Steelers activate Gilbert; release James Harrison

[Patriot71]

Think so? I don't.

I will consider stat lines like yesterdays as big. We shall see?

[zulater]

You really think Belichick was leading Garoppolo on? You think Belichick told Garoppolo you're going to play 25% of the snaps just to keep him around like Tomlin told Harrison? C'mon man. Furthermore, Garoppolo is about to make a fortune. Yeah, Belichick really screwed him over.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puMpkrNqMps

I don't believe that's a given by any means. Going by how last season ended and factoring in this years draft Harrison might have assumed that would be his role.

And I'm not coming at this from a standpoint of attacking Harrison. I think the Steelers could have done a better job utilizing him.

[Bluecoat96]

Hey guys, can I play?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180101/31363e989283e31ceb3ad572046cc375.jpg

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

[pczach]

How is this going over your head? You tender a contract to a long time veteran on your team with the claim you play him around 25% of the snaps and/or breathers. He signs and is relegated to 5th on the forth chart. He is also denied reps in practice. Real classy. After all Harrison has done for the team he gets treated like some journeyman who never played in a game. I get it, you think that is great, but some people don't agree with you.

Sabotage? Wow, you live in fantasyland.

Nobody said it as required. It's called respect. I know that is a concept that is void in your world




Respect is supposed to be mutual. That's what you don't seem to understand.

If he was denied reps, it was because of his behavior. Who doesn't let players practice unless it's for disciplinary reasons? Did they just want him to be a worse football player?

Just let that sink in a little.

The Steelers kept this quiet and didn't suspend his ass and make him inactive for the entire year exactly because they respect him and wanted to protect him. When his antics continued, they decided it was better to just let him go.

And by the way, congratulations on being on the side of Patriots fans that are getting their rocks off trolling a Steelers message board with the same thoughts that you have.

Bravo.

[EzraTank]

Did Harrison play yesterday? If so, how did he do. I hope the Pats bench his old ass.

I refuse to watch that asshole team unless we're playing them. I wouldn't care if a bus full of AIDS run into them.

[Steeldude]

Respect is supposed to be mutual. That's what you don't seem to understand.

If he was denied reps, it was because of his behavior. Who doesn't let players practice unless it's for disciplinary reasons? Did they just want him to be a worse football player?

Just let that sink in a little.

The Steelers kept this quiet and didn't suspend his ass and make him inactive for the entire year exactly because they respect him and wanted to protect him. When his antics continued, they decided it was better to just let him go.

And by the way, congratulations on being on the side of Patriots fans that are getting their rocks off trolling a Steelers message board with the same thoughts that you have.

Bravo.

Yep, respect is mutual. The Steelers disrespected Harrison so he disrespected them in return.

It's irrelevant who agrees with me. It doesn't change anything. Anymore sophomoric nonsense?

Denied playing time in the beginning of the season. He asked for his release because they refused to play him. He asked again and again as they fed him bull about having a role. Harrison finally got fed up.

They should have released him from the start. It's not like he was in their plans. Moats and Chickillo were the 3rd and 4th LBs.

If denying him practice was for disciplinary reasons why didn't they say that? Kind of pointless to punish someone, but you don't tell them you are punishing them.

I guess it was respectful to keep him behind Jones for two years. Jones was painfully bad and it showed.

[BnG_Hevn]

He had at least 2 sacks, one a strip sack, both near the end of the game.

[ALLD]

I would have subbed Harrison for Dupree on several occasions, but who am I to say? Harrison might leave gaps, but he is a playmaker otherwise. Dupree is an average starter. It's apples and oranges, but I would not have let the situation deteriorate in the locker room. Tomlin can be stubborn at times.

[pczach]

Yep, respect is mutual. The Steelers disrespected Harrison so he disrespected them in return.

It's irrelevant who agrees with me. It doesn't change anything. Anymore sophomoric nonsense?

Denied playing time in the beginning of the season. He asked for his release because they refused to play him. He asked again and again as they fed him bull about having a role. Harrison finally got fed up.

They should have released him from the start. It's not like he was in their plans. Moats and Chickillo were the 3rd and 4th LBs.

If denying him practice was for disciplinary reasons why didn't they say that? Kind of pointless to punish someone, but you don't tell them you are punishing them.

I guess it was respectful to keep him behind Jones for two years. Jones was painfully bad and it showed.





Wow, back to Jarvis Jones again...

