HARRISON > Unhappy in Indy? (1 Viewer)

[spork]

Anyone who watched the game sunday saw a different Harrison than the upbeat, selfless, hard working player we've grown accustomed to seeing. He was taking most plays off.. he played half-heartedly when he did get the ball.. etc. From CBS Sportsline:

Marvin Harrison, WR INDNews: According to The Indianapolis Star, Colts WR Marvin Harrison appears to be unhappy. The paper reported Harrison walked off the field before halftime with kicker Adam Vinatieri attempting a field goal. The paper also said in the fourth quarter, Peyton Manning threw a pass to Harrison, who caught it and then had it stripped easily by Philadelphia's Lito Sheppard. Harrison then just stood there and made no effort to chase down Sheppard as he returned the ball.Analysis: Harrison finished with one catch for eight yards. He's not having the greatest season, but he still must be considered a No. 1 WR because of his potential playing with Peyton Manning. Expect him to bounce back in Week 13 against the Titans.

Any thoughts on this? I never saw MH as the selfish type but his 1 for 8 performance this week nearly cost me my season on a critical stretch run in a big money league. Wondering if there are any other red flags that might prompt a benching or was this just a one-game slump where they were trying to push Addai down the gullet.

 

[djcolts]

Colts GM Bill Polian has a weekly radio show in Indy on Monday evenings. A poster at the Indystar.com forums transcripted a called question about this from last night's show.

Chad from Anderson:Thank you very much and thank you for taking my call. Congratulations first of all on yesterday's win it was great, but uh... I have a question or maybe a concern.. I wanted to get your thoughts on Marvin Harrison .. um.. watching him he sometimes gets disappointed if he doesn't get the ball a lot, and I can sure understand that with him being the player he is, but yesterday he REALLY showed a lot of disappointment, a lot of anger when he walked off the field before the half was even over, before we even kicked the ball, then after that pass got intercepted he just stopped and didn't go after the ball. Is there any concerns or anything going on there, you know I'd just like to get your thoughts about what was going on there with Marvin yesterday. Thank you very much.----------------Bill Polian:"Thank you, I'll be glad to give you my thoughts. In fact, I won't give you thoughts, I'll give you facts. And um - I understand that this is the subject of the chattering classes these days but... and I hate to let the facts get in the way of a good story, but I need to. Number one, Marvin blocked last night as well as he's blocked in his entire career. He may have only caught 1 ball, but he got an A+ grade for playing his position last night because he blocked better than any wide receiver in the National Football League.. and I'll tell you this, NO two receivers in the National Football League blocked better yesterday than Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison. And if you want to know why Joseph Addai went into the end zone untouched on 12 and 15 and 17 and 9 yard runs, it's because those wide receivers were knocking those Philadelphia cornerbacks down. So, Marvin was NOT disinterested, he was NOT uninvolved, he wasn't pouting, he wasn't in a snit, he was BLOCKING HIS TAIL OFF. A 188 pound guy allowing his teammate to have a record night. So - uh - that's fact number one.Fact Number 2 is, and I just confirmed this with Tony less than 10 minutes ago, Marvin went into the locker room room with Tony's knowledge because he was tightening up. Now if you're 188 pounds, and you're blocking for sweeps against safeties like Dawkins and corners like Sheperd, uh, you might tighten up. And he did, and he spent the entire halftime being stretched by out trainers in the training room. That's why he went in early. Not because he was Randy Moss, not because he walked off the field because he didn't catch a pass; because he needed to get stretched.On the interception. That was defensive pass interference. Period. The defensive back grabbed Marvin's jersey and pulled the pad out of it. As Marvin went down to catch the ball, the guy had ahold of his jersey. Now I said on this show last week, um, that when we committed the penalty and grabbed the jersey which negated the interception in the Dallas game, that you know, when you grab a jersey it's a foul. And as much as I would have loved to have the interception stand up, I can't argue with the foul, I give the official credit for calling it. In this case, there was no question that there was a foul, the jersey is grabbed, and I'm not sure Marvin knew the ball was intercepted. I think he was turning around looking for the official to throw the flag. I don't even think he knew there was an interception. He certainly knew he was interfered with, and his jersey was grabbed, so I'll have to ask him, but my strong suspicion watching the tape is that he didn't even know the ball had been intercepted, he thought it was an incomplete pass and was looking for the flag. And if he was disgusted at not getting a flag, I don't blame him. So, the bottom line is this. The facts are, he played one of the best games he's ever played as an Indianapolis Colt and gave one of the best blocking efforts in the National Football League this year. And by the way, the other "bad actors" at that position DO NOT BLOCK. If you don't believe me, get a copy of last week's game and look at it, please. Secondly, he went in at halftime to get stretched because he had tightened up. And Tony was well aware of that... and he didn't take part in any of the halftime activities because he was being stretched... Didn't take part in any of the meetings whatsoever.. in the case of the interception, he was interfered with and I'm not sure that he even knew that it was an interception, and he certainly was disgusted about not getting the call and I don't blame him. So those are the facts. Let me say this... people are always looking for stories, and I understand that, and I'm not any any way denograting that. Also, I've said on this show many many times before - that even Bob (Lamey) and I who are at practice every day, and even myself, I know the gameplan. I know who is supposed to block who. I know the patterns that are going to be run against what coverages. I know what coverages we are in based on what players are in.... and uh.. I can't tell what went on until after I looked at the tape. So when we looked at the tape this morning, it was obvious that Marvin had been interfered with. We couldn't figure out at the time that the play was made, that what happened, my God how did this guy get the ball, what occurred here, and uh.. Peyton thought that it was a fumble, and it may still be ruled a fumble, I don't know.. But the bottom line is, when you look at the tape it's obvious that the jersey was grabbed, the pad came out, and he had no chance to get he ball, so all of that comes out when you see the tape. Obviously, the blocking part of it, it's obvious to the naked eye if you are looking for it, but if you weren't, it became obvious on the tape. There's nothing to any of this. Marvin Harrison remains what he always was: The best receiver in the National Football League.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Da Guru]

Marvin is having a hard time passing the torch to Reggie.

