One key factor in the Pittsburgh Steelers staying alive in the AFC playoff picture down the stretch and ultimately punching their ticket in Week 18 was the vastly improved rushing attack led by rookie running back Najee Harris.
Harris certainly didn’t do it all alone, but it was quite clear he was starting to have significant success on the ground in the stretch run, providing some balance to an offense that had struggled all season long.
In three of the final five games of the season, Harris rushed for at least 90 yards. Against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14 on Thursday Night Football, Harris rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries in a 36-28 loss.