Heading into the 2023 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers and their fanbase believed their team had enough talent to return to the playoffs this year after missing out on the postseason in 2022.
And while the Steelers are currently sitting with a 2-2 record, both of their losses this season have been by at least 20 points, and it’s felt at times that the team has already been experiencing a bunch of ups and downs.
Some Pittsburgh fans and analysts have been pointing to the coaching staff as something that’s been holding the team back this season.
Recently, however, Steelers running back Najee Harris disputed some of those thoughts related to the team’s coaching this year, per Christopher Carter.
“The coach is only the coach. At the end of the day, we gotta do what we have to do… We’re not trying to point the finger at all. This is not the time to do that.”
Najee Harris on criticisms of #Steelers’ coaching and play calls:
“We’re not looking to point the finger … WE have to execute. We can’t keep looking at whatever y’all putting out there as an outlet, that’s stupid … this is the NFL. Everyone runs the same damn plays …” pic.twitter.com/qPugVRnyw9
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) October 4, 2023
Harris has been doing what he can to try and help Pittsburgh this season, as he’s rushed for 210 yards on 49 carries (4.3 average) in addition to catching four passes for 34 yards.
The third-year running back is part of a Pittsburgh offense that has struggled to move the ball in 2023, as the team currently ranks 31st in the NFL in points scored per drive, 29th in total yards, 25th in passing yards, and 29th in rushing yards.
When it comes to the finger-pointing that Harris was referencing, many Steelers fans have been placing the blame for the team’s struggles on offense on Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Canada is in his third season with the Steelers, and during his tenure, the offense has never ranked higher than 23rd in the league in average points scored per drive.
If things don’t improve quickly, Harris and his teammates could have someone else calling Pittsburgh’s offensive plays, regardless of who they think is to blame for their struggles.
The post Najee Harris Opens Up On Steelers’ Recent Struggles appeared first on The Cold Wire.