The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a disappointing 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. This defeat dropped Pittsburgh to 10-4 on the season, but did not derail their strong standing in the AFC North. Despite the loss, the Steelers remain in control of their division and have a golden opportunity to clinch the AFC North crown with a victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Still, the loss raised concerns about the team’s ability to compete with top-tier opponents, as the Eagles exposed several weaknesses on both sides of the ball.
One pivotal moment that shifted the game’s momentum was a costly fumble involving Najee Harris. On a crucial drive, Harris mishandled a toss from Russell Wilson, which the box score controversially credited as Wilson’s turnover. Regardless of the official ruling, the miscue halted Pittsburgh’s momentum and eliminated a chance to tie the game. The Eagles capitalized on the mistake, controlling the clock and overpowering the Steelers for the remainder of the contest. For fans, this play symbolized the team’s inability to execute under pressure against elite competition.
The controversial toss play has been a polarizing topic among Steelers fans, with many calling for it to be removed from the playbook. However, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith remains unwavering in his commitment to it. Smith defended the play, emphasizing its role in the team’s offensive identity and insisting that it will remain part of their game plan moving forward. While Smith’s confidence in the scheme is clear, the pressure is mounting for the Steelers to clean up execution and prove they can rise to the occasion against formidable opponents.
"Things can happen on any play," Smith said. "Those are routine plays [around the NFL]. It doesn't change my confidence in Naj. He's a very dependable player. Nobody wants to screw up. It happened."
Smith was very candid about the controversial toss play, expressing full confidence in Harris and making it clear that his perspective on the play has not changed. While Steelers fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the toss play, pointing to its lack of success in key moments, Smith assured them it will remain a part of the playbook. His unwavering stance reflects his belief in both the scheme and Harris's ability to execute it.
For Harris, the game against the Eagles was undeniably a struggle. He managed just six carries for 14 rushing yards, a shockingly low output for a player expected to be the centerpiece of the Steelers’ ground attack. These numbers underscore the growing concerns among fans about Harris’ consistency, particularly in high-stakes situations.
While Harris has proven to be a dependable back who averages around four yards per carry, his tendency to have unproductive games in critical moments is troubling. Performances like the one against Philadelphia fuel doubts about whether Harris can rise to the occasion when the team needs him most, further amplifying the scrutiny on both the player and the offensive strategy.
Steelers' Najee Harris Didn't Get Many Chances Against The Eagles
Harris is undoubtedly a talented player, but his opportunities against the Eagles were limited as the Steelers spent much of the game trailing. The team was forced into catch-up mode, while the Eagles controlled the clock with extraordinary efficiency, leaving little room for Pittsburgh to establish a consistent ground game.
As the Steelers prepare to face the Ravens, Harris, Smith, and the entire offense will be eager to rebound. A strong performance from Harris will be crucial, not only to help secure a division-clinching victory but also to remind fans of his capabilities after such a disappointing outing. His ability to deliver in a high-stakes rivalry game could silence critics and reestablish confidence in both Harris and the offensive scheme.
One key storyline to watch will be how often Smith leans on the toss play against Baltimore. After its costly failure against the Eagles, its usage on Saturday will provide insight into Smith’s commitment to the play and whether Harris can turn it into a weapon rather than a liability.
