter said Pittsburgh has been good at creating third-and-6-or-shorter situations but poor at converting them, a disconnect that has contributed to the Steelers’ broader third-down struggles.
Carter’s proposed adjustment is to put the ball in Jaylen Warren’s hands more often. He said the Steelers have run only eight times on manageable third downs, converting six of those attempts. Pittsburgh has instead leaned heavily toward passing in those spots, even when the distance has favored a more balanced call sheet.
That decision matters against a New Orleans defense Carter described as vulnerable to explosive plays. If Pittsburgh can convert manageable downs with Warren, it can sustain drives, protect its defense and avoid repeatedly asking quarterback Aaron Rodgers to create high-difficulty throws late in the series.
The other half of the assignment is protection. Saints edge rushers Chase Young and Carl Granderson give the Steelers a real challenge on the perimeter, especially with left tackle Troy Fautanu still settling into his spot on the blind side. Carter expects tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington to provide help when the Steelers need it.
Pittsburgh can still win with explosive plays, but Carter’s point is more basic. When the Steelers create a manageable third down, Warren is a proven option they have not used enough. If Pittsburgh again chooses to throw in those situations, it will be a choice, not a lack of an available answer.
The Steelers and Saints kick off Sunday, Oct. 25, at 9:30 a.m. ET in the NFL’s first regular-season game in France.
Pittsburgh Steelers Essentials
- Every QB Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Best Quarterbacks in Pittsburgh Steelers History
- Best Running Backs in Pittsburgh Steelers History
- Best Wide Receivers in Pittsburgh Steelers History
- 9 Worst Draft Picks in Steelers History
- 10 Best Draft Picks in Steelers History
- NFL’s Richest Owners: Where Does Rooney Family Rank?
Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
