Harrison today

[Stryker]

Woodson still wanted to play CB which is why he had to leave Pitt. He was pretty much done as a CB. He went somewhere else (SF maybe?) and was mediocre and then transitioned to Safety. If he would have played Safety for the steelers he probably would have played his whole career there.

Vrabel was a different situation. He was a conversion project who was nothing special on the steelers. The Steelers had better OLBs and he wasn;t going to start so he left for NE. There he got better as a LB, but he's kind of overrated. He had a knack for making big pl;ays in games but he wasn't a great pass rusher. It would kinf od be like if the cut Chickillo now and he got good on his next team.

Correct on Woodson. Just a slight update to Vrabel.

Vrabel always showed promise. He was young and hungry and just played out his rookie contract. The decision is do you stay with Vrabel, or do you stay with Gildon who was our sack leader. The Steelers chose Gildon over Vrabel. This could have been a factor when the Steelers ended up choosing Harrison over Porter. Porter had years left, but Harrison was showing too much to be a backup.

 

[antdrewjosh]

Then why now? If JH was such a headache, why keep him all season long only to release him at the end of the year when only the Pats would want him. If they cut him after he looked good vs the Chiefs, i bet he gets picked up by somebody. Houston may have wanted him after they lost Watt and Mercilus.

I couldnt tell you Tape. Like i said its a danned if you do damned if you dont situation

 

[Ghost of Frenchy Fuqua]

...Then it was Cool Shades responsibility...

I have an easy New Year's resolution for you: Drop the "Cool Shades" slur.

It's gotten very old.

 

[Steelr4evr]

Does any of it matter at this point? He's gone. The only thing that matters now are the guys on the team who want to be on the team.

 

[Steelin]

It matters to me that a legend was so mishandled. I'm not in the majority though. I get that. Tomlin didn't mind letting JH waste on the bench. That IS bothersome. 13-3. Whatever.

 

[topseed]

Yeah, coverage be damned because damnit, I like James!!!

He doesn't play special teams, can't cover (which our OLB's now do 60% of the time)

There's that 60% coverage number again. BULLSHIT. I broke down Bud's coverage in the Ravens game, pal. Every snap. Dedicated most of a thread to it, in fact. He dropped in coverage 10 of a possible 31 times. That's 32%. Why do you and others insist on preaching 60% like it's gospel? YOU ARE FULL OF ****.

If you didn't watch Dupree's dropbacks, then don't comment on anything about his game today. He covers TE's, Clev TE's had two catches for 38 yards, one of those catches was for 34 yards, and Dupree was rushing the QB on that play. That was the play where he just threw Haden aside for another 15 yards. Kizer got 300 yards because he 4 passes that went for HUGE yardage because of the secondary miscommunicating. Kizer is a slippery guy, he managed to get out of at least 4 sacks today, one by Watt, one by Dupree, one by everyone (that fourth down scare at the end), and one on a run that was called back because of a hold.

Dupree isn't lighting the world on fire, but he isn't dog **** like most of you are saying either. He's a million times better than Jarvis Jones, and yes, at this point in their careers, with what this defense is asking the OLB's to do, he's better than Harrison too.

Dupree IS dogshit. He cannot rush the passer, he is invisible against the run, and your assertion "He covers TE's" is another BULLSHIT blanket statement. Of those 10 snaps I cataloged against Baltimore, he covered a tight end a grand total of 3 times. Bud rarely covers TE's; however, he does spend much of his time getting dominated by their blocks.

If I have some time this week, I'll go back through the Cleveland game and once again, snap by snap, disprove your BULLSHIT claims with a detailed report on another inept Dupree performance, this time during which he failed to register a single tackle. Pathetic.

 

[topseed]

Today's game showed why it was stupid to cut Harrison. Set aside the fact that he could have helped as a situational pass rusher for the steelers. The main problem is he immediately helps the Pats.

They were awful at pass rush. So what if JH can only play about 15 snaps. That will likely be 15 key passing downs where you now have to worry about a pass rush where before, you didn't.

