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NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

James Harrison Will Be X-Factor For Pittsburgh Steelers In Week 10

By @sdmeyers1

James Harrison

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A few months ago, it appeared unlikely that James Harrison would ever be on a football field again, let alone making a significant impact. Harrison retired after failing to agree to a contract with the Arizona Cardinals in August, but he ended his retirement when the Pittsburgh Steelers needed help to compensate for a rash of injuries in their linebacker unit.

During the past two weeks, arguably the two best games in Pittsburgh’s recent history, Harrison has provided a major boost to the depleted defense, as he’s collected four sacks. This Sunday against the New York Jets, Harrison again will be critical in the success of the Steelers.

There’s little doubt that the Steelers’ offense will continue its success in Week 10 against a beleaguered Jets’ defense, as Pittsburgh’s quarterback Ben Roethlisberger appears poised for another monster performance. The other side of the football will likely determine the outcome of the contest, though, as the Steelers must find a way to stop an improving New York offense.

Last week, newly-inserted quarterback Michael Vick produced an efficient passing performance, with recently-acquired Percy Harvin and Eric Decker both enjoying breakout efforts. Additionally, Chris Johnson showed signs of a resurgence, and the Jets boast immense speed at the skill positions on offense.

While the Jets are showing signs of continuity, Pittsburgh continues to battle a rash of injuries on the defensive side. Jarvis Jones, the player who Harrison has replaced, remains sidelined, while the other outside linebacker, Jason Worilds, was held out of practice on Wednesday with an abdominal injury. Additionally, rookie inside linebacker Ryan Shazier will again be sidelined, and safeties Troy Polamalu and Shamarko Thomas will also miss the contest.

With an array of reserves playing significant snaps in the secondary, the Steelers must compensate by maintaining the overwhelming pass rush they have generated in the past two weeks. Harrison will be paramount to pressuring Vick and limiting his time to survey the field. Otherwise, Decker and especially Harvin could enjoy big days against the undermanned Steelers’ secondary.

Moreover, if Harrison is able to apply constant pressure, it will also limit Vick’s opportunities to hurt the Steelers with his legs. Although he’s not the athlete his once was, Vick still has the speed to gash a defense if he has the opportunity to step up in the pocket and scramble. If Harrison and the Pittsburgh pass rush can collapse that pocket from all sides, though, Vick will not have nearly the opportunity to rack up the rushing yards.

If Harrison continues to resemble the dominant force that he was for the Steelers from 2007-2011, the Steelers’ defense can continue to climb the ranks, despite the bevy of injuries. If Harrison comes back to reality, though, and looks more like the player who registered only two sacks with the Cincinnati Bengals last season, the undermanned unit could be exposed.

As a result, the play of Harrison will be the x-factor in the Steelers’ outcome against the Jets.

Sean Meyers is a professional wrestling writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and “Like” him on Facebook.

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