Rodney Harrison, the former NFL safety turned analyst, has been vocal in his assessment of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris amidst growing buzz surrounding the team’s backup running back, Jaylen Warren. Harrison, known for his candid and sometimes blunt commentary, didn’t hold back in his criticisms of Harris’ performance, particularly in comparison to Warren, who has garnered attention for his dynamic playmaking ability.
Najee Harris Under the Microscope
Najee Harris, drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, was expected to be the centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s ground attack. In his rookie season, Harris lived up to expectations, posting over 1,200 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, becoming a focal point of the Steelers’ offense. However, his sophomore campaign in 2022 was less spectacular. While Harris battled through injuries, his struggles were also a reflection of the Steelers’ overall offensive issues, including a lackluster offensive line.
Entering 2023, many hoped Harris would bounce back, but his performances have been underwhelming, especially as the Steelers’ offense has sputtered at times. His struggles to break big runs, combined with a lack of explosive plays, have led some to question whether he’s still the star the team hoped he would become. The buzz around Jaylen Warren, the Steelers’ second-year running back, has only intensified as Harris’ performances have remained inconsistent.
Rodney Harrison’s Criticism
Rodney Harrison, who spent 15 seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots, is no stranger to speaking his mind. As a safety, Harrison was known for his physicality, tenacity, and leadership on the field, and he brings that same directness to his analysis of current NFL players.
In recent comments, Harrison ripped Harris for his perceived lack of urgency and the inability to consistently make an impact in the Steelers’ offense. “You watch Najee Harris run, and it’s just not the same,” Harrison said during a segment on NBC Sports. “He doesn’t have that burst. He doesn’t have that explosiveness that you expect from a first-round pick. It seems like he’s always running into the back of his offensive line, and when he does get to the second level, he’s not making people miss.”
Harrison’s critique wasn’t solely about Harris’ physical ability, but also his mindset and approach to the game. “You have to have that mentality that you want to impose your will on the defense,” Harrison continued. “And I just don’t see that from Najee. I see a guy who’s content with getting what’s blocked for him. But in today’s NFL, that’s not going to cut it. You need to be able to create something out of nothing, and I’m not seeing that from him.”
Harrison’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that many analysts and fans have shared in recent months. While Harris has shown flashes of his potential, including a few impressive performances, his overall consistency has been lacking, and his lack of explosiveness has made it difficult for him to establish himself as the true star back the Steelers envisioned.
Jaylen Warren’s Rising Stock
Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren has quietly gained more attention as a viable threat in the Steelers’ backfield. After going undrafted in 2022, Warren quickly became a fan favorite with his high-energy running style and ability to contribute both in the run game and as a receiver out of the backfield. His quickness, vision, and elusiveness have made him a more dangerous weapon than many anticipated, and Warren’s performances have been a stark contrast to Harris’ struggles.
Warren’s rise has prompted many to question whether the Steelers should shift their offensive focus more toward him. The buzz around Warren has only grown louder, especially after his standout performances in the preseason and early part of the regular season. Despite being the backup, Warren has shown a knack for breaking big runs, picking up extra yards after contact, and being a reliable option in the passing game.
For many fans and analysts, Warren represents a more modern, versatile back that can complement the Steelers’ offense in ways Harris has not. Some have even suggested that the Steelers should consider making Warren the featured back, or at least give him more opportunities to prove himself.
Conclusion
Rodney Harrison’s comments on Najee Harris and the buzz surrounding Jaylen Warren are part of a larger conversation about the Steelers’ offensive identity and the future of the running back position. Harris, despite being the more highly regarded of the two backs, has yet to consistently live up to his first-round billing. Meanwhile, Warren’s rise has created a new dynamic in Pittsburgh’s backfield, one that could potentially challenge Harris for the starting role.
Harrison’s criticism of Harris is likely to stoke further debate in Pittsburgh, as fans and analysts continue to debate whether the former first-round pick can recapture his rookie form or if Warren is the back the team should rely on moving forward. Either way, the Steelers’ running game appears to be at a crossroads, and the team will have to decide how best to utilize its two talented backs in the weeks ahead.
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