The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2022 season very slow on the ground, with questions arising about the functional play of the line, and even star running back Najee Harris. 

Harris had a terrific rookie campaign, one that included over 1600 scrimmage yards, 10 touchdowns, and a Pro Bowl nod. 

Things weren't as easy last season, but Bleacherreport has released their darkhorse candidates for the upcoming season, and Najee is atop a certain list. 

Gary Davenport of Bleacherreport analyzed darkhorse candidates to lead the league in rushing touchdowns, with Najee Harris coming in third in his rankings. 

Here's the background on Davenport's process and his reasoning behind Najee being a viable candidate:

Unpredictability is a huge part of this stat, because so many things have to go the right way, said Davenport when speaking about the rushing touchdown leader. 

It's not just a matter of talent, although that's certainly a factor. The scoring opportunities need to be there, and there can't be another back (or quarterback) who vultures too many of them.

None of these backs ranked inside the top 10 in rushing touchdowns a year ago, but the combination of factors is there that could lead to bigger and better things in 2023.

Harris has topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first two seasons, but he did so while averaging under four yards a carry. Volume shouldn't be an issue with Harris—he's far and away the Steelers' top back—and the Pittsburgh offense should be improved in Kenny Pickett's second season.

I would echo similar sentiments when it comes to Harris' outlook for 2023. 

While from both an on-field product and fantasy football perspective, Harris seemed to take a hit, he still accounted for double-digit touchdowns and nearly 1300 scrimmage yards in 2022. 

It's no coincidence that as the line play stabilized down the stretch, so did Najee Harris's production. 

The offense as a whole started to settle in behind Kenny Pickett and what was a tough watch in the early parts of the year started to become more entertaining. 

The question is, will Pittsburgh be able to build off the momentum that saw them win six of their last seven and almost sneak into the playoffs?

Harris is a byproduct of the offense, so while he can throw all the stiff arms he wants, or run over all the defenders on the goal line, he can only gather the yards that are created for him. 

And maybe that's a flaw in his game, as he needs a runway to get going if you will. 

But analogous to a semi-truck, once Harris gets rolling, he's tough to stop. 

Hopefully, the wheels turn a little faster in the fall.