
via Getty
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 29: Head Coach Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons looks on before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

via Getty
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 29: Head Coach Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons looks on before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Steelers‘ Week 15 faceoff against the Eagles wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, but one play had Steelers Nation on fire: Najee Harris‘ costly fumble. He mentioned, “I took my eyes off it.” It’s never fun when your star running back fumbles in the heat of the moment, especially with Harris already struggling to find his zone this season. Everyone knew that the pressure was on. Fans were left asking if this was just another blip on the radar or if something bigger was at play. Fortunately, the answer came straight from the top: OC Coach Arthur Smith is not worried.
Well, let’s get to the heart of it. After Harris’ fumble, Steelers Offensive Coordinator came out swinging with some serious confidence in his running back. When asked about the misstep, Smith made it crystal clear: “It doesn’t change my confidence in Naj. He’s a very dependable player.” Boom. No hesitation. Smith has locked it down, Harris? Still his guy. And let’s be real: in a league where fans are quick to throw shade, that kind of reassurance matters.
Najee Harris’ fumble was indeed a bitter moment in what’s already been a tough year for the Steelers offense. With an offensive line that’s been hit or miss and Harris struggling to break through, it’s been a season of highs and lows. But that one fumble? It is bitter, but It doesn’t erase all the work Harris has put in since joining the team. Smith’s words serve as a reminder that they serve as a motivation, whatever you take it, it’s just even when things go sideways, Harris is still a key piece of the puzzle.
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#Steelers OC Arthur Smith on RB Najee Harris’ fumble vs. the #Eagles.
“It doesn’t change my confidence in Naj. He’s a very dependable player.”
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) December 18, 2024
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Meanwhile, in Week 15, Jaylen Warren stepped up to fill in for Harris at times. As both players have been dealing with injuries, their combined effort helped the offense keep its momentum, even when Harris’ mistake added fuel to the fire. Smith’s faith in Harris, despite the fumble, shows that this duo is crucial to the Steelers’ game plan.
Steelers’ injury woes mount after securing a playoff spot
The Steelers are in the playoffs, but there’s still some drama around their running backs. Najee Harris has been pretty hit-or-miss this season, and with Jaylen Warren showing he can ball, people are wondering if Harris will keep his starting spot. With the Ravens up next, Pittsburgh needs to figure out their offense quick—because they’ll need all hands on deck for this one.
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Despite these issues, the Steelers the Steelers have secured a playoff spot thanks to their gritty mentality. The injury bug has bitten hard, with key players like George Pickens out and Larry Ogunjobi recovering from injuries, but the team keeps fighting. Kenny Pickett hasn’t shown full consistency, but there’s still hope for him to break out in the coming weeks.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Najee Harris still the Steelers' go-to guy, or should Jaylen Warren take the lead?
Have an interesting take?
With the playoffs locked in, the Steelers are at a crossroads. Can they finally find their groove on offense and step up in crunch time? Fans are hoping the defense stays elite while the offense shakes off its inconsistencies. It’s do-or-die. Can they make a deep run? That’s a question that will remain unanswered for now.
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Is Najee Harris still the Steelers' go-to guy, or should Jaylen Warren take the lead?