FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Veteran outside linebacker James Harrison grew frustrated in Pittsburgh because he wanted to play.
The New England Patriots showed they have significant plans for him in a 26-6 victory over the New York Jets in the regular-season finale Sunday. Harrison will help the Patriots, who clinched home-field advantage, as they had him on the field for 28 of a possible 57 defensive snaps (including penalties). That was more than half the total snaps he had played (40) for the Steelers over 14 games before being released.
Before two sacks to finish the game, Harrison’s highlight play came early in the third quarter when he backpedaled at the snap, planted his foot into the ground, then charged downhill and wrapped up receiver Robby Anderson short of the sticks for a stop on third-and-5.