Steelers RB Najee Harris doesn't blame coaches for offensive struggles
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has struggled mightily to start the season, ranking as the fourth-worst team in total yards per game (263) and points per game (15.5), but RB Najee Harris doesn't blame the coaching, as many have, for the offensive woes.
"At the end of the day, we got to do what we have to do. I see everybody talking about this coaching stuff, about play calling," Harris said. "Coaches can only coach, but we have to execute the plays. We're not trying to point the finger at all. This is not the time do to that."
Harris seems to agree with head coach Mike Tomlin, who said the team is lacking "physicality," instead of many outside the organization believing the problem is offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who has been highly criticized for his predictable play-calling.
If Pittsburgh's offense showed signs of improvement, maybe more people would agree with Harris's argument, but that hasn't been the case. Over the past three seasons, the Steelers' average points per game has decreased every year.
Harris's comments are also surprising as he was one of the only bright spots in the Steelers' 30-6 loss to the Texans in Week 4, leading the team in both rushing yards (71) and receiving yards (32).
Either way, Tomlin told reporters this week that there will be no coaching changes "at this juncture." Maybe he will reconsider it with another poor showing by the offense and the team's bye coming in Week 6.
Harris and Pittsburgh's offense will get another chance to prove themselves in Week 5 when they host the Ravens (3-1) in a game that will give the winner the lead in the AFC North.
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