The problem is that Manning has already passed it.

 

[RKMoney]

Colts GM Bill Polian has a weekly radio show in Indy on Monday evenings. A poster at the Indystar.com forums transcripted a called question about this from last night's show.

Chad from Anderson:

Thank you very much and thank you for taking my call. Congratulations first of all on yesterday's win it was great, but uh... I have a question or maybe a concern.. I wanted to get your thoughts on Marvin Harrison .. um.. watching him he sometimes gets disappointed if he doesn't get the ball a lot, and I can sure understand that with him being the player he is, but yesterday he REALLY showed a lot of disappointment, a lot of anger when he walked off the field before the half was even over, before we even kicked the ball, then after that pass got intercepted he just stopped and didn't go after the ball. Is there any concerns or anything going on there, you know I'd just like to get your thoughts about what was going on there with Marvin yesterday. Thank you very much.

----------------

Bill Polian:

"Thank you, I'll be glad to give you my thoughts. In fact, I won't give you thoughts, I'll give you facts. And um - I understand that this is the subject of the chattering classes these days but... and I hate to let the facts get in the way of a good story, but I need to. Number one, Marvin blocked last night as well as he's blocked in his entire career. He may have only caught 1 ball, but he got an A+ grade for playing his position last night because he blocked better than any wide receiver in the National Football League.. and I'll tell you this, NO two receivers in the National Football League blocked better yesterday than Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison.

And if you want to know why Joseph Addai went into the end zone untouched on 12 and 15 and 17 and 9 yard runs, it's because those wide receivers were knocking those Philadelphia cornerbacks down. So, Marvin was NOT disinterested, he was NOT uninvolved, he wasn't pouting, he wasn't in a snit, he was BLOCKING HIS TAIL OFF. A 188 pound guy allowing his teammate to have a record night. So - uh - that's fact number one.

Fact Number 2 is, and I just confirmed this with Tony less than 10 minutes ago, Marvin went into the locker room room with Tony's knowledge because he was tightening up. Now if you're 188 pounds, and you're blocking for sweeps against safeties like Dawkins and corners like Sheperd, uh, you might tighten up. And he did, and he spent the entire halftime being stretched by out trainers in the training room. That's why he went in early. Not because he was Randy Moss, not because he walked off the field because he didn't catch a pass; because he needed to get stretched.

On the interception. That was defensive pass interference. Period. The defensive back grabbed Marvin's jersey and pulled the pad out of it. As Marvin went down to catch the ball, the guy had ahold of his jersey. Now I said on this show last week, um, that when we committed the penalty and grabbed the jersey which negated the interception in the Dallas game, that you know, when you grab a jersey it's a foul. And as much as I would have loved to have the interception stand up, I can't argue with the foul, I give the official credit for calling it. In this case, there was no question that there was a foul, the jersey is grabbed, and I'm not sure Marvin knew the ball was intercepted. I think he was turning around looking for the official to throw the flag. I don't even think he knew there was an interception. He certainly knew he was interfered with, and his jersey was grabbed, so I'll have to ask him, but my strong suspicion watching the tape is that he didn't even know the ball had been intercepted, he thought it was an incomplete pass and was looking for the flag. And if he was disgusted at not getting a flag, I don't blame him.

So, the bottom line is this. The facts are, he played one of the best games he's ever played as an Indianapolis Colt and gave one of the best blocking efforts in the National Football League this year. And by the way, the other "bad actors" at that position DO NOT BLOCK. If you don't believe me, get a copy of last week's game and look at it, please. Secondly, he went in at halftime to get stretched because he had tightened up. And Tony was well aware of that... and he didn't take part in any of the halftime activities because he was being stretched... Didn't take part in any of the meetings whatsoever.. in the case of the interception, he was interfered with and I'm not sure that he even knew that it was an interception, and he certainly was disgusted about not getting the call and I don't blame him.

So those are the facts. Let me say this... people are always looking for stories, and I understand that, and I'm not any any way denograting that. Also, I've said on this show many many times before - that even Bob (Lamey) and I who are at practice every day, and even myself, I know the gameplan. I know who is supposed to block who. I know the patterns that are going to be run against what coverages. I know what coverages we are in based on what players are in.... and uh.. I can't tell what went on until after I looked at the tape. So when we looked at the tape this morning, it was obvious that Marvin had been interfered with. We couldn't figure out at the time that the play was made, that what happened, my God how did this guy get the ball, what occurred here, and uh.. Peyton thought that it was a fumble, and it may still be ruled a fumble, I don't know.. But the bottom line is, when you look at the tape it's obvious that the jersey was grabbed, the pad came out, and he had no chance to get he ball, so all of that comes out when you see the tape. Obviously, the blocking part of it, it's obvious to the naked eye if you are looking for it, but if you weren't, it became obvious on the tape.

There's nothing to any of this. Marvin Harrison remains what he always was: The best receiver in the National Football League.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Definitely NOT a fact. at a guy who wasn't on the field or locker room or with the team during all this and then touting all these "facts". Seems like he was pretty defensive to me.

 

[zamboni]

Sounds like digging for dirt when there is none. IMO, as the consummate pro, Marvin is probably thinking most about a Super Bowl ring right now.

 

[djcolts]

Colts GM Bill Polian has a weekly radio show in Indy on Monday evenings. A poster at the Indystar.com forums transcripted a called question about this from last night's show.

