Bryant versus Harrison

Bryant has had his issues this season complaining about his lack of opportunities. Most have been pretty hard on him for this.
What about Harrison though? On a couple occasions he's publicly voiced his displeasure in his playing time.
Most recently saying that he would have signed elsewhere if he knew this is how they were going to use him.
Isn't Harrison deserving of a little bit of our criticism?

 

he is but since he is deebo we let it slide lol. Complaining like that is not being a team player. I understand the frustration because of his passion, but we have a championship to win.

 

Yep, he sure is. The Steelers don't owe him anything. They gave him every opportunity to make a name for himself and he did just that, but it appears those days are gone. There's no loyalty in sports. Either you can play or you can't. If you can't, you don't deserve to be on the field.

My only question is, can he still play? He's lost a step for sure, but he can seal the edge far better than TJ Watt can. TJ Watt is a great player, but he doesn't yet have the size or strength needed. He gets pushed around a little bit. Harrison doesn't get pushed around. I also wonder if Harrison can rush the passer better than Dupree. I think there's a role for Harrison, but he's definitely not an every down player anymore and he needs to realize that

 

I love Harrison, but he's definitely not above some criticism.

 

I may know why.....

Hey Glenn, I told James you had something to tell him. He's really interested to hear it!

 

No, Harrison is an all time great for the Steelers - MB is nothing compared to Harrison.

 

He's publicly complaining about his playing time. Basically saying he regrets playing for the Steelers this year.
I tend to agree with Harrison regarding his playing time. But he still complaining about it publicly to the media. That's considered no-no.
All I'm saying is that if we're going to blast Bryant for speaking out then it's only fair to blast Harrison a little bit?

I personally don't care what either one of them said, i'm just questioning the double standard.

 

Hasn't Harrison earned a little bit of leeway though? He's paid his dues, so to speak. Bryant was gone for a year because he couldn't stop smoking weed. He let the team down, and then has the stones to complain about playing time. Harrison came back to the team, out of retirement, when the front office realized Jarvis Jones wasn't the answer.

 

IMHO, there's a strong background. Not just "people likes one of them and dislikes the other"

One of them has had on and off-field issues. Never produced a pro-bowl caliber season and underperformed each time he has been given an opportunity.
The other one was a DPOY, Probowler, clutch plays in crunch games, team leader and has stepped up several times when needed.

So, yes: Harrison gets a couple of mulligans at this stage of his career, close to the end.
Bryant needs to outplay his contract in order to be given another opportunity here (or somewhere else). Remember, also, that he's just one strike away from being banned for life.

 

Yeah here is the difference James Harrison is a Steelers legend. Something Martivus Bryant will never be.

Made arguably the 2nd best play in Steelers history with his Super Bowl play.
Also the team all time leader in sacks.
Was once a NFL defensive MVP of the year.

I think he's earned the right to pout for not getting playing time, and not look like a bad teammate.


Bryant is a bad teammate, through and through. Even skip past the drug suspensions, he through his own teammate under the bus on social media.

 

In my opinion, not even debatable.

 

I'm only echoing what others have said, but one is on his way out and has earned the right to comment. One is in the beginning of his career and hasn't earned squat! Neither are above anyone's criticism if you choose to do so. I don't have the heart to criticize James and MB just doesn't have heart!

 

There's this thing called reputational capital. James has it. Martavis doesn't. James has had a stellar career with the Steelers, he's the all-time sack leader, he's got a couple of Super Bowl rings, he made one of the greatest defensive plays in Super Bowl history to help the Steelers win the game. Martavis hasn't done squat in comparison. Now, I think Deebo is being a little delusional if he believes other teams were lining up to sign him in the off-season, but let him spout off if he wants to. He's earned it.

 

That sounds like something Tomlin would use at the podium...”reputational capital”.

 

This^

 

I don't think any player should air dirty laundry, but also see the two situations as being slightly different. Harrison was asked and gave an honest answer while Bryant and his girlfriend went on social media and ranted. In my opinion Harrison should consider himself lucky to be collecting a paycheck. I don't believe for a second that the coaching staff would have him on the bench/inactive if he was outperforming any of the other outside linebackers. He was an outstanding player for us for a long time, but this should be his last ride. You have to remember just because he's working out hard doesn't mean he hasn't slowed down or lost some of his explosiveness.

 

Very simple....Bryant really hasn't done much as a steeler aside from 8 games two years ago.....Harrison is the all time sack leader...been an intimidator on this defense for 10 + years...had one of the best plays in super bowl history......yup I'm giving him a free pass if he wants to ***** a little...he knows his career is coming to an end...And he is correct he should have been a situational pass rusher ALL season if he was availble

 

Play both and take the good with bad. I can almost bet thst the reward will be worth the trouble

 

So does it seem like Harrison's opinion is that Dupree is underperforming or that he didn't think Watt would be playing the way he has been playing? I ask because when Porter announced that they would roll Watt and Dupree as starters Harrison said he was fine with it, probably thinking that Watt would struggle sooner or later. Now here we are with him not being alright with it.

 

NOPE!!!!!!!

 

When we were desperate and needy and don't tell me he hasn't helped TJ and Bud! I am pretty sure he is a big help in the locker room and weight room to all the youngsters and if he opens up about playing time so be it.......