Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers RB Najee Harris running like old self again

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 12/7/22

It was starting to look like RB Najee Harris was a bad pick for the Steelers. It's time to put that take on hold.

It seems the Steelers 2021 first-round pick is getting back to his normal self again. Harris received a Pro Football Focus grade of 86.6 for his performance against the Falcons. It marks the best among all running backs in Week 13 and the best single game grade of his career.

Najee Harris - 86.6 PFF grade vs the Falcons

best among all RBs in Week 13
best single game grade of career pic.twitter.com/DpAuRJdv5y
— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) December 6, 2022

Harris also won his fourth "Angry Runs" scepter on "Good Morning Football" in only 29 games played. For reference, RB Derrick Henry is the leader with six scepters in 98 games.

"He is a natural born angry runner," Kyle Brandt stated.

.@ohthatsNajee22 out here playing SlamBall @KyleBrandt

: Watch @gmfb on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/4phBiO9g8P
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 6, 2022

Harris dealt with a foot injury to start the season and wasn't running like he did in his rookie year when he rushed for 1,200 yards. He has a little over half that through 12 games (671), per ESPN.com.

However, "only six players have put up more rushing yards than Najee Harris (310) since the Steelers returned from their bye," according to TheScore's Daniel Valente.

It's been a considerable turnaround since drawing comparisons to Trent Richardson, who's viewed as a "bust" after being selected third overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Harris faces the Ravens in Week 14 who have second-best rush defense, allowing just 82.5 rush yards per game.

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