Can Steelers Harris take a game over?
Before anyone says anything otherwise, Najee Harris has had a good rookie season and has been efficient when running the football. The issue is, the reason the team drafted him, the reason the Steelers spent a first-round pick on Harris was in hopes of him becoming a gamechanger. While he has been a solid player, he has yet to become a truly game-breaking running back.
With the Steelers receivers injured and huge questions at quarterback with Ben Roethlisberger on the Covid list, this is the type of week where Harris needs to step up and control the game. A good game is fine and has led to a good rookie season, but at this point, Harris needs to become the focal point of the offense. No matter the defensive looks, Harris has to be the central piece to this offense.
While it is a lofty standard to have, Harris needs a Derrick Henry type of game. One where the offense can count on him to take every snap if he needs to and still be an efficient runner. Another good game is fine, but the Steelers used a first-round pick for Harris to be a true game-changing running back. This is the first week that he is truly needed given the offensive questions heading into this game.
The Steelers’ path to victory this week isn’t an easy one, but there are situations that could happen that should lead to the team winning. That said, the odds definitely aren’t in the Steelers’ favor. If they want to have any shot at winning this game, they will have to answer these four questions.