PITTSBURGH — Najee Harris paused mid-thought when discussing his performance during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 32-13 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders, in which he accumulated 106 yards and scored a touchdown. The running back, known for his candidness throughout his NFL journey, expressed his views with characteristic honesty.
When questioned about feeling more “nimble” than usual, Harris acknowledged the storyline developing around his performance but chose not to play along. After breaking off a couple of long runs, including a remarkable 36-yard touchdown where he soared through the air to extend the ball toward the pylon, he was clear about his feelings. At the age of 26, he decided to redirect the conversation rather than entertain any notions about changing his running style.
Harris is acutely aware that his career average of 3.9 yards per carry is below expectations. He’s also conscious that despite being labeled as the team’s premier running back by coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers opted not to exercise his fifth-year option. Furthermore, he recognizes that his backup, Jaylen Warren, has demonstrated more explosiveness in various situations over the past two years.
This awareness has transformed Harris from a reflective rookie into a more detached veteran in the public eye. However, beneath this exterior is a fierce competitor who was drawn to Alabama partly due to the team-first philosophy emphasized by coach Nick Saban. While he may sometimes come off as moody, his mood is heavily influenced by the team’s performance—happy when they win, frustrated when they lose. Thus, he was not inclined to entertain further inquiries about his recent success.
“I don’t place limits on my abilities,” Harris asserted. “What others say or think doesn’t concern me… I know what I’m capable of when I trust in myself.” This confidence was evident when he maneuvered past Raiders cornerback Jack Jones for a 26-yard gain in the third quarter and when he bulldozed through multiple defenders during a crucial first down earlier in the game. Harris is pragmatic about the tougher aspects of his position and aims to embody the grit needed for the Steelers’ offense to thrive, a characteristic that both Tomlin and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith value.
Despite his struggles with offensive lines that often struggle to create opportunities, Harris is determined and unyielding. He hopes that his perseverance can motivate his teammates, especially as the Steelers’ passing game shows signs of inconsistency and Warren grapples with a knee injury. The Steelers will need Harris to continue performing at a high level to maintain their promising start, which currently stands at 4-2.
In terms of standout performances, T.J. Watt delivered another stellar display, making significant plays despite not recording a sack. His ability to force critical fumbles, particularly during pivotal moments, has been invaluable for the team.
On the offensive front, quarterback Justin Fields has struggled lately with his accuracy. After a strong beginning to the season, Fields’ completion percentage has dropped significantly over the last two weeks. As competition for his starting job heightens, particularly with the healthy return of Russell Wilson, he needs to find his rhythm quickly.
Looking at player performances, cornerback Donte Jackson has emerged as a surprising impact player since being acquired in a trade that sent Diontae Johnson to the Panthers. With interceptions in back-to-back games, he has already amassed three picks this season, just shy of his career high.
Conversely, wide receiver George Pickens had a subdued game. While he managed to keep his emotions in check, he was mostly inactive until the game was comfortably decided. Despite finishing with three receptions for 53 yards, he dropped a potential touchdown pass that hit him directly in the face mask.
Injury woes continued for the team, as center Zach Frazier exited the game in the second half with an ankle injury, although he had showcased strong performances prior to the setback.
As for notable milestones, defensive tackle Cam Heyward is closing in on a significant personal achievement, with 200 career games played, just one shy of tying the franchise record for defensive players held by Hall of Famer Donnie Shell.
Looking ahead, the Steelers are set to embark on a crucial two-game homestand during prime time, starting with an encounter against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets next Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium.