In the Steelers’ resounding 28-15 win over the Miami Dolphins on Monday night, the offense looked as efficient as it has all season. The offense scored a touchdown on four consecutive drives last night, the longest
touchdown streak for the team since the 2018 season. It was hard to come away from that game without mentioning just how important running back Kenneth Gainwell has become to this team.
Gainwell totaled 80 yards on the ground while averaging over six yards per carry. The running back also led the team in receptions with seven catches for 46 yards. Gainwell was the focal point of the team’s offense throughout the contest and has established himself as a centerpiece in Pittsburgh’s offense. If you ask Mike Tomlin about the success Gainwell has had this season, he would tell you this is exactly what he expected when the team signed him back in March.
“He had some upside because of the ridiculous shadow that Saquon cast,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “I’m not sure we’re surprised because we saw it first hand.”
Amazingly enough, Pittsburgh was able to sign Gainwell for only 1.7 million dollars this past offseason. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke glowingly of Gainwell after his performance on Monday, and made it clear he wants to see the running back get paid.
“I love playing with him. He’s as smart as they come. I still can not believe what we got him for,” Rodgers said. “I told him a long time ago my goal was to get him paid.”
If one of Rodgers’ goals was to get Gainwell paid, he is helping him out quite a bit. The running back leads the team in receptions, emerging as a consistent target in a passing attack that struggles with depth issues at wide receiver. Gainwell also boasts 4.8 yards per carry, making him the most efficient back the Steelers have.
His coaches and teammates don’t seem surprised to see the success Gainwell is having, and he is making a strong case for an extension very soon as he tries to help the Steelers clinch their first AFC North title since the 2020 season.
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