Can a toned down James Harrison still be an elite player?

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 10-08-2012, 04:42 PM

Soft is not the best term one could use to define James Harrison. It implies that he's not capable of being the tough player we've come to know and love over the years. Toned down is the more appropriate term I think in this case; or perhaps a "thinking mans" player is something Goodell I'm sure would be all over. Anyways...

So however you take his comments below, he's clearly got in the back of his mind the fines that would get tossed his way and possible suspensions. It's a far cry from the "I am who I am" mentality that has been such a part of his game so far. Can he still be the impact player this defense needs him to be?

I would say that he had a pretty decent impact yesterday against the Eagles without blowing up Vick, so all hope is not lost. I think we'll get a better idea in the coming weeks as situations arise where he has a clear shot on a receiver or running back; if he pulls up just a split second he could miss the tackle or worse take the wrong angle and end up fined anyhow.

Or, perhaps he's spent this entire offseason getting mentality prepared to continue to evolve his game into a more "fine friendly" manner.

Harrison appeared on a Pittsburgh radio show Monday morning and offered a reason as to why he did not do his Deebo routine on Vick.

“I was nervous. I thought he might duck his head, and I might hit him, and I can’t take no fines,” Harrison said on 105.9 The X. “I was worried more about the fine. If at the last second he ducks his head, ducks down and we make helmet-to-helmet contact, it’s the fault of the defender.”

If that is the case, what can a tamed James Harrison do for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Fines or no fines, bad reputation or not, Harrison’s willingness to perform as the bad guy has carried an aging Steelers defense for the past two years.

If he becomes guilty of thinking too much, he won’t play to his natural instincts which will impact his ability to play at a high level.

Nobody is saying that he should play dirty but Harrison’s gig relies on him playing mean. Playing mean comes with the understanding that the bad guy gets some dirt thrown his way. - PlayersView.net

**terrible.towel43** · 10-08-2012, 04:53 PM

he still was very effective in the game yesterday and laid a number of licks on Vick. I think James is fine, when the intensity ramps up later in the season we'll see the normal James

**LatrobePA** · 10-08-2012, 04:56 PM

Yes...

**SnakeEyes43** · 10-08-2012, 05:31 PM

I was happy the way he "lightly" hit Vick instead of leveling him.

**Nolrog** · 10-08-2012, 06:00 PM

Harrison's presence would be felt in getting pressure on the QB and bringing him down. The helmet-to-helmet thing is just a fact of the game today, that players need to adapt. Hit him lower, just above the knees or go in with your shoulder first, not the helmet. Harrison all too often led with his head, and that's where he got into trouble.

**Goodfrom55** · 10-08-2012, 06:04 PM

As long as he is healthy and out there, OC's have to plan for him; QB's have to know hwere he is. Yes he can still be a factor, just aim at the QB's ribcage with your shoulder and hammer swipe the ball loose.

**Stairwayto7** · 10-08-2012, 07:36 PM

I saw him hit Vick solid three times and that keeps all Qbs heads on a swivel. I think it opened things up for everyone else especially Timmons with a big game and Worilds had a descent game. Even the D line showed up. So Ill take this Harrison and when we need him he`ll be there its his first football in a year

**SteelerCountry58** · 10-08-2012, 10:38 PM

He'll be fine. Once he see's that he is gaining strength,the confidence and hitting will follow.
I really don't think he gives a rats ass what Goodell or anyone else in the top office says.
He's a nut job,you don't cure crazy.

**Real Deal Steel** · 10-08-2012, 10:58 PM

Harrison will be fine. As long as he stays healthy.

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 10-09-2012, 12:23 PM

As soon as he hits a Quarterback low or some other ball carrier and takes out their knees everybody will scream he's a dirty player again. He's never going to win no matter how he tackles, I just hope he can continue to evolve his game into whatever he wants it to be to avoid the fines but still be the impact guy we need him to be.

Vick definitely felt his presence in that game. I sure was nice to see him back out there, watching him shed a block, cut inside and come full speed at the QB is something you just don't get from anyone else on the team.