Pittsburgh Steelers: Did James Harrison take a shot at Big Ben?

Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers isn’t just another game for Cincinnati Bengals linebacker James Harrison, as it will be the first time that Harrison will have to go against his former team.

December 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) interact on the field before playing the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. The Cincinnati Bengals won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As Harrison anxiously awaits an opportunity to make a statement to the organization that let him go, he also made a statement to reporters this week, potentially taking a shot at Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the guy he is going to be attempting to bring down Monday night.

According to Harrison, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week One, was the best player on Pittsburgh’s offense.

“They lost their best offensive player they had in Pouncey,” Harrison said on a conference call with the Pittsburgh media.

While some feel that Harrison’s statement is a direct shot at Roethlisberger, I don’t believe that to be true.

I think Harrison’s statement just speaks to the respect that Pouncey has gained throughout the league during his three-plus years in the league. For what is worth noting, former Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli said on Football night in America that he considers Pouncey the Steelers’ best offensive player as well.

I have heard some people complain about this, but I don’t think there is much of a story here.

Harrison certainly respects Roethlisberger a great deal.

His comments just show exactly how important Pouncey’s loss is to the Steelers and how much he will be missed.