Chad from Anderson:

Thank you very much and thank you for taking my call. Congratulations first of all on yesterday's win it was great, but uh... I have a question or maybe a concern.. I wanted to get your thoughts on Marvin Harrison .. um.. watching him he sometimes gets disappointed if he doesn't get the ball a lot, and I can sure understand that with him being the player he is, but yesterday he REALLY showed a lot of disappointment, a lot of anger when he walked off the field before the half was even over, before we even kicked the ball, then after that pass got intercepted he just stopped and didn't go after the ball. Is there any concerns or anything going on there, you know I'd just like to get your thoughts about what was going on there with Marvin yesterday. Thank you very much.

----------------

Bill Polian:

"Thank you, I'll be glad to give you my thoughts. In fact, I won't give you thoughts, I'll give you facts. And um - I understand that this is the subject of the chattering classes these days but... and I hate to let the facts get in the way of a good story, but I need to. Number one, Marvin blocked last night as well as he's blocked in his entire career. He may have only caught 1 ball, but he got an A+ grade for playing his position last night because he blocked better than any wide receiver in the National Football League.. and I'll tell you this, NO two receivers in the National Football League blocked better yesterday than Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison.

And if you want to know why Joseph Addai went into the end zone untouched on 12 and 15 and 17 and 9 yard runs, it's because those wide receivers were knocking those Philadelphia cornerbacks down. So, Marvin was NOT disinterested, he was NOT uninvolved, he wasn't pouting, he wasn't in a snit, he was BLOCKING HIS TAIL OFF. A 188 pound guy allowing his teammate to have a record night. So - uh - that's fact number one.

Fact Number 2 is, and I just confirmed this with Tony less than 10 minutes ago, Marvin went into the locker room room with Tony's knowledge because he was tightening up. Now if you're 188 pounds, and you're blocking for sweeps against safeties like Dawkins and corners like Sheperd, uh, you might tighten up. And he did, and he spent the entire halftime being stretched by out trainers in the training room. That's why he went in early. Not because he was Randy Moss, not because he walked off the field because he didn't catch a pass; because he needed to get stretched.

On the interception. That was defensive pass interference. Period. The defensive back grabbed Marvin's jersey and pulled the pad out of it. As Marvin went down to catch the ball, the guy had ahold of his jersey. Now I said on this show last week, um, that when we committed the penalty and grabbed the jersey which negated the interception in the Dallas game, that you know, when you grab a jersey it's a foul. And as much as I would have loved to have the interception stand up, I can't argue with the foul, I give the official credit for calling it. In this case, there was no question that there was a foul, the jersey is grabbed, and I'm not sure Marvin knew the ball was intercepted. I think he was turning around looking for the official to throw the flag. I don't even think he knew there was an interception. He certainly knew he was interfered with, and his jersey was grabbed, so I'll have to ask him, but my strong suspicion watching the tape is that he didn't even know the ball had been intercepted, he thought it was an incomplete pass and was looking for the flag. And if he was disgusted at not getting a flag, I don't blame him.

So, the bottom line is this. The facts are, he played one of the best games he's ever played as an Indianapolis Colt and gave one of the best blocking efforts in the National Football League this year. And by the way, the other "bad actors" at that position DO NOT BLOCK. If you don't believe me, get a copy of last week's game and look at it, please. Secondly, he went in at halftime to get stretched because he had tightened up. And Tony was well aware of that... and he didn't take part in any of the halftime activities because he was being stretched... Didn't take part in any of the meetings whatsoever.. in the case of the interception, he was interfered with and I'm not sure that he even knew that it was an interception, and he certainly was disgusted about not getting the call and I don't blame him.

So those are the facts. Let me say this... people are always looking for stories, and I understand that, and I'm not any any way denograting that. Also, I've said on this show many many times before - that even Bob (Lamey) and I who are at practice every day, and even myself, I know the gameplan. I know who is supposed to block who. I know the patterns that are going to be run against what coverages. I know what coverages we are in based on what players are in.... and uh.. I can't tell what went on until after I looked at the tape. So when we looked at the tape this morning, it was obvious that Marvin had been interfered with. We couldn't figure out at the time that the play was made, that what happened, my God how did this guy get the ball, what occurred here, and uh.. Peyton thought that it was a fumble, and it may still be ruled a fumble, I don't know.. But the bottom line is, when you look at the tape it's obvious that the jersey was grabbed, the pad came out, and he had no chance to get he ball, so all of that comes out when you see the tape. Obviously, the blocking part of it, it's obvious to the naked eye if you are looking for it, but if you weren't, it became obvious on the tape.

There's nothing to any of this. Marvin Harrison remains what he always was: The best receiver in the National Football League.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Definitely NOT a fact. at a guy who wasn't on the field or locker room or with the team during all this and then touting all these "facts". Seems like he was pretty defensive to me.

Sure, he was defensive. But, compared to any other person NOT on the field on Sunday night, wouldn't he have more knowledge about the Colts than ANYONE else? That is his job.

 

[RKMoney]

You really think a GM is going to rip one of the biggest players on his team? Come on.

 

[RKMoney]

Can't deny his non performance and walking off before half time. Funny, Moss does this and people want to hang him but Marvin does it and it's "lets bring out the excuses" report.

 

[djcolts]

You really think a GM is going to rip one of the biggest players on his team? Come on.

No, but you implied he knows nothing about his team, which is also ridiculous.

 

[zamboni]

Can't deny his non performance and walking off before half time. Funny, Moss does this and people want to hang him but Marvin does it and it's "lets bring out the excuses" report.

That's what happens when you have credibility, and when you don't.

 

[spork]

Thanks for the good information DJ... excellent post and it certainly puts myself (and likely many Harrison owners) at ease a bit.

