Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back Najee Harris has managed to achieve a seemingly remarkable feat over the past four seasons—rushing for 1,000 yards in each of them. But let’s take a step back and scrutinize this accomplishment, because it may not be as impressive as the media and fans would like to believe.
Sure, 1,000 yards in a season sounds like a major milestone for any running back. However, Harris’ 1,000-yard streak doesn’t necessarily reflect true dominance on the field. When you break down his stats, a more troubling picture starts to emerge. Over the course of his four years in the NFL, Harris’ rushing yards per attempt have been alarmingly low, with averages that barely clear 4 yards per carry. This isn’t the mark of an elite running back; it’s the sign of someone who’s been handed a heavy workload without the big-play capability to truly break out.
Harris has been a consistent, if unspectacular, workhorse in Pittsburgh’s offense. The team has relied on him heavily as their primary rusher, often making him the focal point of an offense that’s struggled to find a balanced attack. With the Steelers’ offensive line often underperforming and the team leaning on a run-heavy approach, Harris’ yards are more a product of sheer volume than any exceptional running ability.
Let’s not forget that rushing for 1,000 yards in today’s NFL isn’t the same as it was in decades past. With more teams opting for pass-heavy schemes, a 1,000-yard rusher can now be the result of a high volume of carries rather than impressive efficiency. Harris’ numbers also come with the caveat that he hasn’t been a difference-maker in the critical moments. He may churn out yards, but how many of those are truly game-changing?
In reality, Harris’ 1,000-yard seasons might look good on paper, but they tell a much different story when you look deeper. While he continues to be a reliable presence in the Steelers’ backfield, let’s not mistake consistency for greatness.
