The underrated impact of Rodney Harrsion - New England Patriots Forums

***Zeus*** · 03-16-2010, 01:14 PM

The prevailing wisdom is that the Patriots "dynasty" spanned the Super Bowl seasons of 2001, 2003 and 2004, and that since the end of 2004, the team's performance has generally deteriorated. And there's a good bit of truth to this viewpoint. After all, the results are the results and there hasn't been a parade around here since February 2005.

Another view is that the Patriots played their best, most consistent football from 2003 through 2007. Prior to 2003, New England had never won as many as 12 games in any regular season. In the five seasons beginning in 2003, they did it four times. During this time, the Patriots were 66-14 in the regular season and 11-3 in the play-offs, an astounding 77-17 (.819) overall. That's five years of dominant play by any conceivable measure.

Rodney Harrison was signed in 2003. The team's worst two years during the 2003-07 stretch were 2005 and 2006. What do those years have in common? Both were seasons that Rodney missed substantial portions of (including all play-off games) due to injuries.

Here's the amazing part. The team's record during 2003-07 with Harrison in the lineup was an unheard of 58-8 (.879)! Without Rodney, 19-9 (.679). And only once did the Patriots lose a post season game (8-1 in the play-offs) with Rodney in uniform (ugh - sorry to even bring this up).

Coincidence or cause and effect? There's no way to be entirely sure, but what's clear is that the Patriots were a tougher, smarter and much more intense football team whenever #37 suited up. The numbers suggest that Harrison was a bigger part of New England's success than many realize.

***sbpatfan*** · 03-16-2010, 01:23 PM

Wouldn't doubt it, good safeties are game changers. We saw that with Pittsburgh this year.

robertweathers · 03-16-2010, 01:23 PM

He was a hugh part no question.

I still say he doesn't get hurt vs Tenn in 06, Pats weather the 2nd 1/2 comback vs Indy in the AFCCC and win the SB vs the Bears.

Saying the team deteriorated is a stretch. 07 was a pretty stellar season excluding the last 2:30.

Mainefan · 03-16-2010, 01:24 PM

Well observed.

miDeuce · 03-16-2010, 01:39 PM

Every season that Rodney finished healthy the Patriots were playing in the Super Bowl. The loss of him and Bruschi in 2009 cannot be understated. Great info!

signbabybrady · 03-16-2010, 02:14 PM

So what the hell are we waiting for lets sign him up again.

***cstjohn17*** · 03-16-2010, 02:26 PM

The guy was a stud, one of the all time greats and boarder line HOFer plus he was an incredible leader. He imposed his will on younger teammates, lots of players can run fast but very few players can motivate others. Watch the old games, players like Bruschi, Harrison, McGinest, Vrabel, etc. were on and off field leaders, time for the new group to step up.

letekro · 03-16-2010, 02:27 PM

Just watch any NFL films production on Pats 2003-2004 and note the absurd amount of big plays he made. 6 playoff games, 6 ints, IIRC.

***MoLewisrocks*** · 03-16-2010, 02:35 PM

Rodney was unique in that winning not only mattered to him, it was the only thing that mattered and it didn't matter how many times he won he still was determined to win again and again. Brady is similarly wired but he has to be more of a diplomat because of the position he occupies. One of the first things Rodney ever did after landing here was nearly decapitate Bingo in practice... And I don't think he ever apologized...He knew practicing mattered. He was all focus. And tough as nails. That tackle he made with the broken arm...And when they all had their cry baby circle jerk after Milloy was cut, Rodney was the guy who confronted them on Monday and asked them if they had gotten it out of their system or were they going to cry and moan all season...Rodney never sugar coated anything...He didn't play football to make a living. He played football because he loved it and it mattered. I remember Bill seeking him out after the 2003 AFCC and hugging him and telling him so glad we got you...

Patspsycho · 03-16-2010, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoLewisrocks

Rodney was unique in that winning not only mattered to him, it was the only thing that mattered and it didn't matter how many times he won he still was determined to win again and again. Brady is similarly wired but he has to be more of a diplomat because of the position he occupies. One of the first things Rodney ever did after landing here was nearly decapitate Bingo in practice... And I don't think he ever apologized...He knew practicing mattered. He was all focus. And tough as nails. That tackle he made with the broken arm...And when they all had their cry baby circle jerk after Milloy was cut, Rodney was the guy who confronted them on Monday and asked them if they had gotten it out of their system or were they going to cry and moan all season...Rodney never sugar coated anything...He didn't play football to make a living. He played football because he loved it and it mattered. I remember Bill seeking him out after the 2003 AFCC and hugging him and telling him so glad we got you...

He definitely brought a new level of mental toughness and intimidation to the Patriots D. You could never underrate his field awareness.