Steelers' Ike Taylor Gives Fierce Defense Of Najee Harris And Jaylen Warren Behind 'Revamped Offensive Line'

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense didn't have much of an identity with Matt Canada running the show. Right at the end of his tenure and during the interim days of both Mike Sullivan and Eddie Faulkner, the team was dedicated to running the football. The new hire of former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith proves that the organization wants to emphasize handing the ball off to Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren behind a strong offensive line. The selection of three linemen within the first five picks during the 2024 NFL Draft was yet another hint that the Steelers are looking to dominate the trenches.

Steelers' former Super Bowl champion and now scout Ike Taylor appears regularly on the Bleav In Steelers podcast. He had to demand some respect for both Harris and Warren recently, as well as the team's new-look group that will be blocking up front for the ball-carriers. It's no secret that the franchise is going to be getting back to ground-and-pound football.

In Wednesday's episode of the podcast, Taylor's co-host, Mark Bergin, started discussing the upcoming Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts and was quick to mention how dynamic of a running game the Steelers will face against Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor, with Quenton Nelson leading the way for the Colts' offensive line. Taylor immediately came to the defense of the Steelers running backs.

"I guess you ain't respecting Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren behind a revamped offensive line, but hey," Taylor said while shrugging his shoulders.

It's fair to say that Bergin didn't mean anything negative regarding Pittsburgh's dynamic duo, but Taylor felt the need to defend them based on how much the two have flown under the radar, especially since a strong end to the 2023 campaign. It is safe to say, though, that the fierce combination of Warren and Harris will certainly become more known in Smith's expected offense that should be extremely run-heavy.

It has been an interesting pairing when it comes to Harris and Warren. Harris came in as a first-round pick from the University of Alabama while Warren signed as an undrafted free agent coming out of Oklahoma State. The Steelers finished in the middle of the pack in 2023, churning for a total of 2,010 yards on the ground and 4.1 yards per carry, but the rushing attack didn't really get going until the second half of the season.

The additions of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields could provide several fresh looks from a passing perspective, but the goal of the 2024 Steelers is expected to be running the ball 30 or more times a game behind a stout offensive line. Comparisons aren't fair given the different eras, but a Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley type of combination from back in 2004 is what fans could see from the Steelers. Over 2,000 yards rushing and 15 or more touchdowns between the two is in reach.

Steelers Will Need Consistent Running Back Play Throughout 2024 Campaign

It's fair to say that Pittsburgh isn't going to have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in 2024. It's also fair to say that neither Wilson or Fields will find significant success with play-action if the offensive line is paving lanes for the running backs. Harris and Warren are going to be the key for the Steelers, especially if Smith runs an offense similar to how he did as the play-caller for the Tennessee Titans.