5 questions the Steelers must answer in Week 1 vs. Bills

How does Steelers rookie Najee Harris look?

While the expectations for rookie Najee Harris are high (as they should, given his first-round status as a running back), the first game of the season is an opportunity to prove his worth for the team.

As mentioned before, the Steelers’ offensive line is lacking and full of questions right now. This means that Harris will have to produce on his own as opposed to relying on elite line play. He has the talent to do it, but it won’t be easy.

Benefiting him is the Bills’ run defense. It’s middle of the road mostly, so Harris should be able to create some additional yards on his own. That won’t be enough, though. In what will likely be a high-scoring game, Harris will have to find a way to be one of the offensive standouts no matter what the offensive line does. Short-yard conversions, big plays, and a score or two are the expectation for him, not the best-case scenario.

As well, expect to see Harris be active in the passing game as a receiver. With the line possibly concaving on itself, short and quick passes may still be a necessity. If that’s the case, Harris could quickly become a reliable check-down option for the Steelers. Add in some solid runs and there would be little question as to how successful his debut was.

He will have to do a lot on his own as a runner, but Harris needs to look dominant in this first game.