That said.. I'm just wondering if there might just be a LITTLE more to this than is being let go at the surface.... I guess we'll see next week. Indy faces a fairly weak Passing Defense in Tennessee so Peyton should still light it up once again.. hopefully leaning on Harrison a bit more to help make up for his 1 for 8 performance this week....

 

[djcolts]

Thanks for the good information DJ... excellent post and it certainly puts myself (and likely many Harrison owners) at ease a bit. That said.. I'm just wondering if there might just be a LITTLE more to this than is being let go at the surface.... I guess we'll see next week. Indy faces a fairly weak Passing Defense in Tennessee so Peyton should still light it up once again.. hopefully leaning on Harrison a bit more to help make up for his 1 for 8 performance this week....

I expect Tennessee to play 2 safeties way back just like the Eagles did. And Jax to do the same thing the week after that. We may see a lot of Addai and Rhodes the next 2 weeks, and not as much of Harrison on the stat sheet.

 

[Righetti]

i got the same email from OtisFootball.com

 

[RKMoney]

You really think a GM is going to rip one of the biggest players on his team? Come on.

No, but you implied he knows nothing about his team, which is also ridiculous.

nothing about the situation thought that was clear

 

[RKMoney]

Can't deny his non performance and walking off before half time. Funny, Moss does this and people want to hang him but Marvin does it and it's "lets bring out the excuses" report.

That's what happens when you have credibility, and when you don't.

This isn't the first time Harrison has about not getting the ball. Both are pretty similar.

 

[Todem]

There is nothing wrong with Marvin Harrison. He is not having a hard time passing the torch because there is no torch to pass. The Colts have 2 all pro top caliber WR's. Sometimes they will both have great games, sometimes one will out perfrom the other (stat wise). Marvin is fine, and don't be suprised if he has a great (stat) game this week. All this nonsense and reaching for a "story" is a joke.

Fantasy Football is ruining the sport. There I said it. Too many "Fantasy geeks" are hanging on every drop of sweat, word, hang nail or whatever you want to add here about the week to week goings on of every player on their respective squad.

It's football people. It is a team game and anyone who has played at any orgainized level knows you can't fill the stat sheet every week. There are going to be weeks where you are the decoy and free up the field for other teammates. Marvin was going off in the first 7-8 games and now Reggie is getting his as well.

Marvin Harrison is still the best all around WR in the game. Forget stats. He has done it year in year out going on 10 years strong. And he will continue to do it for another 2-3 years at this level. How anyone can question this guy's desire, heart or attitude is a total joke. Get a clue and stop worring about your Fantasy squad for a moment and think about what your trying to say. Reggie Wayne is a great WR as well, but he has a long way to go to be a Marvin Harrison. Will he have as good a career? Who knows. But one thing is clear, they are both playing at the highest level of any one in the league and have the best QB tossing them the rock.

Marvin is the best in the league hands down. I think almost every player would agree. If you asked all the CB's in the league who the best route runner in the league is they would be hard pressed to not say Marvin Harrison or Torry Holt first. When teams game plan the Colts the first guy they look at (other than Peyton of course) is Marvin Harrison.

There are other great young WR's like Boldin, Fitz, and Smith who have the chance to be Hall of Famers like Marvin will be. But as of right now Marvin has proven it every year.

 

[wilked]

Sounds like digging for dirt when there is none. IMO, as the consummate pro, Marvin is probably thinking most about a Super Bowl ring right now.

Are the Colts trading for a QB that can handle playoff pressure?

 

[JohnnyU]

Sounds like digging for dirt when there is none. IMO, as the consummate pro, Marvin is probably thinking most about a Super Bowl ring right now.

Are the Colts trading for a QB that can handle playoff pressure?

....or a defense that can handle playoff pressure? Last time I checked, I don't think Peyton Manning gave up 2 200 yard rushing games in the playoffs, or missed two game winning kicks in the playoffs, or was totally responsible for a 41-0 blowout in the playoffs.

 

[zamboni]

Sounds like digging for dirt when there is none. IMO, as the consummate pro, Marvin is probably thinking most about a Super Bowl ring right now.

Are the Colts trading for a QB that can handle playoff pressure?

Now that Vinny Testaverde signed with the Patriots, I'd say no.

 

[Banger]

Just because Harrison did a great job blocking doesn't mean that he was happy with the gameplan. I would think it would be more fun to catch TD's rather than block and get knocked around but that's just me I guess. I do think this is muchado about nothing though.

 

[JohnnyU]

Non story.

 

[thayman]

Can't deny his non performance and walking off before half time. Funny, Moss does this and people want to hang him but Marvin does it and it's "lets bring out the excuses" report.

That's what happens when you have credibility, and when you don't.

This isn't the first time Harrison has about not getting the ball. Both are pretty similar.

You can't compare Harrison to Moss.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Eagles run D stinks. Colts took advantage of that.

Marvelous Marv is on pace for 90 & 1200.

 

[zamboni]

Can't deny his non performance and walking off before half time. Funny, Moss does this and people want to hang him but Marvin does it and it's "lets bring out the excuses" report.

That's what happens when you have credibility, and when you don't.

This isn't the first time Harrison has about not getting the ball. Both are pretty similar.

You can't compare Harrison to Moss.

I think he just did, albeit quite erroneously.

 

[EdwardCat]

Thanks for the good information DJ... excellent post and it certainly puts myself (and likely many Harrison owners) at ease a bit. That said.. I'm just wondering if there might just be a LITTLE more to this than is being let go at the surface.... I guess we'll see next week. Indy faces a fairly weak Passing Defense in Tennessee so Peyton should still light it up once again.. hopefully leaning on Harrison a bit more to help make up for his 1 for 8 performance this week....

Philly knew that if they didn't double cover Marvin, he'd light it up against them. Peyton saw the obvious move, run the ball down their throats. Unfortunately, Harrison was covered better than Wayne as seems typical this year. From watching the game, it doesn't look like Peyton ever looks to Harrison 1st, though. It is pretty much Wayne, TE, RB then Marvin. Am I accurate in that observation?