I guess 31 other teams disrespecting him by not wanting him multiple times is just fine now though....

Carry on.

And by the way, sophomoric nonsense is your delusional man-crush with Harrison and defending him in spite of his obvious breach to the code of conduct to the organization and to the locker room. He violated everything that is sacred in that locker room.

Since respect is mutual, where was his respect for his teammates?............Exactly..........He had none.

Thanks for playing.

[AtlantaDan]

You really think Belichick was leading Garoppolo on? You think Belichick told Garoppolo you're going to play 25% of the snaps just to keep him around like Tomlin told Harrison? C'mon man. Furthermore, Garoppolo is about to make a fortune. Yeah, Belichick really screwed him over.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puMpkrNqMps

I do not control who posts here but I do control who I reply to and read.

Thanks for encouraging me to make a New Year's resolution by editing my ignore list

[BostonBlackie]

I don't believe that's a given by any means. Going by how last season ended and factoring in this years draft Harrison might have assumed that would be his role.

And I'm not coming at this from a standpoint of attacking Harrison. I think the Steelers could have done a better job utilizing him.

Yeah. Look, it's a tough situation. You want to keep a guy for backup reasons maybe, the guy wants to play, how do you play it? I'm retired now, but I spent 25 years running businesses for owners. Handling the personal is the most important part of the job. Getting them to fall in line and do what you want them to do is key. It's from that perspective that I come at this. I found it challenging. I would have loved to take a shot at a guy like Harrison, and see if I couldn't get him to play along with the role Tomlin wanted him to play.

Anyway, it's turned out best for all concerned in the short term. He's no longer being disruptive in Pittsburg, and he's getting a chance to play in New England. In the long term I hope he's able to reconnect with Steelers when he's retired because I think that's what he'll want, and deserves.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Are you guys really still talking about this? 2 months from now, Deebo will have played his last NFL game, teams will be scouting for the draft (I will be getting my Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine video analysis done ;) and I'll still be a Steelers fan with a great family, great job and earning a good living.

Whether a 39 year old football player felt like he needed to pout, or the team he signed a contract to play with didn't play him enough is so much out of my control (and everybody on this board) that I don't know why anybody would need to post 9 pages about it. :zzz:

[AtlantaDan]

That was a completely different situation. New England wanted him. The fans still love and appreciate him.

Thanks. Hope you have a Happy New Year.

:wave:

[hawaiiansteeler]

James Harrison impresses in his debut for Patriots

By Kevin Patra
Around the NFL writer
Published: Jan. 1, 2018

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000901559/article/james-harrison-impresses-in-his-debut-for-patriots

[Patriot71]

Thanks. Hope you have a Happy New Year.

:wave:

Happy New Year to you as well.

[hawaiiansteeler]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DSTHX0QXkAAGf7q?format=jpg

[Patriot71]

Did Harrison play yesterday? If so, how did he do. I hope the Pats bench his old ass.

I refuse to watch that asshole team unless we're playing them. I wouldn't care if a bus full of AIDS run into them.

He saw quite a few snaps and played pretty well. I did see him get sucked into the middle once when he should have set the edge resulting in a 28 yard run for the Jets. I was at the game and it's hard to watch as well as you can on TV but he's going to be a huge asset for the Patriots IMO.

[BostonBlackie]

Every-play-by-James-Harrison-Week-17, NFL Films

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000900581/Every-play-by-James-Harrison-Week-17

[stillers4me]

Do you really want to know why Harrison didn't get playing time in Pittsburgh?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=kGzrAcW8NQw

The choice seems pretty clear to me. :noidea:

947904188209561605

[BlackAndGold]

Watt=future star.

[86WARD]

https://78.media.tumblr.com/c0244ab3c74da7d62d91616843ab8e08/tumblr_o7t5ptstEL1ro8ysbo1_500.gif

[BostonBlackie]

I do not control who posts here but I do control who I reply to and read.

Thanks for encouraging me to make a New Year's resolution by editing my ignore list

In otherwords you admit this is right, "You really think Belichick was leading Garoppolo on? You think Belichick told Garoppolo you're going to play 25% of the snaps just to keep him around like Tomlin told Harrison? C'mon man. Furthermore, Garoppolo is about to make a fortune. Yeah, Belichick really screwed him over.", and you were wrong.

