Dri Archer,Josh Harris,and Will Johnson careers have taken a turn for the better with the sudden release of running back LeGarrette Blount. With Blount gone it is likely Archer,Harris,and Johnsson will receive more touches. With the Pittsburgh Steelers gearing up for a playoff run the running game is becoming more and more important regardless of who is carrying the football.
Harris a undrafted running back out of the University of Wake Forest played for years for the demon deacons. At 5’11” 210 ponds Harris ran a 4.46 in the 40 yard dash while at Wake Forest. Harris displays more speed than Blount and can also run between the tackles. As of now Archer is the number 2 running back on the depth chart but that could change. Harris based off his skill set projects to be a good change of pace back to spell Le’Veon Bell,and/or Archer. If Harris can also show he can convert on short 3rd down runs it will bring more carries to him and Bell will be fresh late in games. It is clear that Archer is by far the fastest running back on the team. So far n Archer has struggled on special teams,and catching the football. As a runner however Archer is averaging 5.1 yards a carry on 8 carries. With Blount gone the Steelers will put more effort into getting Archer more involved into the offense as a runner. It is clear that if Archer gets into the open field he can be very dangerous. Going forward Archer must learn the concept of running between the tackles and bouncing outside for more yards.
Fullback Will Johnson rarely touches the football for the Steelers but his role could very well increase. Being that Archer,and Harris both lack much experience at the NFL level it is logical to have a fullback in front of them to block for them as they become more adjusted to the NFL. Johnson has shown the ability on to get the second level and 20-30 yards down field when blocking. With Johnson’s quickness, Johnson will be a great lead blocker on sweep plays for Archer,and Harris allowing them to have one less defender to avoid. In goal line situations now that Blount is gone Johnson could very well be in line for more touches in that area. The ve struggled at times in the red zone and Johnson would bring a element of surprise to opposing defenses. Between Archer,Harris,and Johnson it may very well take a collective effort to replace Blount ,But at this point of the season the one who produces the most will play more. This is a great chance for all three players and it should bring out the best in all three of them. And with a team trying to win a 7th superbowl ring you can believe they will give it their all.
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DrGeorge
November 21, 2014 at 1:20 pm
Will Johnson played tailback at WVU and has greater power than Archer or Logan, excellent hands, and solid pass blocking skills. Archer has yet to prove he can break an arm tackle or excel when running between the tackles. Logan is potentially a good change of pace back, but he’s unproven.
Unfortunately, the Steelers coaching staff is not long on creativity and rarely uses players in unorthodox ways. (Remember Vrabel who never found a home in the Steelers linebacking corps, but became an All Pro LB with the Patriots, and even played TE in the Super Bowl, catching two TDs — and earning three Super Bowl rings in all?) The use of Harrison in the backfield in the last game was the first inventive idea attempted all year by the Steelers; the execution was lacking, but the concept was worthy. Letting Johnson play a little RB is hardly a stretch.