 

[baronson]

There is nothing wrong with Marvin Harrison. He is not having a hard time passing the torch because there is no torch to pass. The Colts have 2 all pro top caliber WR's. Sometimes they will both have great games, sometimes one will out perfrom the other (stat wise). Marvin is fine, and don't be suprised if he has a great (stat) game this week. All this nonsense and reaching for a "story" is a joke. Fantasy Football is ruining the sport. There I said it. Too many "Fantasy geeks" are hanging on every drop of sweat, word, hang nail or whatever you want to add here about the week to week goings on of every player on their respective squad.It's football people. It is a team game and anyone who has played at any orgainized level knows you can't fill the stat sheet every week. There are going to be weeks where you are the decoy and free up the field for other teammates. Marvin was going off in the first 7-8 games and now Reggie is getting his as well. Marvin Harrison is still the best all around WR in the game. Forget stats. He has done it year in year out going on 10 years strong. And he will continue to do it for another 2-3 years at this level. How anyone can question this guy's desire, heart or attitude is a total joke. Get a clue and stop worring about your Fantasy squad for a moment and think about what your trying to say. Reggie Wayne is a great WR as well, but he has a long way to go to be a Marvin Harrison. Will he have as good a career? Who knows. But one thing is clear, they are both playing at the highest level of any one in the league and have the best QB tossing them the rock. Marvin is the best in the league hands down. I think almost every player would agree. If you asked all the CB's in the league who the best route runner in the league is they would be hard pressed to not say Marvin Harrison or Torry Holt first. When teams game plan the Colts the first guy they look at (other than Peyton of course) is Marvin Harrison.There are other great young WR's like Boldin, Fitz, and Smith who have the chance to be Hall of Famers like Marvin will be. But as of right now Marvin has proven it every year.

completely agree. good post.people forget that receivers have more inconsistent performance when looking game to game. just 3 weeks ago people were wondering if Chad was even a top WR anymore. now people are saying it about Marvin and Holt. it's ludicrous. in this sense, FF is TOTALLY ruining the game.anyone who says Harrison cares any more about his own stats than winning his first ring are completely ignorant. until i hear a quote from the mans mouth himself, i will continue believing that he is a team-first guy, if only because by this point, he's proven nothing otherwise.

 

[EdwardCat]

There is nothing wrong with Marvin Harrison. He is not having a hard time passing the torch because there is no torch to pass. The Colts have 2 all pro top caliber WR's. Sometimes they will both have great games, sometimes one will out perfrom the other (stat wise). Marvin is fine, and don't be suprised if he has a great (stat) game this week. All this nonsense and reaching for a "story" is a joke. Fantasy Football is ruining the sport. There I said it. Too many "Fantasy geeks" are hanging on every drop of sweat, word, hang nail or whatever you want to add here about the week to week goings on of every player on their respective squad.It's football people. It is a team game and anyone who has played at any orgainized level knows you can't fill the stat sheet every week. There are going to be weeks where you are the decoy and free up the field for other teammates. Marvin was going off in the first 7-8 games and now Reggie is getting his as well. Marvin Harrison is still the best all around WR in the game. Forget stats. He has done it year in year out going on 10 years strong. And he will continue to do it for another 2-3 years at this level. How anyone can question this guy's desire, heart or attitude is a total joke. Get a clue and stop worring about your Fantasy squad for a moment and think about what your trying to say. Reggie Wayne is a great WR as well, but he has a long way to go to be a Marvin Harrison. Will he have as good a career? Who knows. But one thing is clear, they are both playing at the highest level of any one in the league and have the best QB tossing them the rock. Marvin is the best in the league hands down. I think almost every player would agree. If you asked all the CB's in the league who the best route runner in the league is they would be hard pressed to not say Marvin Harrison or Torry Holt first. When teams game plan the Colts the first guy they look at (other than Peyton of course) is Marvin Harrison.There are other great young WR's like Boldin, Fitz, and Smith who have the chance to be Hall of Famers like Marvin will be. But as of right now Marvin has proven it every year.

completely agree. good post.people forget that receivers have more inconsistent performance when looking game to game. just 3 weeks ago people were wondering if Chad was even a top WR anymore. now people are saying it about Marvin and Holt. it's ludicrous. in this sense, FF is TOTALLY ruining the game.anyone who says Harrison cares any more about his own stats than winning his first ring are completely ignorant. until i hear a quote from the mans mouth himself, i will continue believing that he is a team-first guy, if only because by this point, he's proven nothing otherwise.

I don't agree that FF is ruining the sport of football. I didn't watch football at all until a friend asked me to be in his league. I know several people who didn't watch football prior to playing FF as well. I think what it ruins is how people enjoy the game. However, we don't all enjoy the same parts. When I get a kid's meal from KFC for my children, one eats the mashed potatoes and the other the chicken strips. It is ok to get different benefits from the same source.I think your analogy to the Chad Johnson situation is good. Chad was doing about how Marvin is now. People were saying the Housh was the top receiver on that team. That has clearly changed over the past 3-4 weeks.

 

[RKMoney]

Sounds like digging for dirt when there is none. IMO, as the consummate pro, Marvin is probably thinking most about a Super Bowl ring right now.

Are the Colts trading for a QB that can handle playoff pressure?

....or a defense that can handle playoff pressure? Last time I checked, I don't think Peyton Manning gave up 2 200 yard rushing games in the playoffs, or missed two game winning kicks in the playoffs, or was totally responsible for a 41-0 blowout in the playoffs.

And not drafting more talent on the defensive side fault lies with......

 

[mggoilers]

First off, Colts won.

