James Harrison cant generate pressure anymore

[LVSteelersfan]

He needs to be used differently. Instead of having him try to push an OT who outweighs him, have him run stunts with the other LBs and try coming up the middle once in awhile. Or move him around a bit. And definitely don't try to have him cover a TE in space. That was disastrous today.

[maddog78]

Not the same player, still very effective defense today against a dangerous team. Don't like seeing him in coverage so much, though. He's not much use there.

[truesteelerfan]

I think his knee is still restricting his movement and the torque he can get against OTs. Last week on TV they showed a good photo of him before, and him today - in the past with a good knee, the angle of his body to the ground was like 45 degrees - now with a bum knee, he only gets down to about 60 degrees- it takes away what has always been one of his advantages - his use of his lack of height to get under the tackles and his strength to drive them backwards - now he can't go as far down, to get under them - I think as long has his knee can return to a healthy mode - he'll be fine. No one else on our roster who is better than him anyway - and next year, do we really think a rookie will come in and unseat him? I think not, by the end of next, or the following year - he'll be too old and epensive for us anyway.

[frunko1]

Even if he isn't getting the sacks, he is helping big time in the run game. With him and Woodley in together, you can see the opposing RB's having to look extra hard for the hole to run through.

[steelersfan77]

Keep in mind the Steelers extended his contract after he reached his thirties. The organization doesn't do that very often. Other than that I still think we'll see that explosiveness again once he's completely healthy.

The Steelers can use that 1st round pick based on need and they'll be lots of holes. NG, S, LB, ect. Keep in mind what a great player Harrison has been for an undrafted player. A future hall of famer.

Edit : every great player looses a step. Who here isn't seeing a smarter, more wiser player? He'll make up for it.

[Penn]

Originally Posted by frunko1

Even if he isn't getting the sacks, he is helping big time in the run game. With him and Woodley in together, you can see the opposing RB's having to look extra hard for the hole to run through.

I agree the run D has definitely looked better when harrison and woodley are on the field at the same time but getting pressure is still a problem that needs to be addressed

[Penn]

Originally Posted by steelersfan77

Keep in mind the Steelers extended his contract after he reached his thirties. The organization doesn't do that very often. Other than that I still think we'll see that explosiveness again once he's completely healthy.

The Steelers can use that 1st round pick based on need and they'll be lots of holes. NG, S, LB, ect. Keep in mind what a great player Harrison has been for an undrafted player. A future hall of famer.

I dont think there is a chance that Harrison gets into the hall of fame. He just got started too late into his career. Love him to death though

[OX1947]

Originally Posted by Penn

I dont think there is a chance that Harrison gets into the hall of fame. He just got started too late into his career. Love him to death though

Hall of Fame is great, but it has been watered down the last decade. Too many sympathy inductees. To me, if you have to ask if a player is a hall of famer, then he isn't.

James has created an amazing career. He will be a 10+ year vet in the NFL, 2 SB titles, a DOPY and 5 pro bowls. Also, security with his contract. James is pretty solid in keeping his money close, I saw a couple article where he drives a smart car and stuff. So, looking at it from my perspective, James has over achieved beyond anything i would have ever thought.

[Acerinox]

I wouldn't worry too much about Silverback. He was in contain this game - probably in part because he's not at 100% in drive and flexibility. But there's one hilarious play I think in the 3Q where Washington just clear out the blockers in front of him and he just stands there on the line with his arms out wide like he's playing British Bulldog (Red Rover do you call it in the US?).
I for one am glad he was under instructions not to rush, even in extreme situations like that. In the past he would have just bulled in and they'd have popped a short pass over him to the RB.
It's part of a theme I've seen on D these last few weeks as we improve.
In the past we've been ruled by the raw talent of the likes of Troy and James.
But now we have to get more clever and disciplined.
Literally - Older = Wiser.

[MasterOfPuppets]

Originally Posted by steelerchad

It's the knee that's slowing him down. He's pushing an OT that's 350, and can't get the drive, power, torque he used to have. All good things come to an end. Knee may get a little better, but I think this is it for him with us. $7M due next season, not gonna happen.

thats what i said about fat snack back in febuary..but yet he's still there...