Last night we were given the news per Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the Pittsburgh Steelers and James Harrison would reunite one more time. This of course, came after rumors swirled after an Instagram video showed Harrison asking his children if it might be ok to come back and “play one more year.”
Just mere days after Harrison officially retired a Steeler, he’s back. Harrison will rejoin the team today, and immediately begin preparations for Sunday’s game at home versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The reasons behind it came in a disastrous 10-play span where the Steelers lost three defensive starters, including starting right outside linebacker Jarvis Jones. Jones is expected to miss a minimum of eight weeks after being placed on the injured reserve/expected to return list after having surgery yesterday to repair a broken wrist.
Jones, who has had some growing pains so far early in his career, ironically was injured making an impact play Steeler fans became so accustomed to when it was Harrison manning that same position.
Unfortunate luck for Jones. An unexpected, golden opportunity for Harrison.
The question now becomes, at 36, can Harrison come out of retirement and make an impact for the Steelers defense?
When the Steelers and Harrison parted ways after the 2012 season, it was believed that the 2008 AP Defensive Player of the Year and two time All-Pro was nearing the end of his career. Harrison would sign with the Cincinnati Bengals, and start 10 games for the division rival.
It was clear early on that the Bengals 4-3 scheme was not a good fit for Harrison, as he was asked to do things from his linebacker position that did not accentuate his strengths. Specifically, Harrison was asked to play more in pass coverage and in space, instead of doing what he did best in the Steelers 3-4 scheme, line up on the edge, and go get the quarterback.
With the opportunity to once again play in a scheme that Harrison thrived in, registering double digit sacks totals for three straight seasons 2008-10, the Steelers will look for Harrison to dig into his old bag of tricks one more time in their time of need.
The biggest immediate concern might be the fact that Harrison has not had the pads on in nearly a year. Without any camp or practice with the Steelers until now, one has to wonder how is body will hold up once the hitting begins, especially once the games start and you have limited numbers of linebackers at your disposal on game day.
Arthur Moats gives them a veteran who should be able to help Harrison transition back slowly, and can split reps with Harrison as he gets back into game shape. Moats did have a sack Sunday against the Panthers, and has starting experience during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills.
However, Harrison was brought back because the Steelers hope that he can be an upgrade, potentially a significant one, over a player like Moats. If Harrison can stay healthy, there is certainly reason to believe he can make an impact and be a disruptive force rushing the passer and assisting in defending the run.
If nothing else, Harrison is well respected in the Steelers locker room. He will bring experience, confidence and an edge to the Steelers defense that we saw glimpses of Sunday night in Carolina. With players like Troy Polamalu, Brett Keisel, and once back, Ike Taylor all potentially in their final year as Steelers, this might be a chance to put together once last stand with their beloved defensive coordinator, the great Dick LeBeau.
It might also be the last go around for the 77-year old LeBeau, so he has to be loving the chance to give it one more go with Harrison, a player that LeBeau helped become one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL.
Age and health will be major concern when it comes to Harrison, but if he can stay healthy, there’s a very good chance he can make an impact on the field. Just having him back should give the Steelers an emotional boost, and bring an energy to the fans who are excited to have No. 92 back on the field in a Steeler uniform.
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
