3 bold predictions for Najee Harris in Steelers' Week 5 game against Cowboys

The Steelers' offensive identity was supposed to be centered around a run game led by the running back duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Things haven't gone to plan, thanks to injuries to Warren and a slow start to the season by Harris. Free agent signing Cordarrelle Patterson has provided some explosiveness to the backfield, but he is now dealing with an injury himself.

Harris is the last back standing from the Steelers' initial roster, and he will need to carry (pun intended) the load this week against a banged-up Cowboys defense. With Justin Fields playing above expectations, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith must find a way to get his rushing attack off the ground to support him.

It doesn't help that the Steelers are down multiple offensive linemen. Still, if they can't find a way to run well against this Cowboys team this week, they may never get a better chance to figure things out. Here are three bold predictions for Najee Harris in Week 5.

Najee gets his first 100-yard game of the season

You would think that a player who is in his fourth season as the lead back like Najee Harris is that he would have plenty of 100-yard games under his belt. That isn't the case, however, with just six 100-yard games in 55 games played. A major reason for that is his efficiency. He has been below average throughout his career in terms of yards per attempt, currently 3.9 for his career.

This season through four games it's even lower, sitting at 3.4 on 68 attempts. Last week's disappointing 13-carry, 19-yard performance is dragging his average down, but it would still be under his career average. The Cowboys meanwhile have given up 4.6 yards per attempt this season, and that was before their defensive line was decimated by injuries.

If Harris can't have a big game this week, his time as the starter once the other backs are healthy may be over.

Najee finds the endzone twice

In four games this season, no Steelers running back has found the endzone on the ground or through the air. Quarterback Justin Fields has all three of their rushing touchdowns this year. Scoring touchdowns has been generally not easy this season for the Steelers with just six. The Cowboys have already allowed eight touchdowns on the ground this season, tied for the most with the Cardinals.

If Najee doesn't have a big day in terms of yards, he at least has to help out with a struggling red zone offense for the Steelers. This week is as good of an opportunity as he will get this year to find the endzone. Getting in twice may be asking a lot, but this is the week to expect a big game from him.

Najee finally has a play go for over 40 yards

There have been many criticisms of Najee Harris during his time with the Steelers. There was the initial feeling that it was not worth taking a running back in the first round. He hasn't had the impact in the passing game many expected. His vision has been suspect at times. The one that has been harped on the most by far though has been the lack of explosive plays.

Harris has never had a carry or reception go for more than 37 yards. His longest play was back in his rookie season against the Browns, a 37-yard touchdown to ice the game. While it's true that he hasn't created many big plays, he is a bigger back who was never going to be a big-play machine.

This week could be the week though that he breaks a long one. Between the injuries to edge rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence and the lighter group of linebackers they deploy, Harris could easily find a lane and bulldoze his way for a big play. It would go a long way towards silencing his doubters.