Rookie running back Najee Harris, the team’s No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, made his debut against the Cowboys, finishing the night with seven carries for 22 yards, a 3.1-yard average while seeing action only in the first half. He also had one reception for three yards.
Coach Mike Tomlin liked what he saw from his young running back, showing in game action what he has been showing during training camp practices.
“I thought that he showed some of the things that he’s been showing in practice settings,” said Tomlin. “That’s what we were looking for. We weren’t looking for the spectacular. I talked to him and others during the course of the week. We wanted to make routine plays, routinely. We wanted the pile to fall forward and things of that nature. He did all of the things we’ve been watching him do. It’s a really good start for him.”
Tomlin noticed the difference on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio. And it wasn’t a difference that happened on the field.
For the first time since the 2019 season the Steelers played a game in front of a full house at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game.
The Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 16-3, in front of 20,113 fans, the majority of them waving Terrible Towels.
“I liked the enthusiasm and the energy the guys played with,” said Tomlin. “I think that is important. We were able to carry energy into the stadium.
“I don’t think any of us missed the fact that having a stadium full of fans, what that does. The energy that the stands and the fans provided us. Being without out that largely for over a year, it was good to be back in that type of football environment. We’re appreciative of that.”
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