Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 games

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

Polamalu is the key to the Steelers.

Their season will revolve around the four Balt/Cincy games and the AFC West games.

 

[aluminum seats]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

Here who's represented the AFC in the Super Bowl since 2004 (dates when the game was played):

2004 Pats
2005 Pats
2006 Steelers
2007 Colts
2008 Pats
2009 Steelers
2010 Colts
2011 Steelers
2012 Pats

See a pattern? Man. Only THREE teams have been representing the AFC for going on 10 years. Every year, the experts, desperate to be different, pick the Ravens, the Chargers, whatever. Nope, it's always these three.

Now last year, the Colts participation ended, for at least a couple of years (Luck looks great.) And the Steelers definitely seem like they've got issues. But I'm sorry, until they "die" like the Colts, I see them as the number one threat to the Pats to win the AFC...not the Ravens, Texans, or whoever else becomes the popular choice this time around.

 

[Kontradiction]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

Here who's represented the AFC in the Super Bowl since 2004 (dates when the game was played):

2004 Pats
2005 Pats
2006 Steelers
2007 Colts
2008 Pats
2009 Steelers
2010 Colts
2011 Steelers
2012 Pats

See a pattern? Man. Only THREE teams have been representing the AFC for going on 10 years. Every year, the experts, desperate to be different, pick the Ravens, the Chargers, whatever. Nope, its' always these three.

Now last year, the Colts participation ended, for at least a couple of years (Luck looks great.) And the Steelers definitely seem like they've got issues. But I'm sorry, until they "die" like the Colts, I see them as the number one threat to the Pats to win the AFC...not the Ravens, Texans, or whoever else becomes the popular choice this time around.

The problem is that they're undergoing a slow death. Father Time is quickly catching up with that team. Where we started re-building in 2008, they have yet to even really begin.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

The problem is that they're undergoing a slow death. Father Time is quickly catching up with that team. Where we started re-building in 2008, they have yet to even really begin.

That's true, but it didn't take the Patriots too long to rebuild and they were competitive the whole time. That's the luxury of a top-notch organization, and it's obvious that the Steelers fall into that category. People have been predicting the demise of this team for at least two seasons or so, but they've remaining highly competitive. I don't look for that to change.

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

That's true, but it didn't take the Patriots too long to rebuild and they were competitive the whole time. That's the luxury of a top-notch organization, and it's obvious that the Steelers fall into that category. People have been predicting the demise of this team for at least two seasons or so, but they've remaining highly competitive. I don't look for that to change.

It will change when Polumalu goes.

It will change very quickly.

Infact, the Steelers will have a tougher time replacing him vs the Patriots replacing TB.

 

[Kontradiction]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

It will change when Polumalu goes.

It will change very quickly.

Infact, the Steelers will have a tougher time replacing him vs the Patriots replacing TB.

That's one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. The Steelers will have to replace a top three safety in the league right now. The Patriots will have to replace one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

That's one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. The Steelers will have to replace a top three safety in the league right now. The Patriots will have to replace one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Yeah, I didn't even bother to respond. I just didn't feel like getting into a debate over such a ridiculous post.

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

That's one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. The Steelers will have to replace a top three safety in the league right now. The Patriots will have to replace one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Outside of not comprehending Patriots football, you can't comprehend Steelers football.

Guess that makes you equal opportunity.

What some acknowledge is what happens.

The non dummies of the world witnessed 2008 and the Patriots went 11-5. You most likely didn't notice Brady didn't play that year

What happened in 2008 is a fact that happened.

For other segment of the fan base that benefits from watching football, a good exercise would be to watch the Steelers games when Polumalu doesn't play.

At best, the Steelers defense is mediocre like 2009 and a six game losing streak......sans Polumalu.

Who is in the wings to replace Troy?

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

Yeah, I didn't even bother to respond. I just didn't feel like getting into a debate over such a ridiculous post.

Smart move not to respond since you are obviously lack the understanding of Steelers football.

 

[Kontradiction]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

The non dummies of the world witnessed 2008 and the Patriots went 11-5. You most likely didn't notice Brady didn't play that year

What happened in 2008 is a fact that happened.

I also witnessed the Pats playing the easiest schedule of any Pats team in the Belichick era on top of Cassel being a top notch quality back-up with an excellent receiving corps and the majority of the team that had just went 18-1 a year before.

For other segment of the fan base that benefits from watching football, a good exercise would be to watch the Steelers games when Polumalu doesn't play.

So wait, you're saying that the Steelers defense takes a step back when they lose their top three safety? You don't say!

