PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It might be the most significant injury news heading into the Monday Night game and it wasn’t initially addressed by head coach Mike Tomlin Tuesday. Facing the third-leading rusher in the NFL, the Steelers could get defensive tackle Derrick Harmon back Sunday.
The difference when Harmon is in the game and when he is not is staggering. In the four games the rookie has missed, the defense allowed 765 rushing yards (Jets, Seattle, Buffalo, Baltimore). In the nine games he did play, 864 yards.
To recap
· When Harmon misses, 191.2 yards per game rushing allowed
· When Harmon plays, 96 yards per game rushing allowed
“He's a first rounder,” Tomlin said. “That's why you draft first rounders. He's really talented. But you know, it's not a one-man gang, certainly.”
Tomlin pointed out what made it tougher against the Ravens was the loss of run-stuffing linebacker Malik Harrison. That is a valid point, as is that the Bills and Ravens are the top two rushing teams in the AFC and the Jets are fourth as three of the four rushing games the Steelers faced without Harmon.
The Dolphins are formidable, eighth in the NFL with 1,644 yards and fifth in yards-per-carry with 4.9. De’Von Achane has 1,126 yards on only 193 attempts (5.8 yards per carry) with a league-leading 12 runs of 20 yards or more. And maybe the scariest is the 24-year-old just keeps getting better.
In his last four games, all Miami wins
· Buffalo, 22 rushes, 174 yards, 2 TD, 7.9 yards per carry, 6 receptions, 51 yards
· Washington, 21 rushes, 120 yards, 5.7 yards per carry, 5 receptions, 45 yards
· New Orleans, 22 rushes, 134 yards, TD, 6.1 yards per carry
· New York Jets, 7 rushes, 92 yards, TD, 13.1 yards per carry, 1 reception, 13 yards
Harmon will be limited at the early portions of this week, but will have an extra day as he attempts to return from a knee injury. Tomlin does feel that rookie Yahya Black has gotten better and is taking advantage of his opportunities. 36-year-old Cam Heyward is still playing at a high level, but this defense is significantly different with Harmon.
When the Steelers immediately named Harmon a starter after drafting him, something the team rarely does, they knew he could make an impact. He has and would be a big addition in the stretch run with another great rushing team in Detroit and the rematch with Baltimore still ahead.