NFL Rumors: Steelers' Jaylen Warren could be ready to dethrone Najee Harris
On Saturday, Jaylen Warren's spectacular 62-yard touchdown run against the Bills put Steelers fans on high alert. Yes, it's only preseason, and yes, Pittsburgh is still high on former first-rounder Najee Harris.
But is it entirely possible that Warren is, pound for pound, the more explosive back? Yes, it is.
Last year, Warren averaged 4.9 yards per attempt compared to Harris' 3.8 yards, and as many discerning Steelers fans have pointed out, Warren's 62-yard TD run of preseason far exceeds the longest run of Harris' career, which is 37 yards.
Taking a closer look at each back's 2022 season will reveal that Warren has the edge in not only rushing efficiency but pass-catching stats, beating Harris in yards per reception, catch percentage, yards per target, and more. Somewhere, there's a case for Warren to win RB1 and demote Harris to backup duties.
Given that Pittsburgh invested a first-round pick on Harris, Warren probably isn't getting starting snaps in 2023. More touches isn't out of the question, though…
Warren's powerful burst and bullish ability to attack and exploit defensive holes is part of the reason he's such a lethal rusher, and he still has his best football ahead of him. It may be in the Steelers' best interest to split the backfield come September, but for now, the fanbase can be content that the Steelers boast two young, in-their-prime ball-carriers on the roster.
NFL Rumors: Aaron Rodgers reveals playing timeline for Jets
"When will Aaron Rodgers retire?" was one of the most oft-searched questions this offseason when the former Packers quarterback was contemplating his future. Now settled in his home on the Jets, Rodgers recently answered that question in a preseason interview.
To no one's surprise, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers recently announced that he doesn't plan on the upcoming 2023 season being a "one-and-done." He'll be around for "a few good years," or so he hopes.
Then, as Rodgers confidently declares, he's passing the torch to Zach Wilson, who he believes will helm the Jets for the next 15-plus years.
All in all, Jets fans should look forward to 18-20 years of "great quarterback play."
Peep Rodgers' shirt: "From Darkness to the Big Apple." What a time to be a Jets fan.
This is a very nice and comforting plan in theory, and kudos to Rodgers on the uber-optimistic take, but Rodgers should really know better than to make such glowing remarks about Zach Wilson. Expecting Wilson to step in and lead the Jets after Rodgers presumably retires is just a tad delusional considering Wilson's pitiful track record in New York.
Also… 15 years? That's assuming Wilson will develop into not only a franchise quarterback, but a perennially consistent franchise quarterback, edging toward the same legendary status as Brett Favre in Green Bay or Drew Brees in NOLA or the G.O.A.T. who did 20 years in New England.
The longest-tenured quarterback playing consecutive seasons that the Jets have had this century is Mark Sanchez, and he maxes out at four years.
Keep Rodgers' receipt, and two decades from now, we'll see about this "great quarterback play."
NFL Rumors: Eagles linebacker Myles Jack goes back to school?
Two weeks after signing with the Eagles, linebacker Myles Jack has announced his retirement. The 2016 second-round pick spent seven years with the Jaguars and Steelers before inking a one-year contract with Philly this offseason.
Rather than compete for a starting linebacker job, Jack has undergone a change of heart and appears happy to call it quits on a productive career; he racked up 617 combined tackles, three interceptions, 18 passes defended, 18 quarterback hits, and 6.5 sacks.
Jack mostly played second team snaps in training camp so far, getting a slice of preseason action this past weekend in the Eagles' tie with the Browns.
The 27-year-old was already considering retirement after getting released by the Steelers last March and reportedly had ambitions of going to trade school to become an electrician or a plumber.
When his ex-teammates take the field in September, he could follow his heart and enroll in classes if he so chooses.
Jack probably wouldn't have broken into the Eagles' starting lineup anyway with fellow veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham enjoying a much more successful camp.
Wishing Jack the best of luck in his next career.