It was so obvious that the Pats would pick him up. I know that sounds like hindsight but it's not in this case, It had such a high likelihood that the steelers never should have cut him.

Steelers say he was unhappy? Let him pout in a corner but don't essentially gift him to the Pats.

Agreed.

And, actually, Harrison played 34 snaps in his first game as a Patriot. 27 defensive snaps, and 7 on {gasp} special teams. Maybe insaniti should let Belichick know that Harrison "doesn't play special teams."

 

[topseed]

Harrison didn’t do **** that entire game. 2 sacks last 2 plays of the game. Total meaningless plays. Up that point 3 tackles. Not a factor in the game at all. It’s over now he plays for the lying cheating Pats, the same team that he called cheating *************. I loved him has a player, but lost a ton of respect for him after this ****.

Which meaningful plays did Bud have a sack or tackle on against the Browns? Oh wait, he didn't have a single one of either.

When was Bud a factor in the game? Oh wait, he was invisible. Again.

Hmmm, I thought Harrison could rush the passer another 500 times and not get a sack? Oh wait, we meant it doesn't count if it's against the Jets. And the "meaningful" one James had with the Steelers doesn't count because he "owns" that Chiefs tackle. Good thing the Chiefs aren't in the playoffs. Oh wait...


You people are amazing.

 

[steelhurt]

Not that he was cut midseason, but how did Cowher do with handling Rod Woodson? Or probably to a situation that was more relatable, for a guy who was under used and became a Pat star, Mike Vrabel?

What did I just say that it doesn’t matter who the coach would have been, Cowher or even Hoodie. I would be just as critical. It was handled poorly and Tomlin is the head coach.
The Woodson deal was a disaster poorly handled by Cowher at the time and it came back to bother us.
Vrabel at the time was an ok player that by all accounts should have been retained and again who was the coach at the time? Cowher!


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[steelhurt]

How much better could he have handled it. Harrison had been acting like a petulant child since training camp. We didnt hear a word about it. Leaving games we didnt hear a word about it. Sleeping in meetings we didnt hear a word
.. he kept his team focused and guided them to 13-3 despite that going on. I didnt even mention all the other drama we had.

Before you jump the gun and start firing off your reply’s without fully reading someone’s post, slow down first. You seem to always want to highlight Tomlin’s record and accomplishments and that’s not what this post is about.
It is about not handling the situation properly way before as you say James was acting like a child. When the man clearly was not happy in September and asked you for his release, that’s when you handle it properly. You be honest and tell him exactly his role or you release him. Don’t promise him 25% of the snaps and then deactivate him for 5 games and not even play him in most other games. This escalated from a man being lied to about his role. A man that has been a huge force and dominant player for this team for years. Tomlin made it worse until it became what it became. Again, Tomlin should have handled back in September.


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[steelhurt]

I have an easy New Year's resolution for you: Drop the "Cool Shades" slur.

It's gotten very old.

Why? What are you trying to say here? Oh, and I’m the only one that refers to him as Cool Shades’.
I get the feeling there’s a hidden agenda here with that comment.
Priceless!


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[SteelChip]

Correct on Woodson. Just a slight update to Vrabel.

Vrabel always showed promise. He was young and hungry and just played out his rookie contract. The decision is do you stay with Vrabel, or do you stay with Gildon who was our sack leader. The Steelers chose Gildon over Vrabel. This could have been a factor when the Steelers ended up choosing Harrison over Porter. Porter had years left, but Harrison was showing too much to be a backup.

I think Vrabel actually came into his own when Bellicheat moved him inside. He was OK on the outside but IMO him and Tedy Bruschi were a damned good tandem in the middle. That might be a consideration for Durpee,..... he sure isn't lighting it up where he is.

