Author: kate.magdziuk

The former first-rounder had a monster performance…

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Najee Harris has struggled for most of the 2024 season … that is, until Week 6, when he had an absolute classic performance reminiscent of his days at Alamaba, including his signature angry runs, and of course, a hurdle mixed in for good measure.

Harris totaled 106 rushing yards on 14 carries — his first 100-yard rushing game of the season and the seventh of his career. He also managed a 36-yard rushing touchdown that marked the second-longest run (and second-longest touchdown of his career). Harris was asked in his post-game pressure what made the difference

What was the difference? Really it was how the offensive line, receivers, tight ends, all of 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 impressing, but you know, 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 that you want to see, you know, everybody talks about what they want to so more, just you know, it takes all 11 of us.

So, downfield blocking was a big thing that we tried to get better, and that’s the thing I think we did today — finishing and straining through runs, straining through plays. You know, if somebody breaks one, anyone breaks one, pitch another block. If you look around the league, those are what sparks big runs. That’s how big runs happen — the downfield plays from other guys. I think that was just something that showed today.

Harris’ message is an interesting one — “I can only do so much.” It feels like an indictment on the current state of the locker room, which has been a popular topic of conversation in the past week with WR George Pickens at the focus of it all. Harris’ acknowledgment of what made them successful in this game sure did feel like an indictment on what the rest of the offense hadn’t been contributing in the weeks before.

There have been some real concerns about Harris’ fit with the offense under OC Arthur Smith. However, with a little bit of extra help Sunday, he fended off some of those worries — for now, at least.

Another tick in the W column…

The Pittsburgh Steelers managed their fourth win of the season on Sunday, improving to a 4-2 record with a road win over the Raiders in Las Vegas this week. It was a challenging start to the game in all phases, but thanks to a number of splash plays on defense, they managed a convincing win. Week 6 marked the second-highest-scoring game the Steelers had managed in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era.

The defense shined despite giving up some yardage, forcing three total turnovers, including two forced fumbles from T.J. Watt and an interception from Donte Jackson.

Once again, the passing game wasn’t the crux of the win, as Justin Fields totaled just 110 and 4.1 yards per attempt. Where the team shined on offense was on the ground, as Najee Harris managed a 106-yard rushing game, including his first rushing touchdown of the season. Fields added 59 rushing yards and another two scores on the ground.

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie center Zach Frazier went down with what appears to be a leg injury in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was rolled up on from behind in the third quarter and left the field with the assistance of two trainers.

The team’s backup center, Ryan McCollum, came in after Frazier’s departure from the field, and Najee Harris managed his first rushing touchdown of the year — a 36-yard run.

Burt Lauten, the Steelers’ Senior Director of Communications, notes it to be an ankle injury, and he’s been named questionable to return.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have suffered a number of significant injuries on the offensive line this year, including the loss of intended starting center Nate Herbig, as well as RG James Daniels and rookie RT Troy Fautanu.

Welp…

How are we feeling, Steelers Nation???

It was an up-and-down first half for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, up 12-7 to the Las Vegas Raiders. It should be a much greater scoring margin, however, given that the Raiders are down a number of their top receiving options.

Pittsburgh’s run game has been a plus, at least, as Najee Harris has had some tough runs and Fields has made some nice plays with his legs. Still, the passing game has left much to be desired.

What do the Black and Gold need to do to secure the W? Join the rest of your fellow Steelers fans in the comments section for the second half and give us your final score predictions!