Second, Manning only threw the ball 20 times...yeah only 20 times...a SEASON LOW

Third, Marvin did block his #### off and Addai was unstoppable.

Reggie only had 4 catches to Marvin's 1 catch, so it wasn't a huge game by any Colt not named Addai.

Buffalo, Dallas, and Philly were keeping everything in front of them. The play action 10 yard out/curl is the only thing that is open, and that is what Reggie is running. You don't play action to run a slant, in most cases...If you watch the Colts offense, Reggie gets the TE on his side to pull safety coverage, Marvin gets safety help on every route. It's the safe play, but when Marvin is available...Manning finds him.

Marvin is still the best WR on that team, creep 8 in the box to stop Addai...Manning/Marvin welcomes it.

 

[EdwardCat]

First off, Colts won.Second, Manning only threw the ball 20 times...yeah only 20 times...a SEASON LOWThird, Marvin did block his #### off and Addai was unstoppable.Reggie only had 4 catches to Marvin's 1 catch, so it wasn't a huge game by any Colt not named Addai.Buffalo, Dallas, and Philly were keeping everything in front of them. The play action 10 yard out/curl is the only thing that is open, and that is what Reggie is running. You don't play action to run a slant, in most cases...If you watch the Colts offense, Reggie gets the TE on his side to pull safety coverage, Marvin gets safety help on every route. It's the safe play, but when Marvin is available...Manning finds him.Marvin is still the best WR on that team, creep 8 in the box to stop Addai...Manning/Marvin welcomes it.

Good points!

 

[bostonfred]

Sounds like digging for dirt when there is none. IMO, as the consummate pro, Marvin is probably thinking most about a Super Bowl ring right now.

Are the Colts trading for a QB that can handle playoff pressure?

....or a defense that can handle playoff pressure? Last time I checked, I don't think Peyton Manning gave up 2 200 yard rushing games in the playoffs, or missed two game winning kicks in the playoffs, or was totally responsible for a 41-0 blowout in the playoffs.

Was he totally responsible for leading the team to 3 points in a playoff game the year he threw for 49 TDs?

 

[RKMoney]

Sounds like digging for dirt when there is none. IMO, as the consummate pro, Marvin is probably thinking most about a Super Bowl ring right now.

Are the Colts trading for a QB that can handle playoff pressure?

....or a defense that can handle playoff pressure? Last time I checked, I don't think Peyton Manning gave up 2 200 yard rushing games in the playoffs, or missed two game winning kicks in the playoffs, or was totally responsible for a 41-0 blowout in the playoffs.

Was he totally responsible for leading the team to 3 points in a playoff game the year he threw for 49 TDs?

It's NEVER Peyton's fault, NEVER!

 

[djcolts]

Sounds like digging for dirt when there is none. IMO, as the consummate pro, Marvin is probably thinking most about a Super Bowl ring right now.

Are the Colts trading for a QB that can handle playoff pressure?

....or a defense that can handle playoff pressure? Last time I checked, I don't think Peyton Manning gave up 2 200 yard rushing games in the playoffs, or missed two game winning kicks in the playoffs, or was totally responsible for a 41-0 blowout in the playoffs.

Was he totally responsible for leading the team to 3 points in a playoff game the year he threw for 49 TDs?

Partially responsible - but there were many other problems, including getting only 46 yards rushing on 3 yards a carry while the D gave up over 200 yards rushing on over 5 yards a carry, two lost fumbles from players not named Manning, and starting field position that was horrible (BEST starting position as their own 34 yard line). Manning had two completely awful playoff games - and I don't put that one in the awful category. 2003 vs. the Pats, and 2002 vs. the Jets. This one goes in the mediocre (but not good enough) category - along with the 1999 Titans loss and last year's Pittsburgh loss. I blame Vandershank for the Miami loss in 2000 - Peyton led them to a game winning FG attempt and Vandershank blew it.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

i don't know if there is a story here or not... i'd tend to give harrison the benefit of the doubt because he has been such a consumate pro over the years (like torry holt, & unlike guys like moss & TO)...

not to contradict DJ, who has homer advantage & regional insight, but it is probably common sense that if harrison was fuming (not saying he was, but IF he was), its not like polian would have called him out...

again, i'm not an IND local, but from a distance, i thought polian has a rep for being guarded & cagey & at times testy with call in phoners (if true, why put yourself in that position & do shows like that?)... for corroboration on polian being a hothead (if not less than candid & unreliable conduit of info), look no further than earlier in season when he allegedly shoved a pats employee against wall (if true & a fan had done it, there seems little doubt they probably would have been jailed for assault)...

i agree with many in the thread that manning is smart enough to take what he is given, and if the D continues to walk back & take away deep routes, we will see a lot more of addai, screen passes, quick hitters, etc...

if harrison didn't go after fumble & left field early (& again, not saying he did & didn't see game, but IF he did...) i wouldn't condone that... we may have to see how this plays out in future... but like i said, i would tend to give him benefit of the doubt, unless we hear more evidence... just if there is more, i wouldn't look for polian to blow the lid on the story...

 

[djcolts]

i don't know if there is a story hear or not... i'd tend to give harrison the benefit of the doubt because he has been such a consumate pro over the years (like torry holt, & unlike guys like moss & TO)...not to contradict DJ, who has homer advantage & regional insight, but it is probably common sense that if harrison was fuming (not saying he was, but IF he was), its not like polian would have called him out...again, i'm not an IND local, but from a distance, i thought polian has a rep for being guarded & cagey & at times testy with call in phoners (if true, why put yourself in that position & do shows like that?)... for corroboration on polian being a hothead (if not less than candid & unreliable conduit of info), look no further than earlier in season when he allegedly shoved a pats employee against wall (if true & it had been a fan, they probably would have been jailed for assault)...i agree with many in the thread that manning is smart enough to take what he is given, and if the D continues to walk back & take away deep routes, we will see a lot more of addai, screen passes, quick hitters, etc...if harrison didn't go after fumble & left field early (& again, not saying he did & didn't see game, but IF he did...) i wouldn't condone that... we may have to see how this plays out in future... but like i said, i would tend to give him benefit of the doubt, unless we hear more evidence... just if there is more, i wouldn't look for polian to blow the lid on the story...

