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Following a 16-10 win over the New Orleans Saints, the Pittsburgh Steelers hold a 5-2 record and sit atop the AFC North. The team endured a hectic weekend, traveling to Paris for a game and returning to Pittsburgh, and now turns its attention to a Week 8 divisional showdown with the Cleveland Browns, who also boast a 5-2 mark.
The Browns present a formidable challenge with a top-ranked defense, while the Steelers have found new life on offense under head coach Mike McCarthy. However, a comparison of this year's offense to last season's reveals a surprising similarity in overall execution, with one notable exception: running back Jaylen Warren.
Same Old Story in the Passing Game
Last season, the Steelers' offense under Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin drew criticism for its lack of a vertical passing attack. Despite Aaron Rodgers' efforts, the aerial game never became a consistent threat. According to SumerSports data, Pittsburgh's passing EPA ranked 16th in the NFL and 19th in success rate, while the run game fared better at 12th in EPA and 10th in success rate.
Through seven games this season, the numbers show that the passing attack hasn't improved significantly. The Steelers rank 26th in overall EPA per play and per pass play, with a success rate of just 41.8% (22nd in the league). They find themselves grouped with teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, the run game ranks 7th in EPA per rush play, though its success rate of 42.5% is tied for 12th.
Those same numbers got Arthur Smith fired in 2025, but in 2026 they are being celebrated as progress. The reason? Jaylen Warren.
Warren's Elite After-Contact Ability
Warren has been the star of the offense, and his ability to gain yards after contact sets him apart. According to SumerSports, he has recorded 28 impact plays, the second-most among running backs this season. Interestingly, this production isn't the result of clean running lanes; Warren averages just 1.61 yards before contact per rush (21st among backs with at least one touch).
Instead, Warren thrives after initial contact. He has accumulated 397 yards after contact (6th among running backs) and gains an additional 3.84 yards after the first tackle attempt per rush (8th in the NFL). His prowess extends to the passing game, where he has 24 receptions on 34 targets for 294 receiving yards (2nd among backs) and 344 yards after the catch (1st among running backs with at least 10 touches).
As Warren goes, so goes the Steelers' offense. He is playing at an MVP-caliber level, and if he continues, Pittsburgh will remain in the AFC North race. If he falters, the team will likely follow. The only real change in Pittsburgh this season is the increased focus and emphasis on Jaylen Warren.