Wondering about James Harrison

[swissvale72]

James has got maybe 8 games left in that body- want to waste it on what is basically the warm-up part of our season? Last year the Dude spent over 300k just so he could get his body right to play last year. If we need Silverback to come in and save the season- then we have bigger problems. James is fine, the decision is the right one, and by week 10 we will all be asking (foolishly) if James can play another year- er half a year

We know this how??

[R_S]

James has got maybe 8 games left in that body- want to waste it on what is basically the warm-up part of our season? Last year the Dude spent over 300k just so he could get his body right to play last year. If we need Silverback to come in and save the season- then we have bigger problems. James is fine, the decision is the right one, and by week 10 we will all be asking (foolishly) if James can play another year- er half a year

We know this how??

So at this pace he will have used half of a game , of those 8 he has left by the end of year.

[R_S]

They believe the other guys are better...hmmm

I actually think the snaps are going to Chickillo so they can see what they really have (and Porter REALLY liked Chickillo).

That's no excuse and no explanation for why Harrison didn't play against CHI when Chickillo was struggling. Especially when you realize guys were gassed at the end of the game in which Harrison had 0 snaps. Knowing Tomlin, he didn't even realize Harrison didn't get in.

I absolutely believe that.

[zeke5123]

JH is 40.

I think some of you may be overestimating his impact at this point.

There is one logical explanation for why he’s not playing...
They believe the other guys are better...hmmm

Harrison had the 2nd highest pressures per snap in the entire NFL last year.

And one could still believe that Deebo fell off a cliff because age...except he looked pretty damn good in the preseason. So all recent publically available evidence suggests Deebo is still a quality LB; at least better than Chick.

[Thrillsseeker]

Thanks for the replies.

I didn't know he was sick last week.

Anxious to see this unfold.

[Donnie Brasco]

Again, if they are "saving him". Then why did he fucking dress the first few games?

Makes zippo sense

[Jobu]

Again, if they are "saving him". Then why did he fucking dress the first few games?

Makes zippo sense

Backup long snapper...

[Legacy User]

I think Harrison plays out his contract and retires after winning his 4th Lombardi next year.

[StillMadAtSlobber]

I think Harrison plays out his contract and retires after winning his 4th Lombardi next year.

For some reason, I have his count at 2.

Did I forget his Bungles or his Felons ring?

[Baltostiller]

I think Harrison plays out his contract and retires after winning his 4th Lombardi next year.

For some reason, I have his count at 2.

Did I forget his Bungles or his Felons ring?

One this year 2017 and one next year 2018, the end of his contract.

[Kodiak]

Again, if they are "saving him". Then why did he fucking dress the first few games?

Makes zippo sense

Backup long snapper...

That would be hilarious....if it wasn't most likely true.

[Scunge]

Harrison had 5 sacks in his last 8 games to close out the season, and then had 2.5 sacks in the 3 playoff games, so 7.5 sacks in his last 11 games, along with his strong play against the run. Now, I am supposed to believe that he is over the hill, washed up, can't play anymore this season?

Still don't understand what Art Moats is doing that he is playing over Harrison. The special teams nonsense is overstated, Moats is mostly a blocker on STs, not like he plays on all the units and is indispensable. And Moats isn't the best example of how to show the younger OLBs how to play the run. The best way for Chickillo to see how to better set the edge against the run is to watch the master. If they had taken Chickillo out against Chicago and inserted Harrison in for a few series, he would have seen how to better handle the run.

I will say this too, say what you want about Chickillo and Vince Williams, but I fear those two are poor replacements for Harrison and Timmons in terms of playing the run.

To me it seems like there were words between Harrison and Joey Porter, and Porter being the position coach won and now Harrison is in some sort of dog house. And Tomlin is deferring to Porter naturally.

[steelmann58]

I agree chick can't play the run as good as James and it should be able to get him 10 snaps

[Legacy User]

James has got maybe 8 games left in that body- want to waste it on what is basically the warm-up part of our season? Last year the Dude spent over 300k just so he could get his body right to play last year. If we need Silverback to come in and save the season- then we have bigger problems. James is fine, the decision is the right one, and by week 10 we will all be asking (foolishly) if James can play another year- er half a year

We know this how??