[tube517]

https://78.media.tumblr.com/c0244ab3c74da7d62d91616843ab8e08/tumblr_o7t5ptstEL1ro8ysbo1_500.gif

https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/500x/24856551/good-news-everyone-this-thread-will-never-end.jpg

[Shoes]

https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/500x/24856551/good-news-everyone-this-thread-will-never-end.jpg




I sure hope so, this isn't a Pats forum and Harrison is no long a Steeler. Please kill it.

[BostonBlackie]

http://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2018%2F1231%2Fr308717_1296x729_16 %2D9.jpg&w=570

Before two sacks to end the game, Harrison’s highlight play came early in the third quarter when he backpedaled at the snap, planted his foot into the ground, then charged downhill and wrapped up receiver Robby Anderson (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/2574808/robby-anderson) short of the sticks for a stop on third-and-5. It was a textbook play in which he said he had outside responsibilities to make sure everything stayed to the inside part of the field and that meant also being aware of anyone coming across to his side of the field. The play was a reflection of how the 39-year-old Harrison still has something left in the tank.

But perhaps more importantly for the Patriots was what happened afterwards: safety/captain Devin McCourty (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13236/devin-mccourty) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/2987743/elandon-roberts) sprinted toward Harrison and celebrated with him. In a sense, it was like an official welcome to the defense.

"That's the building of the brotherhood," Harrison explained.


http://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4809892/james-harrison-solid-in-debut-as-patriots-clinch-home-field

[Lady Steel]

http://dallaspenn.com/pics/albums/slumblc1/doctor.jpg

[BostonBlackie]

http://dallaspenn.com/pics/albums/slumblc1/doctor.jpg


Happy New Year Lady.

[Lady Steel]

947664549267886080


:lol:

[86WARD]

I guess Harrison made the right choice...

[Mojouw]

Meh. https://www.patspulpit.com/2018/1/15/16890568/snap-count-report-titans-at-patriots

"Lastly, in his second game with the Patriots, former Steelers (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/pittsburgh-steelers) linebacker James Harrison (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1601/james-harrison) logged 30 snaps playing mostly outside linebacker against the Titans.
Harrison did not record a pressure in 12 pass rush snaps but did make three tackles, including two run stops in the divisional round. "

[fansince'76]

"Lastly, in his second game with the Patriots, former Steelers (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/pittsburgh-steelers) linebacker James Harrison (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1601/james-harrison) logged 30 snaps playing mostly outside linebacker against the Titans.
Harrison did not record a pressure in 12 pass rush snaps but did make three tackles, including two run stops in the divisional round. "

Wasn't that the entire reason they picked him up? :rolleyes:

[Steeldude]

It's ok, the Steelers have Dupree. Haha

[AtlantaDan]

953411164138082306
953407158279786496

[Steeldude]

Could have used him to set the edge last Sunday.

[st33lersguy]

Meh. https://www.patspulpit.com/2018/1/15/16890568/snap-count-report-titans-at-patriots

"Lastly, in his second game with the Patriots, former Steelers (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/pittsburgh-steelers) linebacker James Harrison (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1601/james-harrison) logged 30 snaps playing mostly outside linebacker against the Titans.
Harrison did not record a pressure in 12 pass rush snaps but did make three tackles, including two run stops in the divisional round. "

Asshole T.Oed his way out of Pittsburgh, ruined his legacy for 12 snaps in a playoff game, LOL

[Steeldude]

Asshole T.Oed his way out of Pittsburgh, ruined his legacy for 12 snaps in a playoff game, LOL

Harrison doesn't care about a legacy. He wanted to play football. Tomlin didn't play him. Now Harrison is playing football again while the Steelers are spectators. It turned out to be great for both sides. Harrison is playing for a team that could go to the SB and the Steelers have Dupree...haha.

[86WARD]

Harrison announced today that he’s waiting until after the draft to sign with his next team. Guess he learned his lesson about trying to outplay a rookie...

[GBMelBlount]

Far classier to release Harrison and allow him the chance to resurface on another playoff roster or at least a team that will give him an opportunity to put some recent play on film.

It’s better than not activating him each week.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I tend to agree.

[Shoes]

Harrison announced today that he’s waiting until after the draft to sign with his next team. Guess he learned his lesson about trying to outplay a rookie...


:lol:

[Steeldude]

Harrison announced today that he’s waiting until after the draft to sign with his next team. Guess he learned his lesson about trying to outplay a rookie...

But Harrison wasn't given a chance to outplay Watt. Watt was handed the starting the second he was drafted.

