James Harrison Rejuvenating Career And Pittsburgh Steelers’ Defense
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The Pittsburgh Steelers were desperate. They lost starting inside linebacker Ryan Shazier and outside linebacker Jarvis Jones in the Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers, so they took a chance and brought back a staple of their recent Super Bowl teams. James Harrison came back a little overweight, but now he’s a heavy hitter for the Steelers’ defense once again.
He turned it up for Sunday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens, recording seven tackles and two sacks. He also had two tackles for loss, continuing to be more than just a pass rusher. He was in Joe Flacco‘s face all night, and is bringing back the “edge” that the Steelers’ defense was sorely missing early this season.
In five games since he re-signed with the Steelers, Harrison has 17 tackles and four sacks. It has taken the 36-year-old some time to get back into game shape, but Harrison, a known gym rat, has dropped 14 pounds and looks like he did 10 years ago. He’s been a beast over the last two games, recording all four of his sacks. He had two against the Indianapolis Colts and two against the Ravens. The team is starting to generate pressure like they used to, and it has led to creating four interceptions in the past two games.
Harrison was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008; he made five Pro Bowl appearances, and has won two Super Bowls, recording the longest interception return for a touchdown (100 yards vs. Arizona Cardinals) in Super Bowl history. He has 70 career sacks, six interceptions and 29 forced fumbles.
Move over Marshawn Lynch, this is Harrison’s beast mode and he’s ready to roar. The Steelers couldn’t be happier, and the AFC North had better be ready for No. 92 to bring the heat each and every week.
Nate Vandergrift is a sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter@natevandergrift, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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