James Harrison Injury: Should Steelers Fans Be Concerned About Injured LB?

James Harrison has been a dominating presence on an already dominating defense. He may have saved the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2008 Super Bowl with his 100 yard INT return for a touchdown.

Since then, he's been hard to block as a rushing linebacker. He can also play coverage and sums up what the Steelers represent: a hard stout team that is very physical.

However, during the 4th quarter of today's Steelers vs. Ravens game, Harrison left with a knee injury. How serious is the injury is unknown at the current moment. However, if Harrison ends up missing time because of the injury, should the Steelers, and their fans, be concerned?

The short answer, is yes.

James Harrison is a brutal force to block, some of the tougher left tackles in the league will have trouble containing him, while even above average tackles can be abused by him. His absence will leave a gap few men can fill, and none the Steelers can fill while he's out.

His ability to get to the QB is the most obvious, but what about his ability in coverage? Though I'm unsure of his ability in coverage, I know that he can do it, and he can succeed at it.

After the Steelers beat down at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers need to regroup their defense as best as they can. To lose a key component of their already old defense, this early in the season, is bad for that team.

So should fans be worried? They should, and they should hope he comes back as soon as possible. The team won't be the same without him.