Ed: ‘Never Say Never’ On James Harrison Returning

[phillyesq]

We need a backup to Moats. HoJo can also play teams.

And that's exactly why you don't sign Howard Jones from the PS right now. Right now, the only OLBs on the roster are the oft-injured Worilds and Moats. You can't hide Howard Jones. You need somebody that can play, if needed.

Nobody is expecting James Harrison to play at his former DMVP level. I'm expecting that he'll be stout against the run and a solid rotational player.

[phillyesq]

James may be four steps too slow. If the young player needs help that's Butler and LeBeau's job. Or are they going to obstinately stick to their "we're not shortening the playbook for anyone" nonsense?

This isn't a first round pick we're talking about. This is an undersized athletic guy who didn't even play in a major college program. And a guy who, while athletic, needs to get stronger.

[legend of polamalu]

I love Harrison...but to preach next man up and still reach back into the past is two different messages your relaying to your team.
I told my wife when we saw Porter on the sideline...we need that man to suit up again (jokingly). Next man up means lets go Moats and HO JO your
promoted to our new Backup LB. Lets go!
Well with that said...Hope it works out and Harrison has a few sacks left in him.

[WindyCitySteel]

I'm expecting that he'll be stout against the run and a solid rotational player.

That would be great but if he could do that, why was he still unemployed?

Tunch and Labs spend fifteen minutes this afternoon telling a caller why they shouldn't sign James back.

"He's done. He lost his explosion years ago."

If we need him to play any real minutes we're in trouble.

[fordfixer]

Yep I've been saying it for hours now bring back James. You all are so lucky to have me here sharing my vast wealth of knowledge, and for free no less.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Last year in Cincy, he was horribly miscast in their 4-3 and not used properly. The year before in Pittsburgh, he wasn't himself due to injury. While he'll never be his former DMVP self again due to age, he can still be a useful piece for rotational depth on D like DA Beard, who is the same age as Deebo. He knows this defense and can be a solid contributor, even if he isn't necessarily a dynamic playmaker anymore. Would anyone suggest cutting Keisel right now in favor of promoting UDFA practice squadder Josh Mauro instead? I'd draw a similar parallel between Harrison and Howard Jones. HoJo and Mauro may be better players for us in the future based upon learning from Keisel and Harrison every day.

[NJ-STEELER]

Not me.... I like what I saw in Ho Jo but why rush him? I think Ho Jo is going to be oir next great LB but it wont be this year.

yeah, i agree he's not ready yet.

if they did activate hojo can they bring soo'oto with him

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Last year in Cincy, he was horribly miscast in their 4-3 and not used properly. The year before in Pittsburgh, he wasn't himself due to injury. While he'll never be his former DMVP self again due to age, he can still be a useful piece for rotational depth on D like DA Beard, who is the same age as Deebo. He knows this defense and can be a solid contributor, even if he isn't necessarily a dynamic playmaker anymore. Would anyone suggest cutting Keisel right now in favor of promoting UDFA practice squadder Josh Mauro instead? I'd draw a similar parallel between Harrison and Howard Jones. HoJo and Mauro may be better players for us in the future based upon learning from Keisel and Harrison every day.

(Ruth, does Ms. Ruth ever get frustrated that you are always so logical and so right all the time?)

Anyway, what he said!

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Last year in Cincy, he was horribly miscast in their 4-3 and not used properly. The year before in Pittsburgh, he wasn't himself due to injury. While he'll never be his former DMVP self again due to age, he can still be a useful piece for rotational depth on D like DA Beard, who is the same age as Deebo. He knows this defense and can be a solid contributor, even if he isn't necessarily a dynamic playmaker anymore. Would anyone suggest cutting Keisel right now in favor of promoting UDFA practice squadder Josh Mauro instead? I'd draw a similar parallel between Harrison and Howard Jones. HoJo and Mauro may be better players for us in the future based upon learning from Keisel and Harrison every day.

(Ruth, does Ms. Ruth ever get frustrated that you are always so logical and so right all the time?)

Anyway, what he said!

[Captain Lemming]

Last year in Cincy, he was horribly miscast in their 4-3 and not used properly. The year before in Pittsburgh, he wasn't himself due to injury. While he'll never be his former DMVP self again due to age, he can still be a useful piece for rotational depth on D like DA Beard, who is the same age as Deebo. He knows this defense and can be a solid contributor, even if he isn't necessarily a dynamic playmaker anymore. Would anyone suggest cutting Keisel right now in favor of promoting UDFA practice squadder Josh Mauro instead? I'd draw a similar parallel between Harrison and Howard Jones. HoJo and Mauro may be better players for us in the future based upon learning from Keisel and Harrison every day.

I would go further. The Harrison of 2012 was STILL BETTER than ANYTHING we have see at OLBer since. The last game he played as a Steeler was better than a anything our current crew is capable of doing. In decline he was STILL the best run stopping 3/4 OLBer IN THE LEAGUE and far better than a one sack rookie as a pass rusher.

[papillon]

One of the pregame shows last night reported that Harrison had been contacted by the Steelers or contact was imminent.

Pappy

[WindyCitySteel]

I would go further. The Harrison of 2012 was STILL BETTER than ANYTHING we have see at OLBer since.

Nonsense. Worilds was better last year.

[WindyCitySteel]

A Steeler defense minus Ike Taylor and plus James Harrison is a minimal difference in age overall.

When Jones returns in November, who gets cut to make room, the 36-year old Harrison or a younger player?

[papillon]

When Jones returns in November, who gets cut to make room, the 36-year old Harrison or a younger player?

The player contributing the least to the success of the team.

Pappy

[WindyCitySteel]

The player contributing the least to the success of the team.

Pappy

How do you contribute if you never get a chance? Maybe we should cut Tuitt since he's not contributing with 10 snaps a game.