Fact is we don't need James right now. That gave him a hat for the first couple of games to make sure he's not needed. Let's be real, our division sucks this year. We could effectively clinch the playoffs if we get to 9 wins by week 12. This team can make the playoffs without James making a contribution to that push. We don't need him out there soaking up run plays against the bums of the league and dinging his shoulder and triceps. Those injuries limited his effectiveness at the close of last season. We need his plays to matter during games that matter because human physiology says that James' time in this league is nearing an end. Having an extremely fresh James Harrison during a PLAYOFF push could be a game changer on a defense that should be top 5.

In the meantime, deal with Chick in the run game. The irony is some of ya'll said we could get by with him and Watt and get rid of Dupree. Now yinz are crying about James not playing. I think the run game with the three horses up front will be just fine

[R_S]

James has got maybe 8 games left in that body- want to waste it on what is basically the warm-up part of our season? Last year the Dude spent over 300k just so he could get his body right to play last year. If we need Silverback to come in and save the season- then we have bigger problems. James is fine, the decision is the right one, and by week 10 we will all be asking (foolishly) if James can play another year- er half a year

We know this how??

Fact is we don't need James right now. That gave him a hat for the first couple of games to make sure he's not needed. Let's be real, our division sucks this year. We could effectively clinch the playoffs if we get to 9 wins by week 12. This team can make the playoffs without James making a contribution to that push. We don't need him out there soaking up run plays against the bums of the league and dinging his shoulder and triceps. Those injuries limited his effectiveness at the close of last season. We need his plays to matter during games that matter because human physiology says that James' time in this league is nearing an end. Having an extremely fresh James Harrison during a PLAYOFF push could be a game changer on a defense that should be top 5.

In the meantime, deal with Chick in the run game. The irony is some of ya'll said we could get by with him and Watt and get rid of Dupree. Now yinz are crying about James not playing. I think the run game with the three horses up front will be just fine

Outside of Lynch, nobody said anything about running with Chickillo long term. So that's a major reach. That Chicago game was a perfect example of needing JH. Instead they let Chick get his shit pushed in over and over again. Leveon Bell was very fresh week 1 and it only took him 3-4 games to get back up to speed.

[Legacy User]

Outside of Lynch, nobody said anything about running with Chickillo long term. So that's a major reach. That Chicago game was a perfect example of needing JH. Instead they let Chick get his shit pushed in over and over again. Leveon Bell was very fresh week 1 and it only took him 3-4 games to get back up to speed.

There were a lot more problems in that game besides Chickillo. I'd say that we missed Tuitt more than we missed Harrison. On those long runs, RB pressed the hole at the A gap and cut back away from the strong side (Harrisons side). The next week the Ravens only got one of those.

RS you know the timing on the offensive side always takes longer than the defensive side. Bell is a unique player with a unique timing required between himself and the oline. Harrison just needs to play his assignment within his skill set (which is massive) and he taught all the people around him the timing on stunts and twists. I trust James to be where he's supposed to be and I don't need him getting in reps in October to prove it.

This team doesn't need James Harrison- right now. It needs a completely healthy James Harrison deeper in the season.

[Steelafan77]

Felt like these couple depth chart comments fell into this thread instead of starting a new thread.

Depth Chart observations.....

While Hunter is expected to get another start this week it does not bode well for Rogers. Why Heyward-Bey is so important for ST's is anyone's guess. I haven't seen Bey do anything noteworthy to date. Not entirely sure what Bey's contract status is but I believe that is part of the equation. Allowing Bey to play out his contract while Rogers refines his craft in practices. Rogers may be in roster bubble jeopardy not being a capable return man. That said, Bey does not return either. So right now the consensus is Hunter offers more as a WR than Rogers. Speed, Height and experience. One has to figure the Hunter signing has to produce since good money is being spent.

