PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are 2-0 and atop of the AFC North, but they have scored only one touchdown through two games.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is not concerned, however. He thinks his unit is on the brink of breaking out, they just have to play cleaner and more disciplined. Several big plays have been wiped away due to penalties in the first two games, including a touchdown against Denver.
“We’re right there, man. We’re right on the edge,” Smith said on Thursday. “We just have to focus on the details. That’s what will take us to the next level.”
The Steelers’ running game has been decent through two games, but the explosive plays have not hit yet. Najee Harris’ longest run on the season is 20 yards. He had a solid game against the Broncos, though, earning 70 yards on 20 carries for a healthy 4.1 average.
“Obviously, when we come out there, it’s not a surprise (that we want to run). Teams are aware of that,” Harris said. “We just got to keep wearing on them. With the run game, it’s not going to be like the pass game where it’s explosive for 80 (yards). In the run game, it’s kind of like an art. You got to stick with the twos, twos, threes and now you break a 10, and you might even break a 50 and a 40. It’s just about being consistent. That’s one thing I always tell the (offensive line), just make sure y’all finish.”
Harris added that the “dam is going to break” eventually on some explosive runs.
Harris has been one of the most consistent producers in the NFL since joining the Steelers. He’s never missed an NFL game and he’s recorded three straight 1,000-yard seasons. Harris looks noticeably quicker this season after dropping weight, and that was displayed in Sunday’s game. It might not have been a gaudy performance stat-wise but Harris had an impressive outing. Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger even gave Harris a shoutout on his Footbahlin podcast for how hard he ran against Denver.
I love this jump cut from Najee Harris. He has definitely looked quicker after losing weight during the offseason. pic.twitter.com/Hq2xZk1QhR
— Billy Hartford (@CamHeywardFan) September 18, 2024
The Steelers and Harris will have a tough test on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have the top-ranked scoring defense (6.5 points per game) and the second-ranked total defense (227.5 yards per game).
“They got a good front. They got Khalil (Mack), they got (Joey) Bosa, they got (Bud) Dupree,” Harris said. “This is a another challenge (for the (offensive line) and they’re aware of that. We’re excited for them. They’re excited. Got some rookies on (the offensive line). Matching up against those guys, you got to look at it as a fun opportunity. Just take advantage of it.”
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.