If this past year's NFL Draft told the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base anything, it was what direction this team is going to go as an offense. In selecting running back Najee Harris, the organization seemingly told Steeler Nation that there is going to be a sole focus on the running game for the upcoming season. The move itself gives this offense a weapon in the backfield behind future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and this respected passing attack.
The Steelers are going to do everything in their power to become a more balanced offensive attack in 2021. The organization would love nothing more than to create an offensive game plan that veers more toward the rushing attack than anything else. If this is the case, Harris is surely the type of running back that can carry the ball more than 20 times a game effectively. Being reliant solely on Harris’s ability to carry the load is a huge ask for any type of player to endure, especially a rookie. If this rushing attack is going to be all in for the upcoming season, the coaching staff is going to have to prepare for anything that will come their way, no matter the situation.
[incontent2]
All eyes are going to be on Harris for this upcoming season in hopes of him being able to take this offense by storm. The Steelers do have a crowded backfield as sort of the support staff for Harris and the Steelers rushing attack plans. The Steelers did sign free agent, Kalen Ballage to a one-year deal with a chance to make the final 53 as a back up -- add that to an already crowded backfield of Anthony McFarland, Jaylen Samuels and Benny Snell Jr., and it may be safe to say one guy may not make the final cut.
Last year's backup running back, Benny Snell Jr. was asked about the potential of him making the final 53-man roster in an already congested backfield. The 23 year old, 3rd year veteran responded in the best possible way:
“Honestly, I can say I’m taking it as a part of my journey,” Snell said. “I never have settled and been comfortable, you know that. This is my job now, you know. Another thing I keep in mind was the Steelers picked me; I didn’t pick the Steelers so I’m ride and dying about where I’m at. When it’s time to work, it’s time to work. I feel like, even on top of us having Najee, you can’t just do one back for the whole season and hustle. I definitely know that roads and big-time moments are going to come up and I’m going to make sure I’m ready for them. I’m just keeping my head down and working.”
[incontent3]
Personally, I am excited to see the potential of these talented running backs and how they all play together. Harris is going to be the number one guy, that is a given, but no matter who is placed on the depth chart below him, there is going to be someone with talent who has the ball in their hands. Not only is this running back room a talented one, it is one filled with many different styles of play at that position, styles that potentially pair well with Harris’s style of play -- which is all this organization can ask for.
Who would you like to see make the final 53? Comment below!
#SteelerNation