Also, something I have noticed kickoff returns have been Watson. Why? Watson is a 3 yard cloud of dust old school type plodding RB. How does any of his skill set prove him capable of return duties? Desperation and Smith being an all in type coach has more to do with it than anything else IMO. Although I love the hard luck story behind Watson I don't agree with him being all that capable as a returner. Watson is currently listed as #3 behind Conner and Bell At RB. Can anyone justify Watson returning kicks? Beuller?

[955876]

This team doesn't need James Harrison- right now. It needs a completely healthy James Harrison deeper in the season.

We need a healthy Le’Veon Bell deeper in the season too. That hasn’t stopped Tomlin from running his wheels off. Even in games that have played out in such a manner where it’s obvious to get the other backs some reps.

If there is a “master plan” to save Harrison for later, why isn’t or hasn’t this same logic been applied to the RB Tomlin & Haley run the entire offense through and has yet to be available for our last three season ending playoff losses?

I’m fine if the plan is to save him for later. But then why does he dress?

Tomlin seems to make headscratching personel decisions every year. Par for the course.

[bradshaw2ben]

There's a constant to this:

Joey Porter is the guy who coached Shaquil Barrett in college, yet didn't or couldn't convince the Steelers (desperately in need of edge players) to draft him or sign him as UDFA (rumor was Barrett wanted to come but Steelers refused to match Denver's cash offer of $10K).

Joey Porter is the guy who pronounced Jarvis Jones primed for a huge season and announced that Jones would start over Deebo.

Joey Porter is the guy who has consistently tried to push Deebo down and downplayed his success.

Joey Porter is the guy who announced the team wasn't going to rotate guys this year.

Joey Porter is the guy who didn't send Deebo into the game in Chicago.

[955876]

I didn’t realize in our organization the LB coach has full autonomy to make whatever decisions he pleases.

It must be nice to be ultimately responsible for everything yet in charge of nothing.

What decisions is Tomlin allowed to make?

[bradshaw2ben]

I didn’t realize in our organization the LB coach has full autonomy to make whatever decisions he pleases.

It must be nice to be ultimately responsible for everything yet in charge of nothing.

What decisions is Tomlin allowed to make?

Of course he doesn't... but the GM and HC and DC all say the position coaches have a lot of involvement in reviewing prospects, UDFAs, coaching the group, depth chart, and so on. They absolutely are in control of who goes in the game, during the game. Of course the HC & coordinator discuss this plan ahead of time and could be held accountable for not saying, e.g., "Why isn't Deebo in the game?"... but this is what position coaches do.

[955876]

So it’s actually been the RB coach not getting anyone else reps in the past. Got it.

Maybe someday Tomlin’s position coaches will finally push the right buttons. He is likely as frustrated as we get at times. Only so many hours in the day for him though.

[Steelafan77]

@SteelersPRBurt
#Steelers WR Martavis Bryant has been added to the team's injury report (illness). He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game vs. Jacksonville. https://twitter.com/@SteelersPRBurt

Really ODD!

Notice Gilbert is the only Steelers player listed as doubtful for Tomorrow. Until today. See above^ http://www.steelers.com/team/injury-report.html

[Legacy User]

@SteelersPRBurt
#Steelers WR Martavis Bryant has been added to the team's injury report (illness). He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game vs. Jacksonville. https://twitter.com/@SteelersPRBurt

Really ODD!

Notice Gilbert is the only Steelers player listed as doubtful for Tomorrow. Until today. See above^ http://www.steelers.com/team/injury-report.html

Hasn't the flu been nibbling at the team?

[swissvale72]

Outside of Lynch, nobody said anything about running with Chickillo long term. So that's a major reach. That Chicago game was a perfect example of needing JH. Instead they let Chick get his shit pushed in over and over again. Leveon Bell was very fresh week 1 and it only took him 3-4 games to get back up to speed.

There were a lot more problems in that game besides Chickillo. I'd say that we missed Tuitt more than we missed Harrison. On those long runs, RB pressed the hole at the A gap and cut back away from the strong side (Harrisons side). The next week the Ravens only got one of those.

RS you know the timing on the offensive side always takes longer than the defensive side. Bell is a unique player with a unique timing required between himself and the oline. Harrison just needs to play his assignment within his skill set (which is massive) and he taught all the people around him the timing on stunts and twists. I trust James to be where he's supposed to be and I don't need him getting in reps in October to prove it.

