The Pittsburgh Steelers finally got back in the win column with a dominant 32-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The offense seemed to be clicking throughout the contest and splash plays were made on defense and special teams that contributed to the win. Pittsburgh put up over 30 points for the first time during the 2024 season and a big reason for that was the success of Najee Harris and the run game as a whole. After a few weeks of struggling, the run game managed to get back on track.
Harris had his best performance of the season during the win over the Raiders, and the offensive line performed the best it has in the run game. Harris had holes to run through, and the powerful back didn't stop once he was met by defenders. He spoke to the media following the win, where he had a fairly unusual press conferences. Harris was asked what the difference was in the run game on Sunday, and he had an interesting comment about the way the team has performed so far.
"Really it was how the offensive line, receivers, tight ends - all them came together and realized that for us to be efficient in the run game it takes all of us. I do what I do, but I can only do so much. At the same time you know, this is a team sport so for the big plays to happen, for the splash plays to happen that everyone wants to see it, it takes all of us. Downfield blocking was a big thing that we tried to get better at and I think we did today, finishing and straining through runs, straining through plays. Somebody breaks one, anybody, pitch another block. If you look around the league those are what sparks big runs."
The fourth-year running back has struggled so far during the 2024 season, but it hasn't entirely been his fault. The offensive line has struggled and there hasn't really been anywhere to run. He pointed out that he can't do everything all by himself, which is what it seemed like he was trying to do in recent weeks. This may be true, but it isn't really something that should be said to the media.
Harris and the offense recorded a season-high on the ground. The running back carried the ball 14 times for 106 yards and a touchdown, which marks his first 100-yard game of the season. Justin Fields also chipped in on the ground as he ran for two touchdowns and 59 yards. Jaylen Warren and Jonathan Ward also combined for 20 yards on the ground.
Overall, this is a step in the right direction for the offense. The unit has looked out of sync at times this season, but the group has been patiently waiting for the dam to break in the running game. Sunday, it finally seems like it did. The group will look to continue this kind of success as they prepare for the New York Jets in Week 7.
Steelers' Fields Proves To Be Lethal On The Ground
In addition to Harris, Fields also looked impressive on the ground. He had some success on designed quarterback runs as well as taking off when the pocket collapsed. One of his touchdowns came off of a designed run, and the other came when he rolled out to the left and got in the end zone when no one was able to get open.
It is unclear if he will be the starter moving forward as Russell Wilson has returned to full health, but his ability to move the ball on the ground is a good reason to keep him in the starting role. Pittsburgh will look to continue their success on the ground against the top-level defense of the Jets in Week 7.
