Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
If he signs with frigging New England, I am not going to be happy.
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Pizza Bagels, Genius! (1 Viewer)
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BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
wow.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Was my first thought.Evilgrin 72 said:
I was surprised by his lack of playing time and assumed he was on board with being a situational guy at this point. But what I saw of him was a slow guy and the recent reports and comments sealed his fate.
Not sure if there was a lack of communication from the Steelers or lack of understanding from harrison -- or he just fell off where others surpassed expectations.
Steelers also know this is Ben's last year possibly so they want to win now and not just carry a guy to carry him.
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Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
I'll buy that as soon as I see Dan McCullers play meaningful snaps in the playoffs.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
If I were a betting man (and I am) I'd be willing to wager your left testicle this was the case.Evilgrin 72 said:
Godsbrother
Footballguy
I don't think Harrison being cut had anything at all to do with Ben.
I also don't think this is Ben's last year barring injury.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
So how long do the starters go next week? A quarter? A half? Nice to finally get a bye again. Nobody in the AFC that this team can’t beat (even without Brown).
belljr
Footballguy
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Wow yeah I totally forgot the 1 seed was still in play (as improbable as that may be). I guess NE may have the game well in hand by halftime (or the Steelers may) which will make the decision easy.
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
I think I play full tilt into the 2nd quarter. Starters get to keep enough continuity and rhythm.
Then I start thinking about how many positives for the "next man up" to get quality game reps for the post season.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Visiting Pats today.
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
Didn't exactly take a fortune teller to see this coming. I don't like it one bit. This is destined to bite us in the ###.
JoeSteeler
Footballguy
agree. I just don't get why they couldn't keep him a few more weeks. Not sure what the other options were though
steelers1080
Footballguy
Maybe he's a Judas Goat leading the Pats to their downfall.
Also, Al Riveron now has made 4 game changing call changes for the Pats. Any chance they stop letting him help the Pats on calls that aren't 100% obvious.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
If the Patriots are in a position where they are forced to use Harrison for a significant number of snaps in the playoffs, I think that’s a good thing for the other AFC playoff teams. Clearly the Steelers saw enough of him this year to know that he’s done. I don’t think it’s a big deal. 
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
Its not his "in a vacuum" effectiveness as much as his knowledge against everything Steelers.If the Patriots are in a position where they are forced to use Harrison for a significant number of snaps in the playoffs, I think that’s a good thing for the other AFC playoff teams. Clearly the Steelers saw enough of him this year to know that he’s done. I don’t think it’s a big deal.
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fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Yup that’s a fair point and thought of that. Still think it will have a minimal impact.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
At this point the Steelers and Pats have played enough that they are pretty familiar with each other. I am sure Harrison can give them some info on signs and how they communicate but I would hope the Steelers would change those things up.
In the end the game will come down to execution and that’s assuming the Patriots and Steelers play in the AFC championship.
It is a typical Bill Belichik move and this one is designed to get into the Steelers heads as much as anything else.
steelers1080
Footballguy
What could the NFL do if James Harrison intentionally destroys the Pats from the inside? Like if we run a play to the left side, and he turns and starts blocking down field and helps the Steelers get a TD, before flipping off the NE bench, and walking down the tunnel.
steelers1080
Footballguy
Also, according to Dupree and Pouncey, Harrison wanted out. Pouncey basically said that if Harrison was a man, he'd admit that he wanted out, and that the Steelers didn't do him wrong.
steelers1080
Footballguy
Final thoughts on it, it won't matter.
We'll play the Jags, Pats will lose to the Ravens, and we'll play the Ravens at home for the AFC Championship.
We'll play the Jags, Pats will lose to the Ravens, and we'll play the Ravens at home for the AFC Championship.
grateful zed
Footballguy
a player who can make a few plays on a given week is a great addition to a team.
head games like this extend well beyond the play on the field.
bb does it all to win. impressive.
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
If reports are true, he really was causing headaches. Going to sleep in a recliner and snoring aloud during position meetings? Come on, James. You're 39.
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Yeah I can see being upset at not playing but he was being paid good money and acting like a jerk. Once released he had the right to sign wherever he wanted but he tarnished his legacy in Pittsburgh by his behavior this season.
Hopefully things will work out for him like it did in Cincinnati.
Bojang0301
Omar4Heisman
He’ll be lucky if he’s even on their roster if they face the Steelers. He’s a 39 year old who looks more like a DT than a LB, he’s lost two steps, doesn’t play special teams and only played 40 snaps this year. Bill Belichick is the equivalent of an internet troll. If anything, I’m disappointed the players decided to respond to it. Ignore it, move on. He’s one of a thousand cuts you see as an NFL player throughout your career.
