Gene Steratore: Najee Harris Run Should Have Been TD

The Steelers turned the ball over on their first drive of the game after Najee Harris fumbled on third and goal while trying to leap over the pile, but that play should have never happened.

Pittsburgh is still tied in a 0-0 game, but back on their first drive, they got down to the two-yard line. On the first play, it appeared that Harris may have broken the plane. CBS Rules Analyst and former NFL referee believes that Harris did end up scoring, and that Mike Tomlin should have challenged the call.

“This was a 1st and Goal play in #CLEvsPIT that Pittsburgh elected not to challenge,” Steratore said. “I understand rushing to catch the defense off-guard and attempting to quickly score, but it appears that Najee Harris’ knee is not down prior to the ball crossing the goal line.”

This was a 1st and Goal play in #CLEvsPIT that Pittsburgh elected not to challenge. I understand rushing to catch the defense off-guard and attempting to quickly score, but it appears that Najee Harris' knee is not down prior to the ball crossing the goal line. pic.twitter.com/yLVJ2AmfED

— Gene Steratore (@GeneSteratore) January 8, 2023

Najee Harris will kick himself for the fumble, but in reality, this is a spot where the head coach has to come in and make the call. Mike Tomlin has had trouble with challenges in the past, so this is not anything that is foreign to the Steelers. However, with the game currently deadlocked, it is an important point that is key if Pittsburgh wants to win the game.