View topic - Harrison is an All Time Great

[DirtDawson Profile]

In loo of everything that's gone on this week, I had a moment to self reflect on some old James Harrison film.


It made me think of all of the great outside linebackers Pittsburgh has had over the past decades. If you look at the very best guys who played the position for this franchise, and I'm talking specifically in a 3-4 system, where OLB roles tend to differ pretty drastically...


Gregg Lloyd
Kevin Greene
Jason Gildong (yes he was very good at one point)
Joey Porter

I know i'm forgetting some others from the modern era, but here's the point.


Out of any of the linebackers to play OLB for the Steelers, nobody's come close to the impact and performance, consistently from week to week, since the day he's been allowed to start, than James Harrison.

If anyone disagrees with this, I welcome the debate.


I've seen the Steelers play, and the tandems of great linebackers that have come through the franchise for the past several decades. And while many of them have had monsterous games or seasons, I don't think i've ever seen someone come close to the consistent disruption and high level of play, game after game, that James brings. And I KNOW this sounds subjective but it really does feel this way just watching him and comparing him to my memories of those past.

Want to look at the stats? James Harrison is the all time single season sack leader for the franchise. That's just the start.

He's also second highest in the franchise for the sack total from their first three regular seasons as a starter (34.5), only Kevin Greene holds a higher total (35.5).

He's also only one of two players in the modern era of the franchise to win NFL defensive MVP, the other being Rod Woodson.




Anyways, short rant. James Harrison in my opinion, is the best inside linebacker the modern franchise has seen, and some can argue that it's by a decent margin.


I know it's redundant and obvious to state all this, but I do it simply to encourage you guys to enjoy him while he's still at his physical peak. We're watching a player who people will look back on has an all time great. Trust me on this.