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steelers1080
Footballguy
Well the stories coming out make Harrison sound like a bit of an as$hole. Surprising who? He wasn't one of my favorite Steelers because he was nice. He was one of my favorites because he was a junk yard dog who would destroy QBs and was generally a mean guy. 0 surprise that he wasn't a good mentor for new LBs. Also, not surprised he went to the Pats. Last time we cut him he went to the Bengals! I just doubt he'll be back again. And, once he retires, I'll like him again and remember the good times.
This week, I hope we play our starters for the first half and get a 20+ to 0 lead, then pull them. I worry that if we bench them for 2 weeks they'll be too rusty when we play again. I'm convinced that's why Peyton lost so often in the playoffs, they always took 2 weeks off.
This week, I hope we play our starters for the first half and get a 20+ to 0 lead, then pull them. I worry that if we bench them for 2 weeks they'll be too rusty when we play again. I'm convinced that's why Peyton lost so often in the playoffs, they always took 2 weeks off.
ThaPenguin
Footballguy
No chance I am looking past the Browns this week. This is their Super Bowl, trying to avoid a winless season, playing against their rivals in their house, who likely don't need to play for much.
I do NOT want to lose this game to the effing Browns. That would set a poor tone heading into the bye week, especially with all the Deebo nonsense of the past week. I would be OK with sitting Bell at the half, since Ridley would be capable of carrying his load, but keep Ben in there and keep him clean. Flush down the Browns.
steelers1080
Footballguy
That, and it would be heartbreaking if we lose to the Browns and the Pats lose to the Jets...
ThaPenguin
Footballguy
Appears it is Landry Jones time.
Ben, Bell, Pouncey, and Heyward sitting.
Ben, Bell, Pouncey, and Heyward sitting.
Cheesedawg
Footballguy
So who gets 20 touches out of the backfield? Fitz or Ridley?
JoeSteeler
Footballguy
Gilbert claiming he never said that
UPDATE (4:38 PM) On Twitter, Gilbert says he did not say that to Benz.
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
Line opened at - 14, had dropped to - 11 1/2 as sharps assumed this might happen. After Gilbert's comments, all the major books took it off the board. Wynn just put it back up at PIT - 7.
Bossman
Footballguy
I would think that any player who thought he still had gas in the tank would want out ... with the lack of playing time and likelihood of not making the playoff roster.
best way to facilitate getting cut before season end is to become a locker room distraction I guess.
Precedent was set by Tomlin with Blunt causing problems due to lack of playing time. Ended with the exact same result. Then Bell got hurt. Go figure.
Would be pretty ironic if Dupree or TJ go down with injury now.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Sure if you become such an a whole that a team releases you then you might be able to get what you want.
i wish the Steelers would have suspended him for the rest of the year but I guess they needed the roster spot and didn’t want to cut someone that wanted to be there.
So in the end Harrison got what he wanted but a whole lot of people found out that he is a Richard. Obviously didn’t matter to him and that’s cool but if he ever comes back to Heinz Field I will boo him lustily.
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Bojang0301
Omar4Heisman
Why would you exert the effort to boo the man? Don’t forget in his prime he carried the defense on his back. His 100 yard interception in the Super Bowl is something I’ll never forget. Amazing moment
steelers1080
Footballguy
He won us a Super Bowl. He could wipe his ### with a terrible towel, and I still wouldn't boo him.
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
I am in no-way-shape-or-form mad at either the front office of Harrison.
James is one odd person. He deals with situations and handles himself in a way that is quite unique.
I dont wish him any professional football luck now, but personally I hope for the best for him as I really ####ing enjoyed his Steeler legacy.
James is one odd person. He deals with situations and handles himself in a way that is quite unique.
I dont wish him any professional football luck now, but personally I hope for the best for him as I really ####ing enjoyed his Steeler legacy.
Bossman
Footballguy
I like that analogy.
Funny to read the Steelers fans posts saying how bad of a player he had become and the Patriots fans saying that he'll make a game winning play in the playoffs.
I think the truth lies somewhere in between.
Patriots LB's are a hot mess right now.
Not one LB that anyone has heard of. Bunch of late draft picks / practice squad type players ... other than that other old man that was cut by NYJ, David Harris ... who rarely sees the field and when he does is non-existent.
Harrison, at his advanced age, wasn't a better option than Dupree or Watt ... but Pats fans are feeling that he is a better option than the poo they have on the field now.
(at least pass rush wise).