 

[steel dino]

Before you jump the gun and start firing off your reply’s without fully reading someone’s post, slow down first. You seem to always want to highlight Tomlin’s record and accomplishments and that’s not what this post is about.
It is about not handling the situation properly way before as you say James was acting like a child. When the man clearly was not happy in September and asked you for his release, that’s when you handle it properly. You be honest and tell him exactly his role or you release him. Don’t promise him 25% of the snaps and then deactivate him for 5 games and not even play him in most other games. This escalated from a man being lied to about his role. A man that has been a huge force and dominant player for this team for years. Tomlin made it worse until it became what it became. Again, Tomlin should have handled back in September.


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IMHO...As I mentioned before..

Joey Porter gets most of the blame on this fubar situation...

The position coach is the one that makes/recommends personnel decisions involving playing time, getting a helmet, etc....

There was a ton of "alpha male" **** going down between Joey, James, and Coach T since training camp....

And to be honest with yinz guys...I dont think Joey Porter should even be on the coaching staff...

 

[BAS]

Let's face it... Tomlin let an issue that began in training camp fester for nearly the entire regular season -- where Harrison had the "luxury" of NO playing time so he will be fresh for the playoffs -- where he'll be playing FOR the Patriots.

It's a major screw up... and you can only hope that this move doesn't bite the Steelers in the *** if it comes down to a Steelers@Patriots matchup for the AFCC -- which seems highly likely.

It's not the loss of Harrison that's the issue as the Steelers had regular season success without really playing him. But letting him go where he could sign with a team where he CAN and WILL make an impact is the issue.

 

[antdrewjosh]

And if Tomlin had cut Harrison in September and he signed with the Patriots what would be the difference between then and now. Nothing.

 

[steel dino]

And if Tomlin had cut Harrison in September and he signed with the Patriots what would be the difference between then and now. Nothing.

IMO--Tomlin should of resolved this situation and recognized we have a veteran player that could still provide value to the team if used properly.

If I was Tomlin...I would of had a Head Coach to Asst. Coach discussion and provided some G.O.D. (Good Orderly Direction) to Joey to resolve the issue..

As the HMIC...you have to intervene on rare occasions that require your leadership, and direct as needed..

 

[BAS]

And if Tomlin had cut Harrison in September and he signed with the Patriots what would be the difference between then and now. Nothing.

You assume that at that time the Patriots would have felt the need for picking up Harrison.
As the season wore on, there was a clear deficiency on the Patriots defense... but they seemed to have righted that ship after the first couple of games.

And IF the Pats had picked him up AND played him... MAYBE he wouldn't be on fresh legs for the playoffs. As it stands now, he's fresh AND hungry.

 

[antdrewjosh]

IMO--Tomlin should of resolved this situation and recognized we have a veteran player that could still provide value to the team if used properly.

If I was Tomlin...I would of had a Head Coach to Asst. Coach discussion and provided some G.O.D. (Good Orderly Direction) to Joey to resolve the issue..

As the HMIC...you have to intervene on rare occasions that require your leadership, and direct as needed..

I will respond to this when you post a link proving Joey Porter kept Harrison from playing..

 

[antdrewjosh]

You assume that at that time the Patriots would have felt the need for picking up Harrison.
As the season wore on, there was a clear deficiency on the Patriots defense... but they seemed to have righted that ship after the first couple of games.

And IF the Pats had picked him up AND played him... MAYBE he wouldn't be on fresh legs for the playoffs. As it stands now, he's fresh AND hungry.

Im not assuming anything if Tomlin had cut Harrison in September people woupd still be pissed.. obviously the only fix was to play him. Change the defense so he can play..

 

[BAS]

Im not assuming anything if Tomlin had cut Harrison in September people woupd still be pissed.. obviously the only fix was to play him. Change the defense so he can play..

No... in your 'cut in September' you specifically mention him getting picked up by the Patriots. Of course fans would be pissed.
I'm not pissed about him getting cut... I'm annoyed about the treatment he got from Tomlin through the season and disappointed with his reaction to it. Both sides handled his playing status poorly. There were certainly times where his being active and available on game day would have been a benefit, but you'd really have to look at the reasons why he was on the inactive list versus other players throughout the season.

