With The Steelers Leaning On The Run Game, Could Najee Harris Leap into The MVP Conversation In 2023?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not shy about their philosophy; run the football on offense and stop the rushing attack on defense. Thus, this offseason has been predicated on beefing up the offensive and defensive lines during the free agency period. In order to protect and help develop Kenny Pickett in year two, the Steelers need to rely on the running game more in 2023. If the Steelers want to get back to the playoffs this season, Najee Harris will need to be the "bell cow" focal point of the offense. 

The transformation of Najee Harris similar to a former All-Pro 

During this offseason, Harris has been training and working on speed/explosiveness via his Twitter account. Harris is coming off an 1,000-yard rushing season behind an offensive line who struggled early in the season to create running lanes. According to his workout videos, Harris looks a few pounds slimmer than he did at the end of the 2022 season. This body transformation is similar to Le'Veon Bell in 2014 during the offseason. 

Bell came out of Michigan State at 6'1" and north of 240 pounds in 2013. After the season, he went to transform his body to be able to carry the load and had a breakout season in 2014. Bell was noticeably lighter on his feet, shifty, able to cut on a dime and still be powerful in the trenches when needed. Bell totaled over 2,000 total yards and earned All-Pro honors in 2014. The dedication to his craft in the offseason paid off for Bell, but can we see similar success for Harris in 2023? 

In Harris we trust 

Time will tell if the hard work that Harris has put in the offseason will pay off in 2023. However, the blueprint has been laid down by Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin for the success of the Steelers and that is being physical at the point of attack with the running game. Harris is a powerful back that showed exactly what he could be with good o-line play down the back stretch of the season. 

The Steelers brought in offensive linemen to sure up that running game and Harris is primed to make that huge jump in year three. Similar to Bell, Harris is 6'1" and according to Steelers.com, is 232 pounds. Bell made his body transformation in year two and Harris is entering year three, primed for a breakout year. The offense will run through him and with the addition of the pieces added to the o-line, lookout for Harris to have a huge year. Not to add any pressure to the offseason the Steelers had, but don't be surprised if Harris is mentioned in MVP talks during the season. 

Steeler fans should be optimistic for the offense led by Pickett and Harris in 2023. I know some fans are still critical of Matt Canada's play-calling or lack their of during the season last year, but the game plan should have more emphases of Harris. 

So Steeler Nation, what do you think of Harris being the focal point of the offense? Let us know in the comments below.

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