Steelers' Najee Harris Describes How Using The Run Game As A Focal Point Will Help The Team's Offense Be Successful In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made the necessary roster moves during the 2023 offseason to be more competitive than they were in 2022. In addition, their starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett seems to be much more comfortable in his role and will undoubtedly be better prepared to go up against opposing defenses after having a full offseason as the unquestioned number one signal-caller. All things considered, the Steelers have a roster worthy of winning a multitude of games in 2023. 

"Defense wins championships" is something the Steelers hope still applies to modern football as their best three players on the team currently play on that side of the ball in T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Needless to say, the organization most likely feels comfortable with their current collection of talent defensively. On the flip side, the jury is still out on whether or not the offense possesses the necessary firepower (and coaching ability) to keep up with the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. 

One of the best things Omar Khan and Andy Weidl did for the Pickett-led offensive attack is improving the amount of depth on the offensive line, specifically at the left guard and tackle positions with Isaac Seumalo and Broderick Jones. 

The "Pickett Fence" will not only help keep the young quarterback upright, but will also help the team run the ball effectively, which is something that the Steelers' front office has been adamant about doing going forward. Najee Harris, the team's featured running back, will handle the bulk of this responsibility in 2023. 

During a recent interview following the Steelers' mandatory minicamp, the third-year running back detailed how he has high expectations for the offense as the team inches closer to training camp. 

"I think we're going to surprise a lot of people. I'm just excited looking at it. From when we first started last year, we're a lot better now in all types of execution. The standard is actually being the standard out here," Harris said.

Will The Steelers Have An Elite-Level Offense In 2023? 

On paper, the Steelers have done all the right things in addressing each area of their offensive unit as they have surrounded Pickett with players who will help relieve the pressure off of him in 2023. With that being said, the question still remains whether or not the group possesses the ability to win high-scoring games. 

The lengths to which the offense improves in 2023 starts and ends with their second-year quarterback. While many outside of the Steelers' organization are skeptical of whether or not Pickett has what it takes to make a significant leap in production, there is no denying how confident his teammates are that he is more than capable of doing so. Harris, during the same interview, voiced his support of Pickett. 

"Kenny is a lot more comfortable. He's a quick learner too. Him being vocal, him understanding coverages, him being in a more comfortable place, I think that is what's going to separate him a lot. When Kenny comes out here, you see that he wants to have control. He wants to win," detailed Harris.

Apart from Pickett, Harris is another player who will play a major role in the Steelers' offense in 2023. Following a strong finish to the 2022 season, the third-year ball carrier is in an ideal situation to emerge as one of the league's best running backs. His physical style of play combined with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and perform well in pass protection make him one of the most versatile players on the Steelers' roster. 

Along with fellow running back, Jaylen Warren, the offense may very well be run-first oriented in 2023. As Harris described in the interview, the running back group has the opportunity to be the "focal point" of the offensive attack. 

Final Thoughts 

Harris' comments regarding the run game being a major component of the team's offense in 2023 may end up being the best chance for the team to compete for an AFC North title as the duo of himself and Warren is the Steelers' best one-two punch at running back in quite some time. With a collection of physically dominant offensive linemen, the offense has all the necessary ingredients to be one of the best rushing attacks in 2023.

If this does indeed end up being the case, the Steelers will have a legitimate chance of making good on Harris' claim of surprising a lot of people. Get ready, Steeler Nation. Old-school, smash-mouth football is back in Pittsburgh. 

How do Yinz feel about Harris' comments? Do you think the offense has what it takes to be elite in 2023? Will the Steelers lead the league in rushing in 2023? Let us know in the comments! 

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