PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers running backs should be at the center of the new Arthur Smith offense. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren should assume much of that work, but Cordarrelle Patterson, who is following Arthur Smith from the Atlanta Falcons, should have a say in his role, too.
Patterson has filled in as a wide receiver and running back in the past, and when he spoke with the media for the first time last week, he stated that he did not want to step on anyone’s toes. So, he is coming to teach the offense and help with the kick return game, which he is excited to try out once they get on the field.
“I’ve been in this offense on three years going on four years now,” Patterson said. “Arthur knows me. He knows me up and down; he knows what I can and can’t do. I’m not coming here to step on anyone’s toes. I know what I can bring to this team and I know my role. Whatever they need me to do, I’m that guy. I’m here to help these guys, I’m an older guy to help get these guys going.”
The Steelers project to run the ball with a mixture of play action and deep passing game, so Patterson should see some reps regardless of the offense. Warren and Harris will be the heads of the rushing attack, but with how much they run the ball, there will be plenty of influence to go around for Pittsburgh.