As far as learning a new defense, I don't think he'll be asked to do much different in the NE 3-4 that hid did in the PIT 3-4.
I think Harrison will get some game time, although he'll be motivated, I'm not expecting him to make a huge impact.
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BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
“Edge defender T.J. Watt has dropped into coverage on 154 of his defensive snaps this year, which is the second-most among all edge-defenders. When in coverage, he’s been targeted 17 times and he’s logged four pass breakups, one interception and allowed a passer rating of 34.7, all of which are the best marks among edge defenders this year.”
This is a good read by Bob Labriola of Steelers.com about Harrison and why he was cut -
http://www.steelers.com/news/labriola-on/article-4/Labriola-on-Steelers-Harrison-breakup/0a68c00a-6109-4cd5-9d46-f2fa7f6d934e
http://www.steelers.com/news/labriola-on/article-4/Labriola-on-Steelers-Harrison-breakup/0a68c00a-6109-4cd5-9d46-f2fa7f6d934e
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
I was going to post a similar synopsis, but this covers it far better than I could have.
I really don't blame Harrison for wanting out, but he didn't need to go Costanza on the Steelers. He did everything but cool his feet in the soft serve machine in the cafeteria and bust the Greene #75 jersey out of its Hall of Honor display case and eat strawberries in it. Just not the way to go about things. I might not have been shocked to see that from Martavis, but not a 39 year old supposed team leader. If getting meaningful snaps in the playoffs is worth more to him than his lasting legacy in Pittsburgh, that's no one's decision but his and I respect that. However, the way he seemingly went about it is puerile and petulant and I do believe he'll live to regret that, whether he ever admits it or not.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Sure it was an amazing moment and Harrison had many for the Steelers. I was at the game and it is play I will never forget. That's what makes his recent antics so disappointing. He was being paid good money and he owed it to the team to be professional regardless of how much or little he played.
I just can't root for someone that purposely neglected his job and let down his team. Harrison was a great player in his day but he chose a bad way to end his Steelers career which obviously doesn't mean much to him.
Cheer for him if you want but I lost all respect for the man.
SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
I won't defend his recent comments. EG is correct to label them childish and hurtful.
Something is amiss here....referring to his narrative where he was repeatedly told he would get playing time versus third party narratives that he was outplayed in practice and didn't earn game time. Was the real situation that his value was as depth in the event better players got injured? And if so why did he get so pi$$ed off? I fear Joey and Mike may not have been being truthful with him as to his role. I guess we'll never know the whole story.
I'd like to say that Steelers fans should remember him for all his contributions, but to be transparent I still hate Clemons and Boggs for putting on the Yankee uniform.
apalmer
Footballguy
Probably somewhere in the middle--it's likely everyone expected him to play more, but: (a) Watt played much better than they expected a rookie to; and (b) Harrison hit the inevitable cliff that age brings more suddenly than they expected when they signed him. Add them together and T.J. gets a lot more reps at Harrison's expense.I won't defend his recent comments. EG is correct to label them childish and hurtful.
Something is amiss here....referring to his narrative where he was repeatedly told he would get playing time versus third party narratives that he was outplayed in practice and didn't earn game time. Was the real situation that his value was as depth in the event better players got injured? And if so why did he get so pi$$ed off? I fear Joey and Mike may not have been being truthful with him as to his role. I guess we'll never know the whole story.
I'd like to say that Steelers fans should remember him for all his contributions, but to be transparent I still hate Clemons and Boggs for putting on the Yankee uniform.
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
Watt hit the ground running. That's part of why I was banging the drum for him before the draft, but I think his ability to absorb the scheme and make an impact from day 1 exceeded the coaches' expectations. Add to this the fact that the defensive scheme is evolving and the OLBs are being asked to drop into coverage FAR more often than in past seasons, and Harrison was basically becoming a dinosaur. I'm sure they wanted him around as a mentor and a guy that could play a few downs as well as in case of an injury, but that's not what he signed up for.
That's why I don't blame him for wanting to play elsewhere and he must have thought that acting like a 3 year old was the only way to achieve that. It worked, so congrats. Clearly, it was more important to him to end his career on the field than to be a Pittsburgh legend because he forfeited the latter. Just makes me want a win over NE and another Lombardi even more now. I don't want to see him get rewarded for throwing a temper tantrum.
I don't hate him and I would never boo him. I'm not mad at you, James, just disappointed.
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
I think this will change and have Watt chasing QBs all the damn time next year. He needed to develop more rush technique, but his instincts and athleticism were off the charts and easily utilized in coverage.
