Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 3 vs. Steelers
Sit ‘Em – Najee Harris
Considered by most to be the consensus best back in the 2021 draft, and perhaps the top rookie offensively in the league, Najee Harris has gotten off to a rocky start. Many assumed Harris would hit the ground running, pun intended, and start racking up the yards and touchdowns from Week 1.
However the same people also conveniently forgot that the Steelers did exactly nothing to shore up a terrible offensive line. Turns out touted rookie or fifth-round pick, it’s hard to run behind a bad offensive line.
Through two games Harris has logged 26 carries for a paltry 83 yards and no touchdowns. Harris has been a nonfactor through the air as well with only six receptions on the year. In prior years, and perhaps rightfully so, this would be considered a smash spot for Harris, and a get-well game for the Steeler offense as a whole.
Thankfully for the Bengal defense, this year is looking a little brighter thus far than the past couple. While the D has shown some weakness against the pass, against the run it has been considerably better, effectively bottling up Dalvin Cook and David Montgomery respectively.
If the Bengals can break to an early lead they can test the Steelers’ run game and willingness to check down to the running backs through the air. Another subpar week for the rookie could be in the offing.