Back on September 5th, it looked like the playing career of Steeler linebacker James Harrison had come to an end. After a one-year stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, the 36-year old linebacker spent the off-season uncertain about his future. When a tryout with the Arizona Cardinals did not lead to a contract offer and the Steelers seemed content with moving ahead with second year player Jarvis Jones, Harrison made one last trip to Steelers headquarters to officially announce his retirement from the NFL.
However, when Jones was injured in a win against the Carolina Panthers in week three and was placed on long term IR, the Steelers suddenly had a void at linebacker.
That’s when Harrison’s brief stint as a retiree ended, and after Sunday night’s dominating performance against the Baltimore Ravens, you can bet the Steelers are glad it did.
In a performance that reminded many of the 2008 version that earned Harrison NFL Defensive Player of the Year, “Silverback” tortured Ravens QB Joe Flacco mercilessly, sacking Flacco twice and adding four pressures. One of those pressures helped force a second quarter interception by Jason Worilds that would set up the Steelers second TD of the game, and give the black and gold a lead they would never relinquish in a 43-23 victory.
This vintage performance was so good by Harrison that he earns the Pittsburgh Sporting News Player of the Week in spite of a record setting night by Ben Roethlisberger, and outstanding games from wide receivers Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. There’s no question Harrison earned the honor, and if he continues to play like he did on Sunday night, it might not be his last.
(Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
