PITTSBURGH -- On a team that includes several future Hall of Fame players, Jaylen Warren was the talk of the Steelers' locker room following a 27-6 trouncing of the Browns that gave Pittsburgh the outright lead in the AFC North division. Warren, who turned 28 on Sunday, celebrated the occasion by rushing for 143 yards (tying his career-high) and a touchdown on 17 carries. It was the second consecutive 100-yard game and the fourth 100-yard game of the season for Warren, a former undrafted rookie who in the midst of a career year.
"Jaylen is on fire," coach Mike McCarthy said afterward. "You can't get him the ball enough." “Jaylen is on fire. You can’t get him the ball enough.” #Steelers coach Mike McCarthy on Jaylen Warren. pic.twitter.com/b3e2gtBCbQ Why is Warren's level of success enhanced in Year 5?
It starts with his featured role. On Sunday, Pittsburgh's offensive line bullied Cleveland's defensive front to the tune of 200 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries. It was a unit that was clearly motivated to respond to Cleveland pass rusher Jared Verse's recent comments with their play on the field.
Most everyone who watched Sunday's game saw Steelers guard Mason McCormick's body slam of Verse in the first half. But just as telling was McCormick and center Zach Frazier sprinting to the other side of the field at the end of the first quarter. While his teammates were running, fellow Steelers lineman Brock Hoffman made a "feed me" reference to the Steelers' sideline, a subtle request to McCarthy to continue running the ball.
Pittsburgh's defense has also helped Warren and the offense. The Steelers' defense, which hasn't allowed a touchdown in seven quarters, has enjoyed more time on the bench while watching Warren do his thing. "He's a bowling ball with teeth, man," said Steelers linebacker T.J.
Watt, who had two of Pittsburgh's eight sacks of Deshaun Watson. Jaylen is just funny, man. He's the guy that's out there in December when we're practicing and it's like 12 degrees, he's in a T-shirt and shorts.
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