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NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?

By Jakob Ashlin

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates with running back Gus Edwards (35) after a touchdown by wide receiver Seth Roberts (not pictured) in the second quarter against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates with running back Gus Edwards (35) after a touchdown by wide receiver Seth Roberts (not pictured) in the second quarter against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL Power Rankings
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) breaks away on a run for a touchdown in the second quarter of of the NFL Week 11 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. The Steelers led 20-17 at halftime.Cincinnati Bengals At Pittsburgh Steelers Week 11 /

NFL Power Rankings: 25. Pittsburgh Steelers

2022 rushing yards rank: 16th
2022 yards per carry rank: 25th

This might sound harsh, but I got to go with the numbers on this one.

Since drafting Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Steelers have made Najee Harris their three-down back, and the results have not been great. Last season, Harris averaged a mere 3.8 yards per carry. On the NFL rushing leaderboard, that ranked 40th of out 46 qualifying players.

Furthermore, Harris rushed for 100+ yards in only one game last season, despite being fifth in the league in carries (272). According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he was last in the rush yards over expected (-81).

Jaylen Warren thrived in a limited role, and quarterback Kenny Pickett even flashed a little rushing upside.

Pittsburgh’s offensive line took a step forward last season, recording a 72 percent run block win rate (14th in the NFL). So, there is potential for the Steelers to improve their run game.

The Steelers can take a step forward if they give Warren a larger share of the workload. He is an efficient option, and he could take some of the pressure off Harris’s shoulders. Without an overwhelmingly large workload, Harris could become a more effective and efficient weapon.

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