The Pittsburgh Steelers are near or at the bottom of the league in practically every single offensive category, something that has pitchforks raised and Matt Canada on the hot seat in 2023. Throughout 2022, a year where the offense struggled to produce on a weekly basis as well, Canada's job was questioned, and now that has risen to a full-throated roar. There is someone who doesn't see things that way, though, Steelers starting running back, Najee Harris.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris was the lone bright spot in their 2023 Week 4 loss to the Houston Texans.
Steelers Players Responsible For Lackluster Start
Harris spoke to the media on Wednesday, and it didn't take long for the subject of the play-calling to come up. As much as NFL players want to say that they don't pay attention to what is being written and said in the media, most notice. It certainly hasn't been lost on Harris, who came out in defense of the coaching within the Steelers organization. The frustrated running back went a step further and put the weight of the disappointing 2023 campaign directly onto the players' shoulders.
When the questions began regarding criticism of the coaching staff, Harris was quick to step in and give his perspective on what seemed to be a very polarizing situation.
"The coaches only coach. End of the day, we gotta do what we have to do, know what I mean?"
As frustrated as the fan base is with Canada and the mediocre direction the offense is taking the team in, Harris made it absolutely clear that the blame should not rest at the feet of the coaches - even the ones calling the plays. Harris, looking determined and irritated while he spoke to reporters, took every bit of responsibility and accepted it on behalf of the players. In his mind, that is the absolute bottom line; coaches can call the plays, but those plays still need to be executed.
"I see everybody talking about this coaching stuff, about play-calling, but bruh, do y'all know how football works? Coaches only coach, but we gotta execute the plays, like, we're not trying to point the finger at all. This is not the time to do that."
It's one thing to say meaningful words; it's another thing entirely to put them into practice and find success through them. There is plenty of football left in 2023, and if nothing else, there is agreement with Harris that execution needs to be much better going forward.
Chris Adamski / Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada may be dragging the entire team down with him in 2023.
Steelers' Harris Is Tired Of Coaching Conversation With Media
The fans will always be speaking from an outside perspective, while Harris is bringing his inside-the-locker-room knowledge to the table. The maligned running back has spent extensive time with Canada and the rest of the coaches, so he isn't just saying words for the sake of saying them. This is a sore subject for him, and it truly matters how the public conversation views his coaches.
"It keeps being a conversation being brought up, like - not even a conversation, but just things that are talked about so much. It's crazy, like, we have to execute at the end of the day, no matter who's back there calling the plays."
For a player who tends to be as soft-spoken as Troy Polamalu, these are bold and direct statements with a purpose. Harris knew that he didn't need to put Canada's name out there for everyone to fully understand who he was talking about. If this is the opinion of the entire team, then perhaps the locker room isn't as lost as we all believe it to be, but that is a long shot to imagine at this point. To put it so plainly to the media, whether it is Canada or Bruce Arians or Todd Haley calling plays, that it's on the players to do their jobs and find success on the field; that may be what is needed at this point in the 2023 season.
Nate Guidry / Post-Gazette
Former Steelers Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley has been talked about in 2023 in regards to the polarizing Matt Canada situation.
Harris continued, ensuring that his message didn't get lost in the mix or convoluted in any way. He is putting this on the players; regardless of which coach has responsibilities over the offense or the plays, it doesn't matter to Harris. It's a very black-and-white way of seeing the picture, but perhaps that is what is necessary to cut through all the excess. In Harris's view, a play is called, and then the players are responsible from that point onward.
"I honestly say that we [the players] aren't doing it right now. Not coaches; it has nothing to do with coaches, just players. We gotta - we have to play better... we just can't keep looking at the coaches as an outlet, or whatever ya'll's putting out there, as an outlet. That's just stupid what y'all are doing, really... We can say what we want, but, like I said, players play, coaches coach."
The Pittsburgh fans were promised changes by Mike Tomlin following the awful Week 4 loss to the Texans. These may not be the kind of changes we all expected or hoped for, but perhaps players like Harris stepping up and taking a vocal position within the locker room could be exactly what is necessary. The emotional leadership of Jerome Bettis and Hines Ward in the past allowed the team to correct their course, and that is what the 2023 squad needs.
Do you agree with Najee Harris that 2023 is on the players and not the coaches? Comment below!
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