I hope Tomlin gives someone a chance to outplay Dupree. The team needs an OLB that can get to the passer under his own ability/skill.

[Dwinsgames]

But Harrison wasn't given a chance to outplay Watt. Watt was handed the starting the second he was drafted.

I hope Tomlin gives someone a chance to outplay Dupree. The team needs an OLB that can get to the passer under his own ability/skill.

Harrison probably would not have outplayed Watt anyways ... that said it is hard to imagine he would not have out played dupree

[Craic]

But Harrison wasn't given a chance to outplay Watt. Watt was handed the starting the second he was drafted.
Nor should've Harrison been given the chance. He was too old and wasn't the future of the position. If you never give a rookie a chance to develop, you'll never stay competitive.

Harrison is playing it smart now. I bet he goes to a team that failed to get a linebacker and is struggling to find someone to fill the position. He'll do so precisely because that team doesn't have anyone that might be the future there.

[Steeldude]

Nor should've Harrison been given the chance. He was too old and wasn't the future of the position. If you never give a rookie a chance to develop, you'll never stay competitive.

Harrison is playing it smart now. I bet he goes to a team that failed to get a linebacker and is struggling to find someone to fill the position. He'll do so precisely because that team doesn't have anyone that might be the future there.

In other words, starting positions shouldn't be based on ability. I guess that's why Jones was repeatedly given the starting job.

[teegre]

Harrison probably would not have outplayed Watt anyways ... that said it is hard to imagine he would not have out played dupree

Yep. :nod: Watt lived up to the billing.

As far as Dupree goes, Harrison will not play on that side. The Steelers might have opted to move Watt to Dupree’s side... but, I am also fine with Watt playing on the “more important” side.

[GBMelBlount]

Harrison asked for his release after the first game of the season. When he wasn’t immediately released, Harrison’s response was to throw a temper tantrum.

Whether Harrison could play or not... whether Harrison still fit the Steelers’ scheme or not... none of that is irrelevant. Harrison acted like a petulant toddler, and thus his behavior warranted his release.

I don't care if he gets 5 sacks in the divisional round. He HAD to go. Period.

Agreed.

After what happened last season there is no way I would want Harrison around again.

I am surprised this is even being debated.

[Craic]

In other words, starting positions shouldn't be based on ability. I guess that's why Jones was repeatedly given the starting job.

Starting positions are based on ability and future possibility. If the Steelers ran their team the way you seem to want, they'd have a couple of good years and then half a decade of bad years because the young players wouldn't be developed enough to take over spots from aging veterans yet, but the aging veterans wouldn't be quite good enough to keep the team in the game against opponents. No thanks. I'd rather give young players a chance to develop. This isn't college football.

- - - Updated - - -


Harrison asked for his release after the first game of the season. When he wasn’t immediately released, Harrison’s response was to throw a temper tantrum.

Whether Harrison could play or not... whether Harrison still fit the Steelers’ scheme or not... none of that is irrelevant. Harrison acted like a petulant toddler, and thus his behavior warranted his release.

I don't care if he gets 5 sacks in the divisional round. He HAD to go. Period.

Just read this. Absolutely right.

[Steeldude]

Starting positions are based on ability and future possibility. If the Steelers ran their team the way you seem to want, they'd have a couple of good years and then half a decade of bad years because the young players wouldn't be developed enough to take over spots from aging veterans yet, but the aging veterans wouldn't be quite good enough to keep the team in the game against opponents. No thanks. I'd rather give young players a chance to develop. This isn't college football.

- - - Updated - - -



Just read this. Absolutely right.

But Watt was handed the starting role before he even practiced. You're right, it's crazy of me to think ability has anything to do with starting.

If I ran the team Kordell would have never been the QB. But then again ability is not important, right? Jarvis Jones is a classic example of no ability, but handed the starting job each season. It's pure genius.

Tomlin jerked Harrison around so Harrison had enough.

I never said deny young players playing time. I'm not against starting rookies or anyone if they show they can play. Crazy huh?

[Mojouw]

But Watt was handed the starting role before he even practiced. You're right, it's crazy of me to think ability has anything to do with starting.

If I ran the team Kordell would have never been the QB. But then again ability is not important, right? Jarvis Jones is a classic example of no ability, but handed the starting job each season. It's pure genius.

Tomlin jerked Harrison around so Harrison had enough.

