James Harrison's future

If he misses a significant portion of this season maybe it's time for the Steelers let him go before next season. He is 34 and the last 2 years has had back and knee injuries and is making alot of money.

 

Agreed.

It's certainly something the organization is, I'm sure, paying close attention to.

He does seem to be breaking down. We saw what happened to Aaron Smith.

Not sure Carter or Worilds are ready to step in and fill that role full-time. Not sure Timmons would be better moved to the outside either.

 

FTS is correct in that the question is really: are we better off we who we have behind him? Which would make me say: maybe, but definitely not this year.

The reason he's making a lot of money is because he is one of the most terrifying LBers to play the game today, and some things are worth paying for.

 

We tried that last year and it didn't work. He's much more reliable on the inside. If one of our younger guys can't step in then we're in some trouble.

 

I've yet to see him miss a game due to his back or knee, and even when he's playing hurt he's an elite player in the league. All this last year at the age of 33. If he's still elite -- or even very good -- at the age of 34, why would we expect him to fall to pieces at age 35? Let's see how this season plays out. If he's even close to as good as he was last year, there's no reason to not let him come back again.

 

I would never let a chronological (#) age be the determining factor of anyone's effectiveness. I realize society does but that is a mistake, IMO.
Rather, I would let the individuals actual performance be the judge. So, in regard to JH, let's see how he does this year and what if any of his injuries and body aches play a role in his and the teams over all performance.

This could be a pivotal year for him, IMO.

 

This is why we should've draft one of the linebackers from Alabama. We could've waited for Adams

 

He's not missing games do to those "injuries". He missed games last year to a broken eye socket. That's it. He played in all 16 games except 2006, 09 and last year (Eye socket). As far as I can see he's not slowing down like Porter was. He's been nursing a water on the knee, but has gotten surgery this off-season to correct that. Expect the future replacement to be drafted or acquired this off-season. 10-13 years as an OLB is around average.

His funny interview about it:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... s-sort-of/

 

This is why we should've draft one of the linebackers from Alabama. We could've waited for Adams

 

Which linebacker? You would have passed on DeCastro? Or traded waaaay up for Upshaw? 22 spots, to be exact.

Adams was a steal where we got him and never would have made it to our next pick, or out of the 2nd round. By moving up to get Upshaw, we not only would have lost Adams, we'd probably have lost our 3rd round pick too.

 

He didn't miss any time last year because of back or knee injuries. He missed time because of a suspension and a broken orbital bone (freak injury). Before that, he hasn't missed time since he started in 2007. I don't think it is fair to him to kick him to the curb so quickly.

 

i agree. one of those years he was DPOY. he didn't start until he was almost 30. he doesn't have that much milage on him. troys been out much more than james. upshaw couldn't carry JH's jockstrap. woodley missed more time last year.

 

From what I understand JH has been dealing with this knee issue for quite some time. Isn't it possible he might play better than before once it is fixed. I really believe you have to wait and see how a guy does before you count him out.

 

James has been a great Steeler but his age and back/knee issues means this will likely be his last year with the team unless he's willing to take a big paycut.

 

i agree. it may have been a minor cleanup. teams still can't block this guy unless they hold him. he said he had his stregnth back now. the back could actually just be getting back to where it was. it takes time and playing this game didn't speed up his rehab of it. get this knee cleaned up and he could be feeling pretty good come time to start the season. (news flash-- peyton this is not good news for you) he's not farrior at 35, he's got alot less wear and tear.

 

Wasn't it just a year or two ago that everyone was braggin about the fact that JH was not used up because he was like30 before he was a starter? Now he's done? Glad you're not running the team!

 

These were my thoughts exactly when I read this post the FIRST time.

We already passed on Hightower(RIGHTFULLY so) in RD1 to take DeCastro. Than in RD2 you want to move up around 20 spots to take Upshaw??? REALLY??????????

 

When you respond to posts before I do...9 times outta 10 it makes it easy for me to just quote you and say you took the words outta my mouth again, haha.

 

Exactly. He's said besides this minor knee issue...he's healthier than he has been in a number of years. That could be scarey if thats true, haha.

And to go back to the OP about cutting him this year? Umm...that would be stupid...not for just the already mentioned reasons, but they would still have to pay him however many millions he's supposed to make this year, so why not keep him on the team and not flush that money down the drain. Even if he by some odd chance declined some (which I dont see happening this coming year)...he would still be worth it. Now i will say next year...depending on their cap situation and such...who knows...he's supposed to make like 10+ mil or something next year...so it could be a cap thing if it even happens.

 

I'm with everyone that stated letting the season play out first. With his salary, he might be willing to restructure to help us out cap wise but I see us adding outside linebacker to our draft needs.

 

I think this basically sums it up.

 

I`m with ya... I have been very concerned that he wasn`t taking reps, in ota`s, or camp, but at least, now, I know why.
And as far as the link...Yeah, that`s just who he is.
A man of few words...
Lets his play do the talking.
Last time he tried to speak his mind... "I try to hurt people, not injure them"... "I wouldn`t piss on goodell to put him out, if he was on fire"... etc...
How did that work out for him?
I don`t think it`s "funny"... I just take it as he`s "learned his lesson", that speaking his mind, brings him nothing but trouble.
Which is a Damn shame, but it is what it is...
So, now, he will just shut up, and hit people all the harder...
GO James!!!
And, I don`t mean this as a cheap shot, JackAttack, because I think like you do, I think, but...
Would you rather have him talk crap, or take his anger out on the opposition?!?!

 

You didn't find it hilarious? I can just imagine Ed Bouchette sitting there with that "really?! That's all I'm getting?" look on his face.

 

I forgot to mention, that i loved his answer to Cowher`s question, about, "what would you do if Ed Reed(Or one of the Raven`s star players, I think it was Reed), was broke down on the side of the road, on your way to this game?"
It was before one of our playoff games against them, probably a Division Championship, to see who went to the Superbowl that year... Cowher interviewed Ben, Ward, and Harrison, maybe othr players, I don`t remember, as an analyst for CBS, or FoxSports...
I don`t remember Ben`s answer, but I think he pretty much laughed, and said "I`d leave him there"...
Ward, laughed, and said something like " I`d give him a ride in the back of my truck", (Or he might have said "I`d flip him the bird and keep drivin`", I don`t remember for sure...
What I DO remember, Is that Harrison, never cracked a smile. He answered Immediately, and Seriously..
"I`d Give him a ride to the stadium, and make sure he had all his pads with him"...
"I Don`t want any excuses when we beat them... I want to beat them at their best, with all of their players."...
THAT, is why I love SILVERBACK!!!!!
No excuses, no bull****, and not afraid to tell it like it is!... If he has learned to keep his mouth shut, it`s a shame, but at least he still does it with attitude!
Got his point across with one word answers, and I`m pretty sure he wasn`t trying to be "funny", by doing it that way... He Is a deadly serious linebacker... and if he has a sense of humor... he doesn`t show it on the field!
The video I was talking about is on youtube, I just don`t feel like looking for it right now.
It might even be in the "Favorite Steeler Media" thread on here... OK...
I`ll go look... cuz it is WAAAAYYY cool! And if I find it, I will post the link here. Good interview, period, but the intensity of Harrison, is AWESOME!
Edit, it was Terrell Suggs... but this is still a VERY cool clip. I found it..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0S7kd9ZhHY

 

Barring any serious injuries, Silverback will finish his
contract out a PGH Steeler.He is better at 50% than most LB's
are at 100. Its a shame the NFL will not call holding, because he gets held 75%
of every game.