At best, the Steelers defense is mediocre like 2009 and a six game losing streak......sans Polumalu.

Nobody is arguing how much losing Polamalu would hurt them.

Who is in the wings to replace Troy?

Does it really matter? In the end, there are good teams that lose top safeties that still go on to compete at a high level, even at a dominant level. Not too many teams have lost all time great quarterbacks and have gone on to seamlessly replace them within the same decade. I can think of about one team.

In the end, it's simple math. Would it be easier to replace a top three safety in the league today or an all time great QB, possibly the GOAT? I would think it would be harder to replace the latter, but what do I know anyway.

You have one more post to impress me.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

Kontra, why are you wasting your time?

 

[BradyFTW!]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

It will change when Polumalu goes.

It will change very quickly.

Infact, the Steelers will have a tougher time replacing him vs the Patriots replacing TB.

Earlier today, I was wondering if that post advocating cutting Wes Welker in favor of that Hogan kid from Hard Knocks was the dumbest post I'd read this year. Now it's not even the dumbest post I've read today.

 

[lillloyd]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

Word is the Steelers really like the Robinson kid they picked up as a UDFA, and you know how good they are at plugging people in at OLB. And that D-line looks pretty stout with Pats Draft section binky Alameda Ta-amu joining Heyward, Keisel, Hood and ex-Pat Kade Weston.

They'll be fine defensively, they always aware. Their biggest area of concern is the O-line, and although Adams sucked the other night, the kid has talent, and they look to be moving away from the massive Road Graders they've always favoured, and moving towards a more finesse type system. DeCastro will be the best G in the league in a year or two.

We may slip this year; however I really think the age issue is overstated on the defense. We did very well on D last year despite similar age concerns and extended absences from both Harrison and Woodley due to injury. I do worry about the ability of the safeties to stay healthy, but I'm much less concerned about CB than most (where young players like Cortez Allen and Keenan Lewis have looked very good...and it's not as if William Gay was exactly Pro Bowl material).

I think casual observers latch on to the names that depart each year and maybe miss out on the fact that their level of play has been in decline for some time (the best example of this currently is Casey Hampton, who is not the player he was several years ago...Steve McClendon, his replacement, has had a dominant camp and I don't expect a dropoff at that spot). Farrior and Aaron Smith are similar examples--great players in their prime but arguably liabilities on the field the past couple of seasons.

I agree with the posters though regarding both the OL and the offensive changes. While I like DeCastro, and Colon has been a beast at LG since his return from a year off, Adams doesn't look ready at LT and Starks has yet to play in game action. Marcus Gilbert looked shaky at RT as well. We may be a year away from really solidifying the line. On paper at least Pitt has a tough schedule to start the year, so we may have a rocky start to the season.

I also agree that things are lining up tremendously for NE this year. I could see both Balt and Pitt taking a step back, and outside of Houston (who I really thought could have made serious noise with less injuries last year!) I don't know who in the AFC I'd be concerned about. Your offense could be historic.

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

We may slip this year; however I really think the age issue is overstated on the defense. We did very well on D last year despite similar age concerns and extended absences from both Harrison and Woodley due to injury. I do worry about the ability of the safeties to stay healthy, but I'm much less concerned about CB than most (where young players like Cortez Allen and Keenan Lewis have looked very good...and it's not as if William Gay was exactly Pro Bowl material).

I think casual observers latch on to the names that depart each year and maybe miss out on the fact that their level of play has been in decline for some time (the best example of this currently is Casey Hampton, who is not the player he was several years ago...Steve McClendon, his replacement, has had a dominant camp and I don't expect a dropoff at that spot). Farrior and Aaron Smith are similar examples--great players in their prime but arguably liabilities on the field the past couple of seasons.

I agree with the posters though regarding both the OL and the offensive changes. While I like DeCastro, and Colon has been a beast at LG since his return from a year off, Adams doesn't look ready at LT and Starks has yet to play in game action. Marcus Gilbert looked shaky at RT as well. We may be a year away from really solidifying the line. On paper at least Pitt has a tough schedule to start the year, so we may have a rocky start to the season.

I also agree that things are lining up tremendously for NE this year. I could see both Balt and Pitt taking a step back, and outside of Houston (who I really thought could have made serious noise with less injuries last year!) I don't know who in the AFC I'd be concerned about. Your offense could be historic.

Just as long as the Steelers beat the Broncos and Jets before taking that step back... :eat1:

 

[lillloyd]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

Just as long as the Steelers beat the Broncos and Jets before taking that step back... :eat1:

We'll try Both Pitt and Denver have players dropping like flies though, I wonder who will be left to suit up?

