PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers made a costly fumble in their 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15. Late in the third quarter, quarterback Russell Wilson tossed the football to running back Najee Harris, who he was unable to secure it, and Philadelphia recovered.
While many would argue Harris should be credited with the fumble, it was actually given to Wilson and Harris is shocked as to why.
“I wasn’t? That’s crazy,” Harris said. “You’re always going to be your biggest critic, so though the stat sheet may say that, nobody believes that. That was all on me. I don’t know why they put that on Russ.”
It was surprising to see Harris struggling to secure the football as he has been very reliable at not turning the football over in his four-year NFL career.
This season he has 229 carries without a fumble and he’s focused on continuing that streak after the costly mistake on Sunday.
“Just doing better next time is the best thing you can do,” Harris said. “You’re going to mess up. The next play is what matters.”
Harris’ fumble did end what seemed to be a promising drive for the Steelers, but quarterback Russell Wilson believes they had several other opportunities to help themselves win the game and didn’t capitalize on them, either.
“Stuff happens in a game, and it wasn’t that one play,” Wilson said. “It’s a collection of plays that I think we could have capitalized on. I know he would do anything to not have that one, but the best thing is, we’ve got another opportunity to play and he’s gonna shine. He’s gonna do his thing and I can’t wait to see how special he is come Saturday.”
Wilson and the Steelers are right to think that way as they’ll likely rely on Harris once again this week against the Ravens. He played an important role in the first meeting, rushing for 63 yards and reeling in four catches for 30 yards.
Harris has been a focal part of the Steelers offense all season as he’s on pace for his fourth straight 1,000-rushing yard season to start his NFL career.
Wilson is confident Harris will continue to play a large role in the Steelers success during the final stretch of the season.
“The best thing about Naj is he loves football,” Wilson said. “He loves his team. He’s going to give everything he has every day. He’s been remarkable this season and he’s been spectacular running the football. He’s done some special things for us, and we wouldn’t be where we are without Naj. He’s done a great job.”