3 rushing attacks the Philadelphia Eagles defense can stifle in 2022

Can the Eagles find a way to slow down Najee Harris and the Steelers?

The most surprising team on this list is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Who would have thunk? The Steelers are struggling to run the football! It just doesn’t sound right, does it? Here’s where things get interesting.

Najee Harris was one of the best running backs in the league last year. He ran for the fourth-most rushing yards in the NFL in 2021 with 1,200, but he was carrying that rushing attack because Pittsburgh notched the fourth-lowest rushing yards total in all of pro football. Try 1,583 rushing yards on for size.

Harris was creating most of his own space as his offensive line didn’t help him out by creating running lanes for the rookie. Pittsburgh’s offensive line was ranked 24th in the league last season in the terms of run-blocking. Yes, there’s work to do.

The offensive line is still a work in progress for the Steelers, and that could aid the Eagles in their game versus Pittsburgh this season. If they can limit Harris, which shouldn’t be an issue, the now-second-year running back could be throttled, allowing Philly to send the pass rush.

The Texans, Giants, and Steelers are all seemingly in rebuilding mode. The Birds are a few players away. Talent should win out. Expect the Eagles to slow the rushing attacks of several teams, including these three.

Here’s the thing. Nothing is guaranteed in football. Wins shouldn’t be counted until they occur, but let’s just hope the Eagles rushing defense continues to improve this year and this team beats the teams they’re supposed to. That shouldn’t be a big ask.