Numbers aren't adding up for Steelers' 2nd-year running back Najee Harris

With the NFL expanding its season to 17 games a year ago, a running back needs to average just 59 yards a game if he is going to produce a 1,000-yard season.

Najee Harris is averaging 45 in his second year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a pace that would put him at 765 yards if he suits up for every game.

That’s a significant drop-off from the 1,200 yards Harris gained in his rookie season. And after totaling 1,667 yards from scrimmage in 2021, the fourth-highest number among all NFL players, Harris is on target to barely crack four digits this year.

Factor in the Steelers’ 2-6 record at the bye week, the criticism aimed at one of the NFL’s least efficient offenses and it has added up to a frustrating first half for Harris.

“He wants to do well. He wants the team to do well. It means a lot to him,” said Eddie Faulkner, who is in his fourth season as Steelers running backs coach. “Nobody cares more than that dude.”

Because Harris cares so much, Faulkner said it is his job to make sure his star running back doesn’t try to do too much.

“You continually remind him: We need you to be yourself,” Faulkner said. “We need you to go do what Najee Harris is capable of doing and cleanse yourself of any other baggage that you’re toting. That is always my communication with him.”

Whether it can be labeled baggage or merely high expectations, Harris was expected to be a focal point of the Steelers offense this year. With Ben Roethlisberger retiring and a new quarterback (or two) replacing him, Harris was a constant in the offense from the 2021 season.

The Steelers brought in two veteran offensive linemen in free agency to help improve a running game that, despite Harris’ impressive rookie-season numbers, finished No. 29 out of the 32 teams. The changes haven’t produced the expected results. And with Harris being elected a team captain, he has taken the offense’s shortcomings to heart.

Faulkner has served as the sounding board for Harris.

“When you’re dealing with someone like Najee who cares to much, you’re going to have those conversations because he’s frustrated,” Faulkner said. “He wants to do well. He wants us to win.”

A tipping point happened after the Steelers’ 35-13 loss at Philadelphia that was the Steelers’ fifth in the past six games. At halftime, Harris had four carries for zero yards. He would finish with 32 yards on eight attempts.

Harris was asked about his halftime stat line. He responded, in part, by saying he couldn’t “make the holes,” which was viewed as a criticism of the offensive line.

Harris said his words were taken out of context, and teammates knew he wasn’t pointing fingers.

“Everybody has a role to play,” Harris said last week before players received a four-day break. “It’s the ultimate team sport. It takes 11 people to do their job. By me being me, people are going to harp on me a little more. … Four carries, zero yards, that is a stat line that is going to glare at a lot of people.

“It’s going to be taken a lot harder. That is not a stat a lot of people are used to. Neither am I.”

Faulkner understood what Harris was trying to convey to reporters.

“Maybe he’s versing some frustrations,” he said. “It’s right after a game. It’s intense, and sometimes you have those reactions, but we’re going to keep moving forward business as usual in terms of things we do and trust and believe in.”

Harris’ running style has appeared tentative at times this season, which has led to calls for backup Jaylen Warren to see more playing time. Case in point occurred in the third quarter against the Eagles. On a third-and-3 at the Eagles 41, Harris caught a swing pass to the left and had several yards of open grass in front of him. He hesitated, tried to juke out a defender and was stopped for no gain.

“Things take time,” Harris said. “It’s only my second year. It’s not like I’m a four-year vet and I know all the answers. … I’m still learning. Me being who I am, I get judged prematurely. Which is cool, I’m not sitting here complaining about any of that at all.

“I’m happy with where I’m at. These are learning points.”

Harris views the Steelers offense — and perhaps his game as a microcosm — as a work-in-progress that shouldn’t be judged in totality until the end of the season. There are nine games left for Harris and the Steelers to find the cohesion that has been lacking in the first half.

“It’s like a statue. You have to keep crafting, keep working,” Harris said. “You guys want answers right now, but that’s not how things work around here. Questions don’t get answered the next day. Things don’t get fixed the next day. It takes time. We understand that, which is why I try to keep everybody together.”