By Kevin Gorman
October 15, 2017
James Harrison beats Eric Fisher en route to sacking Alex Smith late in the fourth quarter of yesterday's game (Chaz Palla/Tribune-Review)
KANSAS CITY, MO.
In what has been anything but a storybook season for the Steelers, they got a fairytale finish from a man who continues to defy his age.
Father Time is supposedly undefeated, but so were the Kansas City Chiefs before James Harrison and the Steelers visited Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the game on the line, the Steelers turned to the 39-year-old Harrison to rush Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith from the right side.
And Harrison did to former No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher what he has done to so many NFL left tackles, which is repeatedly overpower him on his way to the passer.
Harrison hit Smith on second down, forcing an incomplete pass, then sacked him for an 8-yard loss to help the Steelers seal a 19-13 victory.
It's what we have come to expect from Harrison, a five-time Pro Bowl pick and the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
“Just for him to get that sack in a critical moment of the game,” Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier said, “that's why he's been playing for so long.”
Not a bad moment for a 15-year NFL veteran who spent the past two games wearing shorts on the Steelers sideline, making the adjustment to being a healthy inactive on game day.
“It's a good feeling any time you get out there and play,” Harrison said. “That's what I do. I like to compete. Anytime I'm on the sideline, of course I'm not happy with that. I want to go out there and compete. I'm not playing this game because I want to stand on the sideline.”
How Harrison hooked his left arm under Fisher's and powered past him was reminiscent of the play that drew a holding penalty on the Chiefs' 2-point conversion attempt in the AFC divisional playoff here in January.
It's no coincidence, as Harrison professes to pray harder than he prepares. If you've seen his workout regimen on social media, you know that Harrison prepares harder than players almost half his age.
“I had a plan before I went there what I was going to do, so it happened to work,” said Harrison, who finished with three tackles. “I'm 39 years old, and I'm still playing a young man's game. I'm extremely blessed and highly favored. This is all God's doing. I'm just sitting back, riding the bus.”
Harrison might sound humble, but Fisher had him ready to rumble after throwing him down by the helmet on one pass rush. Harrison had some harsh words with his counterpart, whom he has now registered 3 1⁄2 sacks against in the past five meetings.
Not that Harrison keeps count.
“I don't know why you guys keep saying I have his number,” Harrison said. “I think I've played well against some other tackles, too.”
But Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wasn't shy about saying how much they like that matchup.
“I told you guys we were going to play him, and you see why: He delivered a significant play in a significant moment,” Tomlin said. “That is why we value him, not only in terms of what he does in the stadium, though.”
Don't underestimate the power of Harrison's leadership on these Steelers. His insertion into the starting lineup last season coincided with the start of a nine-game winning streak, and Harrison is as respected as any player in their locker room.
Listen to receiver Antonio Brown, known for his work ethic: “I don't know another guy who works as hard as him.” He called Harrison a “true professional who leads by example.”
Listen to left tackle Alejandro Villanueva: “He's mastered a skill. That's exactly why James Harrison was a defensive MVP. That's why he's still playing football, because he's so valuable and works so hard and is doing his job on the field.”
For Harrison, the most satisfying part was getting the win. That made all of his work worth the while and his performance worth the wait.
Get used to it, Father Time.
Kevin Gorman is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at kgorman@tribweb.com or via Twitter @KGorman_Trib.
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