The Pittsburgh Steelers walked away from their 2023 Week 16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, knowing that it was their most complete victory of a very challenging season thus far. The norm had been nail-biting, last-minute wins, but the team truly came together against Cincinnati. Despite the full team effort across all three phases of the game, one player in particular wasn't even close to being content with their progress. Najee Harris doesn't just want one complete game; he wants the Steelers to close out the 2023 season with the same fire and energy that earned them their Week 16 win.
Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris can be a workhorse, but it's in his career's best interest to lean into the two-headed monster of himself and Jaylen Warren.
Steelers Cannot Be Satisfied With Their Win Over Cincinnati
Nothing was for sure when the Steelers went into their second 2023 divisional matchup with the Bengals, especially when you took Pittsburgh's disastrous three-game losing streak into consideration. Mason Rudolph was starting his first game since 2021, and no one was really sure what product the Steelers would display to their fans and the NFL.
TD! #Steelers can't stop scoring under QB Mason Rudolph, this time it's Najee hARRIS.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 23, 2023
21-0 over the #Bengals
Rudolph is having the game of his life right before Christmas... pic.twitter.com/LoGyTPl9i8https://t.co/3rY0zHHQqe
As it turns out, the Steelers put together their best performance of the season with a 34-11 win over the Bengals, and one that kept them in the conversation for a spot in the playoffs. Losses to the New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, and Indianapolis Colts in consecutive weeks dealt a nasty blow to Pittsburgh's postseason hopes, but Week 16 started to turn that around. All positives aside, though, Harris doesn't want anyone on the Steelers to sit on their laurels, and he made sure the media understood as much when he spoke to them on Wednesday. Harris was asked whether their Week 16 victory alleviated any of their frustrations from the weeks prior, and Pittsburgh's running back shut that down quickly.
"No."
Never a group to be put off by a short answer, the question was changed a bit to try and get some kind of fuller response from Harris. This time, the former first-round pick was asked if the win over the Bengals was a shot in the arm of any kind.
"Does it alleviate anything? No. Doesn't alleviate nothing. We gotta win the rest of the season before we make the playoffs, right? I mean, so, one game ain't gonna alleviate nothing. One game is good... but we gotta win two more."
That is one incredibly focused player, especially when you take into account that Harris had a solid day against Cincinnati, tallying 78 yards on the ground with one rushing touchdown. Being able to revel completely in a win like the Steelers delivered in Week 16 is something for a fan to do because everyone in Pittsburgh's locker room must understand that their mission isn't done yet. Harris knows that as good as it felt to put together a game that won in all three phases, it will be for nothing if they don't replicate that at least two more times.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has been a welcome surprise in 2023, as well as the perfect compliment to Najee Harris.
Steelers Appear Ready For The Home Stretch
Somehow, the 2023 Steelers are entering their final two games of the season with a legitimate chance to earn a coveted playoff spot. To say that 2023 has been a challenging season for Pittsburgh would be a massive understatement. Especially considering they made a historic coaching move by firing Matt Canada following an embarrassing Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Despite the losing streaks and drama, with two more wins and a little help from their friends, the 2023 Steelers could be on the verge of changing quite a few minds.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph has never had a true mentor since coming to Pittsburgh, but he has still grown.
Following a third consecutive loss in Week 15, there was an uproar from fans and media alike, calling for a complete overhaul of Pittsburgh's coaching staff. On the surface, the waters seemed choppy, but while panic was ensuing on the outside, within Pittsburgh's locker room, there was a quiet confidence. Now, with Rudolph ready to start for a second straight week, the Steelers are hoping they can continue their forward motion.
The road to a possible postseason spot isn't as straightforward as it was a few weeks ago when the Steelers fully controlled their own destiny, but that doesn't mean it isn't realistic. It all starts with Pittsburgh handling their business with the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens waiting. With Mike Tomlin in charge, there's no counting the Steelers out of anything, and 2023 is simply more proof of that.
What do you think of Harris' remarks following the win against the Bengals? Comment below!
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