I never said deny young players playing time. I'm not against starting rookies or anyone if they show they can play. Crazy huh?

Every single season Jones and Harrison were on the roster, Harrison played at worst an even split in total defensive snaps. Usually more, even when Jarvis was healthy. Jones ran out of the tunnel as the “starter” but Harrison typically got all the snaps that mattered. A nice way to balance player development and veteran achievement. Of course you have been presented with all this information multiple times and refuse to engage with it. Just figure if you repeat something enough it will be true.

But why let facts and actual data get in the way of a good rant? Why let the modern realities of NFL roster construction and the salary cap that basically mandate cheap draft picks be given every opportunity over mid to high priced veterans have any impact on your thinking.

Despite what you seem to think, no one claims that Jones was better than Harrison. Playing time demonstrates the coaching staff knew that as well. This isn’t high school. It’s pro ball. So why people get so hung up on Jarvis getting gifted a varsity letter eludes me.

[Mojouw]

I totally forgot. In the version where Kordell doesn’t play QB, who does? Kent Graham? Miller? Random 4th round draft pick?

Again it isn’t like many people are lining up to laud Stewart, but the other options were worse. Unless I’m forgetting someone who even displayed competency.

I mean it got so bad that I remember Tomcazk and Maddox fondly.

[Dwinsgames]

I mean it got so bad that I remember Tomcazk and Maddox fondly.

I had almost had that stuff wiped from my memory banks , how will I ever be able to thank you for restoring those atrocities

[teegre]

I had almost had that stuff wiped from my memory banks , how will I ever be able to thank you for restoring those atrocities

Remember the game where Mike Tomczak fell down and threw a lame duck while lying on the ground?

Still more accurate than Kordell in the red-zone. :lol:

[Mojouw]

I had almost had that stuff wiped from my memory banks , how will I ever be able to thank you for restoring those atrocities

Well there’s always Tee Martin.

[Craic]

But Watt was handed the starting role before he even practiced.

And you know this how? I'd love to read the story (or listen if it on video) where Tomlin announces Watt was given the starting role before May 12th of last year, which was the first time he practiced (and two weeks or so after he was drafted).

[Steeldude]

I totally forgot. In the version where Kordell doesn’t play QB, who does? Kent Graham? Miller? Random 4th round draft pick?

Again it isn’t like many people are lining up to laud Stewart, but the other options were worse. Unless I’m forgetting someone who even displayed competency.

I mean it got so bad that I remember Tomcazk and Maddox fondly.

Anyone was better than Kordell. They gave Miller 3 quarters and sent him away. They gave a useless pustule like Kordell 5 years. All they need was a Dilfer and they would have had perhaps 2 SBs. The Steelers didn't even try to find a replacement.

Thankfully Maddox put an end to the Kordell experiment.

[Steeldude]

Every single season Jones and Harrison were on the roster, Harrison played at worst an even split in total defensive snaps. Usually more, even when Jarvis was healthy. Jones ran out of the tunnel as the “starter” but Harrison typically got all the snaps that mattered. A nice way to balance player development and veteran achievement. Of course you have been presented with all this information multiple times and refuse to engage with it. Just figure if you repeat something enough it will be true.

But why let facts and actual data get in the way of a good rant? Why let the modern realities of NFL roster construction and the salary cap that basically mandate cheap draft picks be given every opportunity over mid to high priced veterans have any impact on your thinking.

Despite what you seem to think, no one claims that Jones was better than Harrison. Playing time demonstrates the coaching staff knew that as well. This isn’t high school. It’s pro ball. So why people get so hung up on Jarvis getting gifted a varsity letter eludes me.

Starting is important. It's about getting into the flow. If starting doesn't matter then why do players want to start? Would any player want to share playing time with an inferior player like Jones?

Jones was in during key moments of game. Remember the Dallas game? Jones should have never been on the field during blow out games or to give a breather. Most importantly Jones should have never been on the field in the 4th quarter. But hey, don't let fact and logic get in the way. Let's keep playing an obvious no-talent bum like Jones at the cost of the team.

Remember Huey Richardson? Cowher tossed that trash out quickly. I know, I know, let Richardson start for 4 years in spite of his inabilities. Why move onto to better options or untested options? Let's keep driving that square peg into the round hole.

Watt looks promising, but the Steelers still need an OLB on the other side.

- - - Updated - - -


And you know this how? I'd love to read the story (or listen if it on video) where Tomlin announces Watt was given the starting role before May 12th of last year, which was the first time he practiced (and two weeks or so after he was drafted).

