You might’ve gotten the impression that I was a bit concerned about the Patriots defense heading into January after my piece from this morning. For those reasons I welcomed the afternoon’s news of James Harrison signing with the team just days after his somewhat surprising release by the Steelers.
Source: the Patriots are expected to sign former Steelers LB James Harrison.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 26, 2017
I say somewhat because Harrison has played just 40 defensive snaps this season. We’re not getting the same guy who should’ve been the MVP of Super Bowl 45, but what we are getting is a guy who can give us three games of fire.
The Pats will likely get Harrison’s feet wet this weekend, and while they’re a gameplan defense, it’s easy to see him subbed in for Eric Lee who has played a hybrid OLB/DE role. When you look at two big areas the defense has struggled, pass rush and setting the edge, Harrison almost certainly has more to give than Lee.
He’s an experienced vet who’s played 19 playoff games and even chipped in with 2.5 sacks just last season. After a year where he’s been mostly rested, it’s not hard to believe Harrison will have something in the tank for three playoff games.
Despite the “players day off” sign in the background, teammates Tom Brady and James Harrison are spending time together at Gillette Stadium. pic.twitter.com/e6G8r7pDKq
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 26, 2017
Maybe they just sprinkle him in here and there, in some key moments, but really those 2.5 sacks this postseason would be really helpful. Then add in the bonus hate fire he’ll have flowing for the Steelers should the two teams meet again and this is an easy move to get excited about.
No, I don’t think this really has anything to do with Steelers intelligence either. The Pats know the Steelers inside and out at this point and any gamesmanship is much more about off-field than on-field if you know what I mean.
Harrison is a scary presence even if he’s slowed way down and with a playoff game on the line I feel far more at ease thinking about him making a big play than wondering if someone like Lee or another unproven rookie can do it.
It’s no guarantee that Harrison gives them one of those game changing plays, but it gives the defense more options at a critical position that currently has no depth.
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