Some pundits have argued No. 2 running back Kenneth Gainwell deserves team MVP recognition for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season. After his performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 16, there’s likely to be little pushback on that idea.
Even Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may be on board.
Rodgers didn’t specifically address the team’s MVP race. But the veteran signal-caller raved about the running back after Gainwell played a significant role in the Steelers defeating the Lions 29-24 in Week 16.
“Kenny’s been unbelievable in the passing game. Just unbelievable,” Rodgers told reporters after the win. “And he’s so damn smart. I was telling him, ‘I wish I had played with him for 10 years.’ Just because the kind of player that he is.
“You just love playing with that guy.”
Gainwell ignited the Steelers offense with a 45-yard receiving touchdown just before halftime. The 26-year-old made such an impressive diving catch on the play that it didn’t appear the officials believed he had made the reception.
But replay clearly showed Gainwell not only made the catch but got up untouched to score the touchdown.
That tied the game and set up the Steelers to dominate the early part of the second half.
Gainwell led Pittsburgh with five catches and 78 receiving yards against the Lions. He also had 50 rushing yards on nine carries in addition to his score.
Kenneth Gainwell Stars in Steelers Win vs. Lions
The Steelers have been waiting all season for a depth receiver to emerge as a key contributor opposite DK Metcalf. On Sunday, veterans such as Adam Thielen and Scotty Miller made significant plays to extend drives.
However, for the most part, Rodgers has had to rely on quick passes to his tight ends and running backs when things aren’t open down field this season. Gainwell has delivered most weeks.
Week 16 was the fifth time this season Gainwell recorded more than 100 yards from scrimmage. The running back has posted four of those performances since November 16.
Gainwell has made plays in the passing game mostly on screens where he has to make multiple defenders miss. He did that for two touchdown receptions versus the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11.
Against the Lions, his touchdown came on a long route down the field.
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