Tag Archives: best outside linebackers of the 2000s

H2H 140: James Harrison vs. Joey Porter – Who was Better?

Beginning with the days of the “Steel Curtain” in the 1970s, the Pittsburgh Steelers have always been characterized by a ferocious defense; in particular, from the likes of Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene to Jason Gildon to T.J. Watt today, a hallmark of their defensive scheme has consistently been elite pass-rushing outside linebackers.  Notably, in the 2000s, the Steelers defense was anchored by successive brash pass-rushers, first with Joey Porter and then followed by James Harrison.  Both among the top five career sack leaders in team history, each was an intimidating (and perhaps at times, dirty) player who will go down in team lore as a legend, but the question is:

Who was better – James Harrison or Joey Porter?

Continue reading