1. Polian allegedly shoved a Jets employee, not a Pats employee. Still inexcusable.2. The only player Polian ever called out that I remember was Edge for a fumble (I don't remember the game) - so yes, Polian generally defends players on his team. 3. Polian is a hothead - and I don't know why he has a weekly radio show - Dungy doesn't have a weekly radio show (or TV show). (The Indy market is strange - the Colts player that has a weekly radio show? Aaron Moorehead.)4. Dungy did say that Harrison should have given an effort to chase down Sheppard after the INT - so I don't think there is any question that was a screw-up. The question is about Harrison walking off the field before halftime - and Dungy said he needed to stretch the leg out - so I guess that's what we have to go by.

 

[brobe4]

Eagles played nickel all night..Colts ran the ball all night.. Harrison had a bad play, but all players do even the great ones have a off night.

 

[EdwardCat]

Eagles played nickel all night..Colts ran the ball all night.. Harrison had a bad play, but all players do even the great ones have a off night.

I think the thing that scares people is that in the last 3 games, he has 9 catches for 123 yards and 0 TDs. In that span, Wayne has 15 catches for 230 yards and 3 TDs. Averaged out, that is:Harrison 3/41/0Wayne 5/77/1One game isn't a trend. 3 games is a trend. Wayne is in good graces right now. Harrison is the odd man out.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

it would seem harrison is still feared more and coverage is slanted more towards him, despite being older than wayne... if this state of affairs were to change at some point in the future, perhaps (seemingly) distribution would be reversed, but who knows when that will happen?

in the past, even when coverage was rolled towards harrison, he STILL routinely would split double teams & get open... to those close to situation that observe team & harrison closely (ie - DJ ), is it possible he has lost a step... does he have an injury? IND is a high profile team & i HAVE seen them play few times in past few years... i couldn't say that he looks like he lost a step... he looks same to me...

one way they could deal with this, IF they wanted to get marvin the ball more, is to move him around (most teams, unless they have CB like champ bailey, don't flip flop sides with CB & necessarily have #1 CB follow #1 WR all over field)... my understanding is harrison always (or almost always) lines up right & wayne on left... and this still begs question if they are dropping back both safeties to take away deep pass, why is wayne getting disproportionate amount of action lately... is harrison running deeper routes & wayne intermediate? could be harrison be used like decoy to pull safeties back & open up underneath for run & short/intermediate pass?

back to above point about moving harrison around, it wouldn't seem like they would change for an individual (and it seems to be out of character for harrison to even ask)... when they are doing so well as a team?

 

[mggoilers]

Eagles played nickel all night..Colts ran the ball all night.. Harrison had a bad play, but all players do even the great ones have a off night.

I think the thing that scares people is that in the last 3 games, he has 9 catches for 123 yards and 0 TDs. In that span, Wayne has 15 catches for 230 yards and 3 TDs. Averaged out, that is:Harrison 3/41/0Wayne 5/77/1One game isn't a trend. 3 games is a trend. Wayne is in good graces right now. Harrison is the odd man out.

Read my previous post in the thread, also this is coming off Harrison's huge game against New England.

 

[H.K.]

Eagles played nickel all night..Colts ran the ball all night.. Harrison had a bad play, but all players do even the great ones have a off night.

I think the thing that scares people is that in the last 3 games, he has 9 catches for 123 yards and 0 TDs. In that span, Wayne has 15 catches for 230 yards and 3 TDs. Averaged out, that is:Harrison 3/41/0Wayne 5/77/1One game isn't a trend. 3 games is a trend. Wayne is in good graces right now. Harrison is the odd man out.

The past four games, here is a breakdown of the red zone targets:Wayne 11Harrison 3Also worthy of note, all of Harrison's red zone looks came in Week 8. He hasn't had a pass thrown his direction in the red zone in three out of the past four games.

 

[bostonfred]

Sounds like digging for dirt when there is none. IMO, as the consummate pro, Marvin is probably thinking most about a Super Bowl ring right now.

Are the Colts trading for a QB that can handle playoff pressure?

....or a defense that can handle playoff pressure? Last time I checked, I don't think Peyton Manning gave up 2 200 yard rushing games in the playoffs, or missed two game winning kicks in the playoffs, or was totally responsible for a 41-0 blowout in the playoffs.

Was he totally responsible for leading the team to 3 points in a playoff game the year he threw for 49 TDs?

Partially responsible - but there were many other problems, including getting only 46 yards rushing on 3 yards a carry while the D gave up over 200 yards rushing on over 5 yards a carry, two lost fumbles from players not named Manning, and starting field position that was horrible (BEST starting position as their own 34 yard line). Manning had two completely awful playoff games - and I don't put that one in the awful category. 2003 vs. the Pats, and 2002 vs. the Jets. This one goes in the mediocre (but not good enough) category - along with the 1999 Titans loss and last year's Pittsburgh loss. I blame Vandershank for the Miami loss in 2000 - Peyton led them to a game winning FG attempt and Vandershank blew it.

I put that one on Manning more than most. Manning let the Patriots get in his head and he played scared because of it. He was so focused on not throwing four picks that he forgot to throw for touchdowns. It seems like he's gotten over that now, at least for the most part, and I'll give him credit for that. But as a Pats fan, I'd rather they face meek Manning than gunslinger Manning 10 times out of 10.

