NFL: James Harrison and Six Players That Roger Goodell Is Really Hurting

The NFL's rules of protection of their quarterbacks are one thing.  I'm all for making sure everyone is safe. But this is the NFL, not the Ice Show.  Players sign up for this and if they can't take the heat, they need to get off of the field.

To the naked eye, it appears as if Roger Goodell certainly has it out for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  It's hard to argue at least. The Steelers have some of the hardest-hitting players in the game (i.e. James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, etc.).  These guys are being singled out and have been quite vocal about it to say the least.  No one can really argue with their opinion.  Polamalu put it best a few weeks ago when he mentioned that players should be reviewing these hits to see if they're clean or not instead of the "corporate folk."

As we've seen in the past with Goodell, it's his way or no way.  I thought this stern commish was good for the game when he started to crack down on the NFL's bad boys in the beginning.  But now, Goodell is getting ridiculous.  If you're an NFL defender, you might as well not come to work on Sundays.  It's truly a shame.  

Without any more finger-pointing, here are seven players that Roger Goodell is damaging. 

6. Shawne Merriman

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SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers waits on the line of scrimmage against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 38-13. (Photo by Step

Shawne Merriman is one of the most lethal hitters in the sport.  He earned the nickname "Lights Out" back in high school when he knocked out four! players in one half with devastating hits.  That alone must be some sort of feat, even in high school. 

Guys like Merriman might be out of a job if the NFL has its way.  The hitting has gotten softer because of these recent fines.  Players lining up for hits won't lead the same way, while Merriman may not be one of them, he may need to watch out.  The NFL targets hitters of his caliber. 

The Chargers gave up on this hard-hitting linebacker, and he's the Buffalo Bills' problem now.  Merriman is currently on IR.  This may be the safest place for him as the NFL would definitely be looking at his hits under a microscope to see if they're "legit."

5. Brian Urlacher

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a defensive touchdown against the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Gett

Brian Urlacher is quietly one of the game's most feared hitters.  He has consistently been atop lists of players that you don't go over the middle against.  The middle of the football field is the territory this Bear covers.  

This Bear-lifer has yet to be hurt by the NFL's latest "finegate" but could be at any moment.  Another instance where a guy who often doesn't lead with his head and plays the game right might be slapped with a fine.  

Just the fact that Urlacher is such a great player and hitter makes him vulnerable.  Hopefully for his sake, he will be able to escape the 2010 season unscathed.  He just recently referred to the NFL's fines for hits "outrageous."  Thanks for stating the obvious Brian.   

Though not affiliated with anything on the field, Urlacher was fined $100,000 back on Super Bowl Media Day in 2007.  This was for wearing a hat that supported a sponsor that was "not authorized" by the league. The sponsor was Vitamin Water, the NFL (National Fine League) prefers Haterade, actually, Gatorade.

4. Bob Sanders

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 18: Bob Sanders #21 of the Indianapolis Colts stretches prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 18, 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Bob Sanders has missed the better part of three seasons due to injury and is often forgotten.  He has yet to play in 2010 and has participated in only 47 games in his seven-year career. Many fail to realize that when healthy, Sanders is among the best open-field hitters in the game.

Sanders' absence has put his team's defense in a tough spot.  He's the Indianapolis Colts' defensive leader and lays out the big hit frequently.  Sanders is only 5'8" and 206 lbs., but he hits like a train for his size.

He may be one guy that won't have to worry about this now because of his bicep injury.  But when he returns, he will have to adapt or else his wallet will feel it in the morning.  Just ask the No. 1 guy on this list.   

3. Troy Polamalu

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PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up before the snap during the game against the Oakland Raiders on November 21, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

His hair is as much a part of his identity as the No. 43 on his jersey.  Troy Polamalu is one of the most passionate players in the game and plays every down like it's his last.  You can't deny this or penalize it (like the NFL is trying to do with fines) but rather admire and praise him for this. 

Polamalu is a "clean" hitter and plays the game properly.  He seldom leads with his head and is one of the more respected "good guys" in the NFL.  He prays and crosses himself before and after each play to assure that no one has been injured or if they have, to make sure they're OK.  This is an admirable part of the man we know as "Troy."

Polamalu has been the most vocal player in light of these rampant fines that the NFL has dished out this season.  Maybe the NFL ought to listen to his suggestions.  

2. Ray Lewis

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BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 28: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Buccaneers 17-10. (Photo by Larry F

On the football field, Ray Lewis is one of the most dangerous hitters of all-time.  He's also a "man of God" and doesn't intend to hurt anyone.  Unlike countless others in the NFL, Lewis plays the game the right way and carries himself well.  There are lots of "headhunters" out there that simply can't tackle and try their best; Ray Lewis (and just about everyone else on this list) is not among them.

You can rest assure that the NFL is looking to take players like Lewis out of the game.  The more and more these fines spur up, they're quietly leading these defensive players to the door.  As we saw earlier this season, James Harrison was contemplating retirement.

Lewis has made a name off his tenacious play and now a lot of that is being taken away from him.  This isn't fair, not for a guy that plays the game with such intensity yet does so cleanly.  

1. James Harrison

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 17: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers encourages the fans to make noise while playing the Cleveland Browns on October 17, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won the game 28-10. (Photo by Gregory

The NFL has had it out for James Harrison and pretty much the entire Pittsburgh Steeler team in 2010. With their recent regulations on hits, the Steelers are everything that the NFL is trying to avoid.  They've really ticked the Steeler defenders off, seemingly taking them out of their element.  In particular, James Harrison, who was on the brink of retirement a month ago. 

It's sad when a guy like Harrison can't play his game and has to constantly worry out on the field.  The football field is more like a battlefield and needs to be treated as such.  This isn't Ring Around the Rosie, this is the National Fine League.  Or Football, whichever you prefer.

Harrison has already been fined $125,000 for his "illegal" hits this season.  Perhaps the most pathetic was his latest.  Just this past weekend, another $25,000 fine was slapped onto Harrison for a hit on Buffalo Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.  It was a pretty standard hit and wasn't even late to be honest.  It's really gotten to the point where it's unbearable to watch.  

I love watching great defenses just punish and lay out hits.  If the NFL gets their way, this will all disappear and there will be no purpose for great hitters in the league anymore.  This day is rapidly approaching. When it does occur, this is one fan they will certainly lose.