Tomlin stated it. I believe he said something like he was the starter since day zero...

[Born2Steel]

What if.....Steelers take an edge, pure pass rusher at 28, and move Dupree to play the Shazier spot? Just thinking...

[Shoes]

What if.....Steelers take an edge, pure pass rusher at 28, and move Dupree to play the Shazier spot? Just thinking...


I've been voicing this since the end of the season, why not try Bud inside? He just may excel.

[Dwinsgames]

Tomlin stated it. I believe he said something like he was the starter since day zero...

also heard the bold...

on top of that it was clear if not a word was spoken ( but words where spoken on it ) when you take the most productive guy from the prior year and do not let him pad up all of training camp or preseason and he has zero snaps going into the regular season its pretty clear you have no intent of using him .....

but again like I stated earlier knowing what we know now Harrison would not have likely beaten out Watt , but I still believe in jobs being won and lost based on what you do on the field of play via training camp /practice/gameplay ... jobs should be handed out based on merit not draft slotting and Watt clearly got him based on draft slotting .... it worked out this time but often times that is not the case .....

- - - Updated - - -

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/09/tomlin-says-rookie-watt-steelers-starter-since-day-zero/

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-name-rookie-t-j-watt-as-the-starter-over-james-harrison/

[Mojouw]

Starting is important. It's about getting into the flow. If starting doesn't matter then why do players want to start? Would any player want to share playing time with an inferior player like Jones?

Jones was in during key moments of game. Remember the Dallas game? Jones should have never been on the field during blow out games or to give a breather. Most importantly Jones should have never been on the field in the 4th quarter. But hey, don't let fact and logic get in the way. Let's keep playing an obvious no-talent bum like Jones at the cost of the team.

Remember Huey Richardson? Cowher tossed that trash out quickly. I know, I know, let Richardson start for 4 years in spite of his inabilities. Why move onto to better options or untested options? Let's keep driving that square peg into the round hole.

If you can't see the numerous differences between the Huey Richardson situation and that of Jones - then I don't see how any realistic conversation about the draft, roster construction, and rookie playing time can continue.

1. Richardson was drafted by the Noll regime and it is publicly acknowledged that he was a "panic" pick in the draft room and there was never a plan for how he would fit into the defense. He had no role/position in the 3-4 and he wasn't really very good at the NFL level to boot.
2. Richardson was drafted by the old Noll staff and then traded (instead of cut) by the new Cowher regime. Good on Bill for recognizing a bust when he saw it.
3. All this went down before the start of free agency and the cap. So roster construction ideas, models, and priorities were very very different to the ones in pace currently.
4. Since the rookie wage scale came into being (just prior to Jarvis' draft year) the NFL have demonstrated that there is one shared truth about roster spots and the cap in the NFL - get a few high $$$ stars then fill around them with cost controlled players on cheap-o rookie deals. That is the driving force in the current NFL. It influences every single decision that is made by a franchise.

But I suspect these points are too subtle and seemingly unimportant for your consideration.

Also all of your claims about Stewart, other than the fact that he struggled in big moments are not true.

1. Went 11-5 in his first year as a starter and lost in the AFC Championship game.
2. The next year was a total disaster on offense.
3. 2000 - Cowher tried to replace Stewart with Kent Grahamn. That did not go well.
4. 2001 - Clements and Mularkey looked like they had coached Stewart into being a pretty potent offensive weapon. Made the Pro Bowl and everything. And then the first of many Patriots related bad things happened.
5. 2002 - gets benched in favor of Maddox. Released at the end of the season.

So we can see that during his "Career" as the Steelers starting QB he was replaced as the "starter" (which is a precious jewel of a designation) twice. Once the entire offensive set-up was shifted to try and maximize his talents. But the real trouble is that from 1997-2004 only Tee Martin and Brian St. Pierre were drafted to "compete". This was Cowher's blindspot - he totally did not value the QB position and failed to see the shift away from "3 yards and a cloud of dust" football. He just didn't think he needed to do anything besides knock the hell outta teams on defense and hold onto the ball on offense to win. It took the Rooney's forcing his hand in 2004 to change the course of the franchise. I have long suspected that Cowher simply hated the idea of paying some snot-nosed rookie QB more than the established veteran "guys" on the roster.

