LAS VEGAS — Najee Harris has showcased his true potential after a challenging start to the season, rushing for 106 yards and scoring a touchdown on Sunday, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a decisive 32-13 win against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Harris surpassed the 100-yard mark for the first time this season, following a strong performance in the previous season’s finale. He had rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons but was averaging only 3.3 yards per carry prior to this match.
Steelers’ quarterback Justin Fields also contributed, accumulating 59 yards on the ground along with two rushing touchdowns, despite throwing for only 145 yards. His position as the starting quarterback was under scrutiny due to a series of disappointing games and the activation of Russell Wilson, who had been sidelined with a calf injury.
With this victory, Pittsburgh improved to a 4-2 record, breaking a two-game losing streak and marking their highest scoring output since a 34-11 win against Cincinnati on December 23 of last year. Before this game, the Steelers’ offense was struggling, ranked 26th in scoring with an average of 18.4 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Steelers’ defense rebounded impressively after conceding 803 yards in their previous losses, holding the Raiders to just 275 yards. Four-time All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt had a standout performance, forcing two fumbles and making two tackles for loss.
In his first start, Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell replaced the benched Gardner Minshew and initially showed promise, completing his first four passes for 55 yards during a touchdown drive. However, he ultimately finished the game with 27 completions on 40 attempts and 227 yards, throwing an interception in the fourth quarter that led to another Steelers touchdown and a 29-7 lead. This was to the enjoyment of thousands of Steelers fans waving their Terrible Towels, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a home game for Pittsburgh.
Las Vegas played without their top receivers, Davante Adams (hamstring) and Jakobi Meyers (ankle), along with running back Zamir White (groin). Although Adams might be considered for a trade this season, Coach Antonio Pierce stated that he views Adams as still being part of the Raiders.
Pittsburgh had previously let a potential victory slip away in a close game with the Dallas Cowboys last week, but this time they capitalized on the mistakes made by the Raiders. A fumble late in the second half handed the Steelers prime field position, and a roughing-the-passer penalty negated a crucial third-down stop, allowing Fields to run for a 3-yard touchdown to put Pittsburgh ahead 12-7.
A blocked punt in the third quarter set up a field goal for the Steelers, and another roughing call on the Raiders led to a touchdown and a 22-7 advantage. O’Connell’s interception in the fourth quarter paved the way for Fields’ second rushing touchdown, putting the game out of reach.
Injury updates: Steelers center Zach Frazier left the game due to an ankle injury in the third quarter, while Raiders guard Dylan Parham sustained a foot injury during the first half.
Looking ahead, the Steelers will host the New York Jets on Sunday night, whereas the Raiders will travel to face the Los Angeles Rams on the same day.