COLUMBUS, Ohio — Merril Hoge spent Monday night watching film from the weekend’s full slate of NFL games. The bull-necked former Steelers’ running back hasn’t worked as an ESPN analyst for four years, but he still obsessively studies the sport and its nuances. He’s breaking down tape on days when Urban Meyer supposedly is taking time off to visit his grandchildren.
Monday, Hoge drew attention to how indispensable rookie Najee Harris is becoming to the Steelers offense. He spotlighted one play in particular from Pittsburgh’s 15-10 victory over the Browns on Sunday.