 

[steel dino]

I will respond to this when you post a link proving Joey Porter kept Harrison from playing..

If my memory serves me well...
I recall several statements by Joey to the media that seem to indicate that Harrison would only get a hat if:

1. As last OLB available...i.e emergency situations.
2. Game plan required it
3. Will be used later in the season as attrition dictated, which is why they were keeping him "fresh".
4. need for James skills sets were required depending on how the game unfolded..

I also recall Joey making statements that went something like; "he knows what he signed up for"...and "James understands his role with this team"...

Sorry--not going to search for a link..

 

[antdrewjosh]

No... in your 'cut in September' you specifically mention him getting picked up by the Patriots. Of course fans would be pissed.
I'm not pissed about him getting cut... I'm annoyed about the treatment he got from Tomlin through the season and disappointed with his reaction to it. Both sides handled his playing status poorly. There were certainly times where his being active and available on game day would have been a benefit, but you'd really have to look at the reasons why he was on the inactive list versus other players throughout the season.

Because thats who he signed with so of course i used them as an example..but im not assuming anything. What treatment?? What makes Harrison above the team?? Youre not playing we like the versatility these guys bring to the defense. Harrison isnt the only backup who wants to play im sure.

 

[antdrewjosh]

If my memory serves me well...
I recall several statements by Joey to the media that seem to indicate that Harrison would only get a hat if:

1. As last OLB available...i.e emergency situations.
2. Game plan required it
3. Will be used later in the season as attrition dictated, which is why they were keeping him "fresh".
4. need for James skills sets were required depending on how the game unfolded..

I also recall Joey making statements that went something like; "he knows what he signed up for"...and "James understands his role with this team"...

Sorry--not going to search for a link..

And you think Joey came up with that all by himself..

Butler: Joey put James in

Porter: No

Butler: Put james in now

Porter: I said no

Butler to Tomlin: Can we put James in?

Tomlin: What did Joey say?

Butler: He said no

Tomlin: Then the answer is no

 

[slashsteel]

Bullshit. Harrison was the cancer, it wasn't both sides anything.Coaches distribute snaps how they see fit. If they think one person earns more then sobeit.

BTW cut him early he has a long time to adjust to a new scheme, now he has a short time. He has a short time to get his legs back if he even can too.

That Jet team was down to their third QB and was ready to hang em up.

Also we have Spence and Forte adjusting better to Shazier being out. As in more reps.

Antonio will be back in a rematch, as well as McDonald.

So we are left with what Harrison will do for them if anything.

I bet little to nothing.

Personally I would have suspended Harrison, like Bryant.

But the FO felt with his constant bitching, and need for a roster spot, it was time.

They cut out the Cancer, which is what you do before it spreads.

In this case unlike Bryant they felt at this stage of his career he wasn't worth the hassle.

It is what it is.

How anyone blames anyone besides the whiney ***** is head shaking.

You stay awake n the meetings and attend them. You tutor younger players. You STFU about playing time, you earn it.

Again **** a Deebo and his selfish prick attitude and **** his apologists too.

 

[BAS]

Because thats who he signed with so of course i used them as an example..but im not assuming anything. What treatment?? What makes Harrison above the team?? Youre not playing we like the versatility these guys bring to the defense. Harrison isnt the only backup who wants to play im sure.

Right now there's a 'he said, she said' about the whole thing. If Harrison expected to be playing part or full time -- was that because he was led to believe that from Tomlin and the coaching staff? Was he told directly that his role would be pure standby and they would like him assist in teaching the younger players? None of the general public knows.

Harrison seems to think that playing is the only contribution to a team that he's willing to do. So that indicates he doesn't place any value in mentorship as contributing to the team. That's on him alone.
The other thing he needs to remember is the team was working towards a defense where they could compete with the Patriots offense. His value is in setting the edge and rushing the passer from the outside. Brady KILLS the blitz from the outside -- it's been proven time and time again. Harrison is minimally effective against someone like Brady. If Harrison couldn't see that in the offseason, he was just deluding himself.