 

[NFL Sunday Ticket]

i don't know if there is a story hear or not... i'd tend to give harrison the benefit of the doubt because he has been such a consumate pro over the years (like torry holt, & unlike guys like moss & TO)...

not to contradict DJ, who has homer advantage & regional insight, but it is probably common sense that if harrison was fuming (not saying he was, but IF he was), its not like polian would have called him out...

again, i'm not an IND local, but from a distance, i thought polian has a rep for being guarded & cagey & at times testy with call in phoners (if true, why put yourself in that position & do shows like that?)... for corroboration on polian being a hothead (if not less than candid & unreliable conduit of info), look no further than earlier in season when he allegedly shoved a pats employee against wall (if true & it had been a fan, they probably would have been jailed for assault)...

i agree with many in the thread that manning is smart enough to take what he is given, and if the D continues to walk back & take away deep routes, we will see a lot more of addai, screen passes, quick hitters, etc...

if harrison didn't go after fumble & left field early (& again, not saying he did & didn't see game, but IF he did...) i wouldn't condone that... we may have to see how this plays out in future... but like i said, i would tend to give him benefit of the doubt, unless we hear more evidence... just if there is more, i wouldn't look for polian to blow the lid on the story...

1. Polian allegedly shoved a Jets employee, not a Pats employee. Still inexcusable BUT MORE UNDERSTANDABLE.2. The only player Polian ever called out that I remember was Edge for a fumble (I don't remember the game) - so yes, Polian generally defends players on his team.

3. Polian is a hothead - and I don't know why he has a weekly radio show - Dungy doesn't have a weekly radio show (or TV show). (The Indy market is strange - the Colts player that has a weekly radio show? Aaron Moorehead.)

4. Dungy did say that Harrison should have given an effort to chase down Sheppard after the INT - so I don't think there is any question that was a screw-up. The question is about Harrison walking off the field before halftime - and Dungy said he needed to stretch the leg out - so I guess that's what we have to go by.

fixed

 

[Jetdoc]

Eagles played nickel all night..Colts ran the ball all night.. Harrison had a bad play, but all players do even the great ones have a off night.

I think the thing that scares people is that in the last 3 games, he has 9 catches for 123 yards and 0 TDs. In that span, Wayne has 15 catches for 230 yards and 3 TDs. One game isn't a trend. 3 games is a trend. Wayne is in good graces right now. Harrison is the odd man out.

How about 4 games is a trend?Harrison - 17 catches, 268 yards and 2 TDsWayne - 21 catches, 320 yards, 3 TDsThat's one catch and 13 yards difference per game.Calling Harrison "the odd man out" by omitting a game is a bit premature after one lousy night, IMO.

 

[EdwardCat]

Eagles played nickel all night..Colts ran the ball all night.. Harrison had a bad play, but all players do even the great ones have a off night.

I think the thing that scares people is that in the last 3 games, he has 9 catches for 123 yards and 0 TDs. In that span, Wayne has 15 catches for 230 yards and 3 TDs. One game isn't a trend. 3 games is a trend. Wayne is in good graces right now. Harrison is the odd man out.

How about 4 games is a trend?Harrison - 17 catches, 268 yards and 2 TDsWayne - 21 catches, 320 yards, 3 TDsThat's one catch and 13 yards difference per game.Calling Harrison "the odd man out" by omitting a game is a bit premature after one lousy night, IMO.

I understand your point. However, 2 of Harrison's last 3 games have been lousy. 2 for 21 and 1 for 8. During that period of lousiness, Wayne has picked up the slack. I cut it off at 3 games because that is where the point of underachieving seems to start. Before that, he was great. The last 3 games, not so great.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

not sure how this would bear JUST on harrison...

but it is worth mentioning that when i was flipping channels sun pre-game (to see frank caliendo on fox ), jimmy johnson was raving about DAL preparation for IND and called it the single best job he had seen of ANY team all season...

specifically, he said the it was obvious the cowboys had studied the colts favored routes, as the cowboys DBs were often sitting & waiting at the EXACT PLACE manning would typically deliver the ball...

IF that was a blueprint to stop IND passing game (and you have to have athletes, despite well documented DAL coverage problems at safety, not too many teams have CB duo as good as newman/henry), maybe this could be problematic for IND in general & harrison particularly, relying so much on timing & precision on their routes... maybe in this case (& just speculating here), because wayne is bigger & stronger, he might be better equipped to combat defenses trying to take them out, by outmuscling DBs for position...

IF harrison is slowly succumbing to father time & losing even a half step, another key facet of his game was because he was so lightning quick (one of best in league at being at full speed after like 2 strides) he could invariably defeat jam & get off line through quickness, making it harder for DBs to redirect his routes... if that has changed, even sligtly (?), i could see how there might be some negative repercussions that would flow from that...

not saying harrison is getting old & will hit wall all of a sudden... but isn't he like 33... so even if it isn't happening now, at some point he has to slow down... doesn't he?

 

[cobalt_27]

Can't deny his non performance and walking off before half time. Funny, Moss does this and people want to hang him but Marvin does it and it's "lets bring out the excuses" report.

It's because we're racist. Duh.

 

[Drop]

Has Marvin ever had a game like this? How did he respond?

 

[H.K.]

No WR will perform if they don't get passes thrown to them. Manning/Dungy have eliminated Harrison from the offense. The Colts are a run first team with Addai, and Wayne is the go to guy when they do pass. Not much else needs to be said on the subject.

 

[Sabertooth]

No WR will perform if they don't get passes thrown to them. Manning/Dungy have eliminated Harrison from the offense. The Colts are a run first team with Addai, and Wayne is the go to guy when they do pass. Not much else needs to be said on the subject.

 

[Young 8]

Wayne is 28 yrs old

Harrison is 34

end of story