And he says the only thing he’s focused on is winning a third championship.
Everything else is secondary for the 39-year-old Patriots linebacker Jimmy Graham Jersey , who is thriving in his new role with the team that was once his rival.
”That’s the goal. To win the Lombardi (Trophy). There’s only one winner,” Harrison said as he prepared to make his first trip to the Super Bowl since the 2008 season, when he captured his second ring with Pittsburgh.
He’s done talking about his abrupt departure from the Steelers last month and the suggestions from his former teammates that it was Harrison who asked to be released after complaints about playing time.
In a lengthy post on Instagram days after joining the Patriots, Harrison responded directly to his critics, writing: ”If anybody thought I signed a two-year deal with a team in the NFL at age 39 to sit on the bench and collect a check and a participation trophy, they’re mistaken. I didn’t sign up to sit on the bench and be a cheerleader.”
What’s not in dispute is that Harrison’s playing time decreased significantly this season with the Steelers.
The Steelers’ sack leader with 80+ in 14 seasons in Pittsburgh, Harrison appeared in just five games and played a total of 38 snaps for them this season. He had only one sack. His five appearances were his fewest since his first season in Pittsburgh in 2002.
After being released on Dec. 23, Harrison signed with New England in time to play in the Patriots’ regular-season finale against the Jets. He had three tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in his debut.
In one regular season and two playoffs games with the Patriots, he’s already been on the field for 89 snaps.
”I’m doing whatever they ask me to do,” Harrison said. ”I’m getting more snaps than I had (in Pittsburgh) Tedric Thompson Jersey , and I like that.”
As to whether he has something to prove at this point in his career, he said that has always been his mindset.
”Anything people say I can’t do, I want to prove them wrong,” Harrison said.
He says it would be impossible for him to feel truly acclimated after just three games, but he has an appreciation for the way the Patriots approach things.
Safety Devin McCourty said Harrison’s work ethic has been noticeable.
”I think younger guys, a lot of younger guys on the team compared to him, can learn from him,” McCourty said. ”I think we all saw that from Day 1 when he came in here bright and early getting whatever he needs done.”
Coach Bill Belichick praised Harrison’s ability to handle the different things they’ve asked of him.
”This guy is a professional. He’s into football. He’s into his job and wants to do it well,” Belichick said. ”I, 100 percent totally respect that. That’s what you want from everybody.”
Harrison started at outside linebacker in the AFC title game against Jacksonville and is in line to start again alongside Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts against the Eagles.
Whatever happens, Harrison is secure in the decisions he’s made.
”It feels good Brandon Williams Jersey , but like I’ve said before, this is all God’s plan,” he said. ”This is all his doing. I’m just reaping the benefits of it right now.”
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WASHINGTON REDSKINS (7-9)
OPEN CAMP: July 26, Richmond, Virginia
LAST YEAR: Injuries, ineffective running game and porous run defense derailed playoff hopes. Nine starters were on injured reserve by end of season, including left tackle Trent Williams, tight end Jordan Reed, and linebacker Mason Foster. Quarterback Kirk Cousins surpassed 4,000 yards for third straight year, threw for 27 touchdowns and ran for four Patrick Omameh Jersey , but had three interceptions in season finale that turned out to be final game with team. Blowing 31-16 lead at New Orleans in November ended realistic postseason hopes before Thanksgiving. Receiver Josh Doctson showed hope for future with 35 catches for 502 yards and team-high six TDs. First-round pick Jonathan Allen flashed elite ability on defensive line before foot injury halted season five games in. Defense allowed 348 yards and 24 points per game. Offense couldn't keep up while down several key weapons.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: QB Alex Smith, WR Paul Richardson, LB Pernell McPhee, CB Orlando Scandrick, rookie RB Derrius Guice, rookie DL Daron Payne.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: Cousins, WR Terrelle Pryor, WR Ryan Grant, TE Niles Paul, C Spencer Long, LB Will Compton Larry Csonka Jersey , CB Kendall Fuller, CB Bashaud Breeland.
CAMP NEEDS: Sort out crowded field of running backs that includes Guice, previous starter Robert Kelley, Chris Thompson, and 2017 fourth-round pick Samaje Perine. Guice has talent and pedigree to emerge as feature back. Smith must get on same page with coach Jay Gruden and develop chemistry with Reed, Doctson, Jamison Crowder and rest of targets after years of them working with Cousins. Williams will get opportunity to show he's healthy after surgery to repair torn tendon in right knee. On defense, Scandrick will compete with Fabian Moreau and Quinton Dunbar for starting spot along with Josh Norman. Three days of joint workouts with Jets after two camps without outside competition should help Redskins prepare better than years past.
EXPECTATIONS: Winning season is realistic if Smith is as good as or better than Cousins and running game gets on track. Defense should be better with Alabama products Allen and Payne and return of Brown. Best case is competition for playoff spot behind NFC East favorite Philadelphia, while worst case is significant step back that endangers Gruden's long-term job security.
GermanForce
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17.09.2018 04:02
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