It hasn’t necessarily been enjoyable to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers offense since the 2022 season began. The rushing attack has just recently shown life, but rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett hasn’t wow’ed anyone during his first year. The receiving core has been inconsistent and far from impressive while the offensive line has proved preseason theories right about the unit’s inability to be consistent. One of the questions that no one seems to have the answer to is: how does Matt Canada‘s offense find a way to be unpredictable and unique? It hasn’t been either of those things this season, but Monday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts could provide an opportunity to mix things up.
Impressive undrafted rookie running back, Jaylen Warren will miss the contest against the Colts due to a hamstring injury that he suffered in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Warren has been effective catching the football collecting 16 passes for 137 yards. He has been a definitive positive to take away from an offense that has many fans frustrated. With him out, a player with nothing to lose and similar receiving capabilities has the chance to be a factor, if Canada allows him to.
The team has an extremely elusive and athletic running back in Anthony McFarland Jr. The third year player out of Maryland has only averaged 3.2 yards per carry in his career, but has certainly shown minimal flashes in the passing games given his opportunities. He has seven catches for 65 yards the last couple years which is good for 9.3 yards per reception. Starting running back, Najee Harris has been essentially nonexistent in the passing game this year, potentially opening up the door for McFarland come Monday night.
Back in training camp, while Harris was battling a foot injury, the former fourth round pick said that a next man up mentality is important:
“Coach always says when someone is down, it’s an opportunity for the next man to step up,” McFarland said. “I feel like we all have that mentality. It’s more reps for us, more of an opportunity to showcase what we can do.”
With backup running back, Benny Snell Jr. being a key piece on special teams, McFarland could see a couple snaps against Indianapolis and potentially save his career with the Steelers. It all depends on if there is anything designed for him heading into the game, but he will be active for the first time and could be used to catch the Colts off guard in the screen game. His 4.34 speed could cause issues for any defense if he is used properly.
It’s unusual for a many positional players to be out of game action the first 11 weeks of the season and jump on the active roster. It’s even more unlikely for that player to make a serious difference, but at 3-7 and a sputtering offense for the majority of the year, Canada and head coach, Mike Tomlin may want to see what McFarland has in the tank. For the ball carrier, any chance he gets may be his last to prove himself as a formidable running back in the NFL.
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