The Steelers are barely an NFL Offense right now
Jaylen Warren has another big game despite Najee Harris out snapping him again. Warren has made his case as to why he’s the best RB in Pittsburgh - he’s gone over 100 yards from scrimmage in three straight games, and he’s averaging 14.3 touches per game over this 3-game stretch. It’s not enough for him to sustain that production, but here’s the thing - he gets Cincinnati next week in a good matchup, then Arizona the week after, New England, Indy, Cincinnati, Seattle… the schedule for RBs is pretty good overall the rest of the way. Pittsburgh cannot depend on this passing game right now, so he’s proving that he’s playable as maybe more than a flex play moving forward.
Also worth noting: extremely disappointing couple of games from Diontae Johnson after a solid three game stretch upon his return. Pickett has been absolutely brutal - unfortunately Johnson has to overcome this offense, and it’s going to be rough at times, but I’m not panicking just yet. It was obviously a tough matchup for Diontae, but for some reason I just thought he might be able to overcome it.
Kenneth Walker leaves the backfield to Charbonnet
Kenneth Walker got hurt early in the game with an oblique injury - it’s got the potential to be a similar injury to the one that CMC had about a month ago when we initially thought he’d miss time but he actually didn’t miss any games. The difference here is that Walker has had a bit of a history with core injuries, so it’s possible he does end up missing some time. Pete Carroll called it “legit”.
If he does miss time, Zach Charbonnet gets a big increase in work - he was already the passing down back and was working in on early downs a bit so I can see him being a RB2 next week. The Seahawks play the 49ers on Thanksgiving - not the best matchup - the Cowboys the following Thursday night, and then the 49ers once again. I still think Charbonnet will be startable because of the fact that he’ll likely play a big role in all situations - he ended up seeing 94% of the team’s remaining RB carries and 86% of the team’s remaining RB receptions… he’s the guy. 21 total touches in this game… even in tough matchups he’s a good start because of that role in the receiving game, a role that Kenneth Walker dind’t have. Charbonnet would be safe in any type of game script because of it.
The Texans Continue to Roll in All Phases
Tank Dell - wow - 8 catches on 10 targets for 149 yards and a TD - what a run he’s on right now. He’s now got three straight games of 10+ targets - this kid is good, and Sunday was Dell’s third game this season with 100+ receiving yards and a TD… and he has a great matchup next week against Jacksonville. Nico Collins was back and he had 11 targets himself, which led the team, but he finished with one less catch than Tank. Tank was the one with the huge plays - CJ Stroud had some bad interceptions in this game, but this entire offense is one you want to have in your lineup.
Devin Singletary came through again in a big way - 22 carries for 112 yards and a TD on 87% of snaps, 73% route participation, and 92% of RB opportunities - ridiculous usage. The big question is what happens when Dameon Pierce is back… Pierce got a limited practice in on Friday, and it’s possible he’s back next week… but with the way Singletary is playing, I can see them sticking with him a little bit.
Singletary might not stick to the type of role he’s been seeing without Pierce, but Pierce hasn’t had any games like Singletary just had this year, and all of a sudden the Texans have an effective running game with Singletary.