BTW, why the concern with Denver? Is this just residual Manning hatred from his Indy days, or do you guys consider them a elite contender in the AFC this year?

I'm inclined to see them as a bit overhyped-- maybe a a 10-6-ish type team, if Manning holds up--but ultimately not in NE's class. I actually could see KC surprising in that division (provided injuries don't torpedo them like last year).

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

We'll try Both Pitt and Denver have players dropping like flies though, I wonder who will be left to suit up?

BTW, why the concern with Denver? Is this just residual Manning hatred from his Indy days, or do you guys consider them a elite contender in the AFC this year?

I'm inclined to see them as a bit overhyped-- maybe a a 10-6-ish type team, if Manning holds up--but ultimately not in NE's class. I actually could see KC surprising in that division (provided injuries don't torpedo them like last year).

1.) Any Peyton Manning loss is a good loss.

2.) K.C. is sort of an adopted team in the sense that I've been paying attention to them since Pioli went there, and I'd like to see them win the AFCW and make all the prognosticators who are pimping the Broncos and Chargers look like fools.

3.) The way the Broncos treated McDaniels makes me wish nothing but ill upon them.

4.) I don't want Manning getting into any rhythm early, because you never know when an aging veteran is going to have a great game. The Broncos play the Patriots in week 5, after Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Oakland and Houston. I'd like to see the Broncos coming into New England something like 1-3 and playing poorly.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

1.) Any Peyton Manning loss is a good loss.

2.) K.C. is sort of an adopted team in the sense that I've been paying attention to them since Pioli went there, and I'd like to see them win the AFCW and make all the prognosticators who are pimping the Broncos and Chargers look like fools.

3.) The way the Broncos treated McDaniels makes me wish nothing but ill upon them.

4.) I don't want Manning getting into any rhythm early, because you never know when an aging veteran is going to have a great game. The Broncos play the Patriots in week 5, after Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Oakland and Houston. I'd like to see the Broncos coming into New England something like 1-3 and playing poorly.

The Broncos could very well come into NE 1-3. I don't think they will be that great of a team like everyone is talking about. I think for once SD will win the division. Norv has no choice

 

[Joker]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

Nice try, lillloyd...YOU know the Steelers will be there just like I do...sandbagger...the friggin' Steelers have been "gettin' old" for 20 seasons straight now...as long as Bergerface stays upright and Tomlin oversees the defense the Steelers will be right there...as usual...man, that's a brutal conference to be in...

 

[lillloyd]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

Nice try, lillloyd...YOU know the Steelers will be there just like I do...sandbagger...the friggin' Steelers have been "gettin' old" for 20 seasons straight now...as long as Bergerface stays upright and Tomlin oversees the defense the Steelers will be right there...as usual...man, that's a brutal conference to be in...

Lol @ "sandbagger"... Well I do think that any talk of any sort of permanent "decline" for Pitt is premature; teams with perennially stout defenses and good, playoff veteran QBs are in the mix more often than not. But I do have concerns this particular year about the youth (ironically enough) of the OL, as well as the early injuries that seem to be piling up at RB and OLB. We've made unexpectedly deep playoff runs before, but I don't have a great feeling about this Year's team and the way things are lining up...I guess we'll see.

I find the discussion in this thread about the relative value of Brady and TP to their respective teams interesting. Just as Brady, for all his greatness, also benefits from a great system and organization, so too does Polamalu benefit from an excellent defensive system and organization. While clearly both teams would be hurt by the retirement of each player, I would never say that either team would somehow fall off a cliff in such a scenario. The organizations and approaches are too good, they would more likely just reload and be contending again in short order.

Fwiw, Troy's play last year fell off considerably overall. it's widely speculated that he was dinged for a large stretch last year (they actually gave Clark "Troy-like" responsibilities for periods last yr, presumably because of this), and at his age he may already be in decline--certainly I can't just assume that he'll continue to be he superhuman safety he was for much of he 2000s. But barring major injuries at other key defensive positions, I still expect the defense to be plenty good enough to contend; ultimately our success this year will ride on the play of the Offensive line, and the speed of the development of the new offense IMHO.

 

[1960Pats]

Re: Steelers James Harrison undergoes knee surgery...expected to miss at least 6 game

It will change when Polumalu goes.

It will change very quickly.

Infact, the Steelers will have a tougher time replacing him vs the Patriots replacing TB.

I think that Big Ben is the key to the Steelers' success, and at the rate he's going he may strike midnight this year.