There are a number of methods to judge how a working again accumulates yards. As we speak, we’re utilizing Professional Soccer Focus (PFF)’s elusive score as a key statistic. That is outlined as measuring a runner’s success and impression with the ball, unbiased of blocking. It reveals a key distinction in how issues transpired in 2025 for the Steelers’ new RB duo of Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle.
Inside this stat, an necessary factor is forcing missed tackles. That is the second stat on the next scatter plot:
For starters, we see that Falcons working again Bijan Robinson was on one other planet amongst higher-volume rushers in 2025 (minimal of 200 carries). He was the one qualifier with a 100-plus elusive score and over 100 pressured missed tackles. Props.
Comfortably above the imply in every is Warren, rating third out of the 21 qualifiers with a 94.6 elusive score. Regardless of having the fewest carries of the group (211), Warren ranked fourth with 77 whole pressured missed tackles. This exemplifies his “bowling ball” working model that many followers get pleasure from.
Discovering new working mate Rico Dowdle on the chart reveals a fairly excessive distinction, a minimum of in 2025. Though he had 25 extra carries than Warren final season, he had a a lot decrease 47.0 elusive score (subsequent to final) and the fewest whole missed tackles pressured (41).
Fairly the staggering distinction in how their yardage got here. As rushers, Rico Dowdle led the gamers in our sights with 1,076 yards (14th) in comparison with 958 for Warren (nineteenth). Included on this had been simply 34 missed tackles pressured for Dowdle (final) and 53 for Warren (eighth).
The pair had practically equal receptions, with Warren having another at 40. However Warren pressured 24 missed tackles on receptions (third), whereas Dowdle had seven (T-Thirteenth).
So, Warren clearly did extra with the ball in his palms unbiased of blocking. A number of specialists tabbed Carolina as a stronger run-blocking unit than Pittsburgh final season. This might be constructive for Dowdle, as he wasn’t in as many conditions to drive missed tackles.
It additionally means that Pittsburgh has room to development upward. Loads of change is on the horizon for the Steelers’ offensive line, and the hope is that it’s going to result in success. However Warren has proven that he was some of the elusive RBs, shedding tackles from free defenders. Wanting again at 2024, Dowdle was a top-ten elusive RB, so there appears to be potential for enchancment on this space.
