What kidney punch?

First and foremost, I must preface this by saying I am a die hard, towel waving, Pittsburgh Steelers fanatic. That being said, I will be as objective as possible in this post, but at the same time it is MY blog so if it seems a little subjective, it probably is.

If you are wondering what the title of this post is referring to the James Harrison personal foul unnecessary roughness call during Super Bowl 43. Now first off, I agree, there should be a penalty on the play. However, I think it should have been ruled an illegal block in the back.

I have watched the video of the incident in question at least 50 times now. Aaron Francisco immediately goes for a "chop " or "cut" block. The chop block is a dangerous blocking technique, often resulting in injury, however is not illegal unless "On a kicking play, A1 chops a defensive player while the defensive player is physically engaged by the blocking attempt of A2. On a kicking play in which A2 physically engages a defensive player with a blocking attempt, A1 chops the defensive player after the contact by A2 has been broken and while A2 is still confronting the defensive player. On a kicking play, A1 chops a defensive player while A2 confronts the defensive player in a kick-blocking posture but is not physically engaged with the defensive player (a “lure”). On a kicking play, A1 blocks a defensive player in the area of the thigh or lower, and A2, simultaneously or immediately after the block by A1, engages the defensive player high."Courtesy of the 2006 Official Playing Rules of the National Football League.

Since Francisco was the only offensive player to block Harrison, there is no penalty, nor am I implying it was a cheap shot. If you look closely, it appears as though Francisco's right fist goes directly toward Harrison's crotch when he moves to chop block Harrison. Again, I am not implying that this was intentional, however, may explain some of the ensuing entanglement.

Now let's take a look at this from Harrison's perspective. You are James Harrison, the undrafted dark horse out of Kent State. Since 2002, you have been released by your own team 3 times, and did not become a starter until the 2007 season, having only started 8 games in the previous 4 seasons. You've had to earn every ounce of respect through blood, sweat, and hard work. Finally, you are recognized for your accomplishments being named the 2008 Defensive player of the year after recording 93 tackles and 16.0 sacks. You are an integral part of the number 1 passing defense in the NFL, allowing only 178.9 yds/game, the number 1 rush defense in the AFC, allowing only 80.3 yds/game and only 7 TDs, and allowing the fewest total yards of offense in the NFL. You and your teammates are a defensive machine.

Now, enter Super Bowl 43. Kurt Warner is able to compile 377 passing yards and Edge is converting several plays into 1st downs. While the Steel Curtain stood strong throughout the season, it appears to be crumbling around you. With 3:34 left to go, the dominating defense is finding it more and more difficult to stop the Cardinals offense. You are frustrated beyond all means, you feel as though you have to take the entire burden of the defense on your shoulders. You had to swing the momentum just before the half, returning an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. Now you are the one your teammates look to put Kurt Warner on his back.

This is what I believe provoked Harrison to act in the manner he did on the play in question. Being on the number 1 defense, yet being beaten by what many analysts deemed an inferior offense, and not being able to do anything about, even when you have just made Super Bowl history returning an 100 yard interception for a TD, clearly frustrated Harrison beyond belief.

Finally, the defense holds and forces the Cardinals to punt. Harrison comes off the end to bring some pressure and is chopped by Francisco. Francisco's hand, whether intentional or not, finds Harrison's crotch and Mr. Harrison is pushed past the critical mass point. Harrison is irate that Francisco takes a cheap shot (in Harrison's mind) on him and takes out a games worth of aggression on a play.

In anger, Harrison throws his hand firmly down on Francisco's shoulder-pad, albeit aggressive, it is not worth a penalty. Francisco is now essentially out of the play. Francisco then tries to regain his footing and Harrison gives him a big shot to the numbers. As an isolated event it does seem to warrant unsportsman like conduct, I can agree to that. However, in the scope of the play, Harrison is unaware that there is no return on the punt, for all he knows the ball carrier may be coming up behind him and he is trying to keep Francisco out of the play.

As Francisco gets up again, he turns away from Harrison and this is when I believe a penalty should have been called. Harrison with an open hand hits Francisco in the back. Sure, flag that as an illegal block in the back, I can totally agree with that.

Yes, James Harrison is an aggressive player and yes he did put quite a lick on Francisco, but I think people are blowing it way out of proportion, some so far as to say he doesn't deserve a Super Bowl ring and that he is the most disrespectful player in the NFL. C'mon people, it was one bad play. I have been watching the NFL for 10 years, granted I'm no expert, but I have seen many worse and "cheaper" shots...especially from Ray Lewis...and the rest of the Ravens.

James Harrison, I salute you. For taking slandering in stride, for not giving up in the 4th quarter when it looked bleak for the boys in black and gold, and most of all for setting super bowl history. Defense is wild and aggressive, it is primal and instinctive. Players like James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior, Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton, Larry Foote, Aaron Smith, and heck, even Hines Ward, epitomize that attitude.

So maybe I am distinctly biased, but hey, it's my opinion and you know what they say about opinions, everyone has one and only mine is important.