Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris had an extremely productive rookie season when you consider he was running behind a patchwork offensive line. He led all rookie running backs in rushing yards, proved he was an effective pass catcher and made the Pro Bowl. He finished fourth in the NFL in rushing during the 2021 season and seems poised to become a dominant rusher in a passing league.
Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry are the key components of winning teams’ offenses. If Henry had not gotten injured last year and missed so much time, the Tennessee Titans' season might have ended differently. Taylor seemed like an afterthought against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18 when they inexplicably decided to rely on Carson Wentz and thankfully that plan backfired, and the Steelers made the playoffs because of it.
A run first offense and superior defense can still work in the NFL.
Steeler Nation staff writer, Parker Abate illuminated that point in his fine article earlier this week when he highlighted how the black and gold could run an offense that was effective. Harris is obviously a huge piece of that puzzle. However, it seems like Harris has suddenly become just another part of a predicted inefficient offense run by Matt Canada. Even the programmers at EA Sports don’t see Harris as a top running back. Harris and Henry both attended the University of Alabama and were recruited by Nick Saban. The two have similar running styles and body types, but Henry is a little bigger. Let us take a look at a comparison:
Henry, 28, will be entering his seventh season in the league, which for most modern-day running backs is when they start to exhibit some regression. Henry’s bruising style for most back’s would not bode well, but he is an exceptionally big back and I do think he will continue to do well into his early 30’s if he stays healthy.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris (#22) finds some running room against the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field in 2021 preseason action. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
Harris ran behind what in 2021 was one of the worst offensive lines in football, but still managed to match Henry in yards after contact. If you look back to 2018 when Pro Football Reference started tracking the broken tackle stat, Henry’s career high in broken tackles is 34, which he did twice. Harris had 30 in his rookie season. Henry left Alabama and ran a 4.54 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, while the Steelers ball carrier ran a 4.45. He is almost a full tenth of a second faster and already a better receiver. If the Steelers' offensive line is indeed improved by Mason Cole and James Daniels, Harris may challenge Henry and Taylor as the top back in the NFL.
The quarterback talent in the AFC is substantial and teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans are seen as viable contenders in the AFC. They have good defenses and what should be extremely strong running games. The Pittsburgh Steelers will run more of a spread offense with Canada, but should rely heavily on the RPO system. That does not mean plowing into the center of the line for 3 yards and a cloud of dust. The jet sweep threats and quarterback keepers from Mitch Trubisky/Kenny Pickett won’t be Lamar Jackson level threats, but they will be real enough to keep defenses honest.
If the Steelers offense develops into a series of moving parts that are equally dangerous, Harris is sure to improve his yards after carry. With his bruising style, he should improve his yards per contact and broken tackles. Instead of taking on linebackers and defensive linemen at or behind the line of scrimmage, he should be taking on linebackers and safeties as he finds the second level.
The black and gold’s playoff hopes may rest on the defense being top 10 and the offense being creative enough to find the mid 20’s consistently.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is Najee Harris ready to challenge as the best back in the NFL? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
