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The Pittsburgh Steelers season has started off slow, to say the least, but one player that has brought it every week. That would be none other than super rookie Najee Harris. Despite having some blocking problems in front of him, Harris has been able to rip some decent yardage each and every game.
The stats are backing up Harris as well.
Currently, Harris leads all NFL rookies in total yardage. When you factor in the league’s veterans, Harris slips back down to a respectable 18th place. But that ranking is above players like Alvin Kamara, Aaron Jones, and Justin Jefferson.
Most scrimmage yards by a rookie this season:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 4, 2021
363 — Najee Harris
295 — Ja’Marr Chase
237 — DeVonta Smith
(Submitted by @CAWafflez) pic.twitter.com/XtxCohuDEk
Despite having the big numbers that back Harris up, the Steelers offensive woes almost make this stat line hard to believe. Upon first reading this tweet myself I had to check the stats to be positive Harris is really THAT close to averaging 100 yards per game. Another wild fact about about Harris’ statistical success is that it is almost a 50/50 split between rushing and receiving yards. Of course, his receiving totals get a big boost because of his 100 yard game against the Las Vegas Raiders, but it is still pretty interesting. Harris’ rushing totals have also grown every week since Week 2. Having his highest rushing total in Week 4 against the Packers totaling 60 yards.
Harris also hasn't cracked 20 rushes in a game yet. Of course the Steelers have trailed in every game so far and really haven't had the opportunity to end games running the clock out. Despite all this, Harris is still on pace for about 1,550 total yards and 8 touchdowns on the year, with about a 800-750 split between rushing and receiving yards.
Najee Harris has run 148 routes through the first four weeks of the NFL season.
— Kate Magdziuk (@FFballblast) October 4, 2021
That ranks 1st among all running backs.
D'Andre Swift has run the second-most routes among RBs — with 110.
I think these stats show Harris’ tremendous talent. If he played in an offense with a better line, and more consistency I would bet you his stats would be off the charts and perhaps leading the entire NFL at this point in the season. The Steelers have a great player in Najee Harris and need to do whatever it takes to play better around him so he can reach his true potential. We all know about running backs short shelf lives so getting this kid some better help is a huge priority moving forward.
But what do you think? Are you surprised Harris is leading all rookies in total yardage? Has he impressed you through the early part of the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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