The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the league's best running backs in Najee Harris manning the team's rushing attack. However, the Steelers are in search for a RB2 to spell Harris in the upcoming season to keep their budding superstar running back as fresh as they can. It's vital to the longevity of Harris' career for the Steelers to find a competent backup, so they don't run him into the ground. The Steelers open up their first preseason action on Saturday night as they take on the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium. Will any of the candidates for the RB2 spot take a significant lead in the competition?
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No, McFarland doesn't necessarily HAVE to be the guy at RB2, but he's aiming for it after a rough start to his NFL career. Harris suffered an injury at the very beginning of August, and the Steelers are just being cautious with their star running back, so it's opened the door for guys like McFarland Jr., Benny Snell, Jaylen Warren, Mataeo Durant, and newly acquired Master Teague.
“It’s definitely motivation for anybody in the running back room to step up,” McFarland said of Harris’ injury via Trib Live. “It makes you want to compete more, put your head down and work towards that.”“Coach always says when someone is down, it’s an opportunity for the next man to step up,” McFarland continued. “I feel like we all have that mentality. It’s more reps for us, more of an opportunity to showcase what we can do.”
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After a very trying first two years in the NFL in which McFarland Jr. has only 36 carries for 116 yards (most of which came in his rookie season in 2020), he only suited up for two games last season for a variety of reasons. McFarland Jr. has surely taken advantage of this "Next Man Up" opportunity and he's impressed the man he's fighting to back up this season.
“Anthony, I think he’s taken a big step,” Harris stated via Trib Live. “In ways, he’s really controlling what role he has. He’s really being explosive and making some explosive runs.”
The Steelers really need someone to step up and be the clear guy to spell Harris this season. McFarland Jr. has showcased that in his opportunities at the position while in Latrobe during training camp. He wants to show the coaches something he's very prideful in, his versatility.
Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. breaks into the second level during practice Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022 at Saint Vincent College. Credit: Chaz Palla/Tribune-Review
“I feel like I can line up anywhere and show my versatility,” McFarland stated. “Wherever they ask me to line up, I’ll put my head down and work.”“I’ll throw my nose in there in pass pro,” he continued. “I’m trying to show I can be an all-purpose back.”
McFarland Jr. is the smallest running back in the room, but he's not shying away from pass protection opportunities. Even though he's likely battling it out for a possible roster spot, McFarland Jr. shows he just wants to work with the whole group to make everybody better!
“I feel like we’ve got a good room,” he said. “I love the room from top to bottom. Everybody is great. It keeps you on your toes when everybody has their skill sets and just works. … The thing I like about it the most is nobody is selfish. Everybody wants to help each other. It’s hard to find a room like that.”
With his 4.3 speed, McFarland Jr. is the best option to be a "change of pace" running back for the Steelers. If he plays well during preseason action, he very well could be in line to be the RB2 behind Harris this season.
What are yinz thoughts on McFarland Jr. showcasing explosiveness during training camp while fighting to be the team's RB2? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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