So long story not all that short, we are trying to draw comparisons between 3 eras of roster rules (no cap, cap with no rookie scale, and rookie wage scale w/cap), 3 coaching staffs, and about 3 different positions. The ONLY thing the tales of Richardson, Stewart, Jones, and Harrison have in common is the decal on the side of their helmet. Nothing else is comparable.

[Craic]

Tomlin stated it. I believe he said something like he was the starter since day zero...

Hmm, I found this interesting. Not that I believed you were lying, rather, I wanted to see it in context. Here's what I found (https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-name-rookie-t-j-watt-as-the-starter-over-james-harrison/).


"He's been in that position really since Day 0," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of Watt, per ESPN. "You don't like to anoint people. You like to watch them earn it. We didn't put it on paper. But it won't be like he'll be in a new position when he gets here on Wednesday. He'll be in the same spot in the huddle he was in yesterday."

Now, that alone doesn't prove to me that he was going to be the starter since day zero, only that they were penciling him in, but he still had to earn it. That would make a lot more sense. However, then there's this Joey Porter quote also quoted in the link above:


"That's why he's [James Harrison] here; he's going to fight it," Porter told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at the time. "But his role is his role. He's a relief pitcher. Until we need you, the young guys are going to play. You're a good safety net to have; if somebody's not getting the job done, we happen to know we have a wily veteran that we can put into the game. But to be honest going in, we have two young first-rounders who shouldn't be tired. And when they do get tired, we'll make the adjustments we need to."I know the old guy wants to play but at the same time it's hard to get in there if those guys are doing the job. If they're doing their job and they're playing at a high level, the understanding is understood. You don't have to explain anything that you can see right there on tape."
On his part, Harrison said he would do "whatever they want me to do."

That makes it seem as though it was predetermined. So, I'll agree with you that Watt came into camp slotted as a starter, but I think it was more of "It's yours to win or lose." If he didn't impress in camp or in preseason, then he would have lost it and Harrison would have seen a lot more playing time. But, Watt ended up playing very well and alleviating several of my concerns for him. (I'm still concerned with him getting eating up by OTs at times and hope he'd hit the weight room hard this offseason, but I have little doubt he's done just that, as well). Since Watt did, the coaches had little reason to play Harrison.

I'm also interested in Harrison's quote. "Whatever they want me to do." That didn't seem to be the case in the end. Personally, I can't say I blame him in the sense that I'd want to play as well in that position. However, if that were true, then keep your mouth shut while your team is situating for a playoff run and then push to be released in the offseason (or just go elsewhere if you're a free agent).

[Shoes]

Hmm, I found this interesting. Not that I believed you were lying, rather, I wanted to see it in context. Here's what I found (https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-name-rookie-t-j-watt-as-the-starter-over-james-harrison/).



Now, that alone doesn't prove to me that he was going to be the starter since day zero, only that they were penciling him in, but he still had to earn it. That would make a lot more sense. However, then there's this Joey Porter quote also quoted in the link above:



That makes it seem as though it was predetermined. So, I'll agree with you that Watt came into camp slotted as a starter, but I think it was more of "It's yours to win or lose." If he didn't impress in camp or in preseason, then he would have lost it and Harrison would have seen a lot more playing time. But, Watt ended up playing very well and alleviating several of my concerns for him. (I'm still concerned with him getting eating up by OTs at times and hope he'd hit the weight room hard this offseason, but I have little doubt he's done just that, as well). Since Watt did, the coaches had little reason to play Harrison.

I'm also interested in Harrison's quote. "Whatever they want me to do." That didn't seem to be the case in the end. Personally, I can't say I blame him in the sense that I'd want to play as well in that position. However, if that were true, then keep your mouth shut while your team is situating for a playoff run and then push to be released in the offseason (or just go elsewhere if you're a free agent).


Of course not, he thought the position was his, still thinking Dick Lebeau is running the defense where rookies sit on the bench for three years and rot.

[Mojouw]

I couldn't get the quote buttons to work so good. But this is the key for me:

"If they're doing their job and they're playing at a high level, the understanding is understood. You don't have to explain anything that you can see right there on tape."To me that means that from Porter to Butler to Tomlin there is a standard of evaluation and priorities for the OLB position and as long as Dupree and Watt were executing them to whatever degree the staff felt was sufficient - they were going to eat all the snaps they could physically handle.

So basically what EVERY team in the league does to develop young players. So stupid. I can't believe how dumb this defensive staff is. Morons.