This team doesn't need James Harrison- right now. It needs a completely healthy James Harrison deeper in the season.

Kind of sick of hearing that losing to chicago didnt really matter. It wont matter only in the instance of tiebreakers

[DP39]

Felt like these couple depth chart comments fell into this thread instead of starting a new thread.

Depth Chart observations.....

While Hunter is expected to get another start this week it does not bode well for Rogers. Why Heyward-Bey is so important for ST's is anyone's guess. I haven't seen Bey do anything noteworthy to date. Not entirely sure what Bey's contract status is but I believe that is part of the equation. Allowing Bey to play out his contract while Rogers refines his craft in practices. Rogers may be in roster bubble jeopardy not being a capable return man. That said, Bey does not return either. So right now the consensus is Hunter offers more as a WR than Rogers. Speed, Height and experience. One has to figure the Hunter signing has to produce since good money is being spent.

Also, something I have noticed kickoff returns have been Watson. Why? Watson is a 3 yard cloud of dust old school type plodding RB. How does any of his skill set prove him capable of return duties? Desperation and Smith being an all in type coach has more to do with it than anything else IMO. Although I love the hard luck story behind Watson I don't agree with him being all that capable as a returner. Watson is currently listed as #3 behind Conner and Bell At RB. Can anyone justify Watson returning kicks? Beuller?

77, as far as DHB is concerned, the way I've heard it and I believe it was Haley that said..."DHB was an energy bringer...as was JuJu", so I guess that's why he's getting a hat. He's a decent gunner, but really, that's about it at this stage in his career. Watson, on the other hand, I have no idea why he's returning KOs. I would think JuJu or even Connor would even be better options, but who knows why we do what we do?

[955876]

Kind of sick of hearing that losing to chicago didnt really matter. It wont matter only in the instance of tiebreakers

Exactly. It does matter. A lot. Especially for a team that CLEARLY plays much worse on the road than at home. Even against the worst of teams.

Not to mention the number of times we’ve missed the playoffs or a bye week by coming up a game short.

[bradshaw2ben]

Kind of sick of hearing that losing to chicago didnt really matter. It wont matter only in the instance of tiebreakers

Exactly. It does matter. A lot. Especially for a team that CLEARLY plays much worse on the road than at home. Even against the worst of teams.

Not to mention the number of times we’ve missed the playoffs or a bye week by coming up a game short.

FWIW:
Career coaching records on the road:

Bill Belichick: .612 ___ 109-69
Mike Tomlin: .554 ____ 46-37
Mi McCarthy: .551 ____ 49-40
Pete Carroll.: .438 ____ 39-50-1
Jo Harbaugh: .432 ____ 32-42

[Legacy User]

Kind of sick of hearing that losing to chicago didnt really matter. It wont matter only in the instance of tiebreakers

Exactly. It does matter. A lot. Especially for a team that CLEARLY plays much worse on the road than at home. Even against the worst of teams.

Not to mention the number of times we’ve missed the playoffs or a bye week by coming up a game short.

FWIW:
Career coaching records on the road:

Bill Belichick: .612 ___ 109-69
Mike Tomlin: .554 ____ 46-37
Mi McCarthy: .551 ____ 49-40
Pete Carroll.: .438 ____ 39-50-1
Jo Harbaugh: .432 ____ 32-42

And lets be honest the cheats are a total sham...when you remove that obvious fraudulant outlier

Tomlin is the best road HC in the nfl. HA!

[955876]

One would think the “best road coach” would have more than 2 playoff wins on the road over the course of 10 seasons.

And one of those wins was hugely gifted when two idiots on the Bungles gave us 30 yards in penalties as time wound down.

I guess with more opportunities the win total would be higher.

If not for all those pesky losses to underdogs that kept us out of the postseason of course.

With the Chicago loss this year he’s already laying he ground work to play on wildcard weekend.

Advantage us I suppose. Unless of course there is some social, racial, or political drama the team needs to focus on prior to the game.