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Harrison fields Patriots questions

Print | Comments () Posted by Christopher L. Gasper, Globe Staff February 21, 2010 01:45 PM

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JUPITER, Fla. -- While Randy Moss shared his belief that he's going to be a former Patriot following the 2010 season at the charity softball game of Heath Evans last night, an actual former Patriot, Rodney Harrison, was also in the house showing off his softball skills.

Harrison, who looked like he could still play...football, took some time away from the softball field to field some questions about the Patriots.

He weighed in on coach Bill Belichick's decision not to name a defensive coordinator following the departure of Dean Pees and the leadership void that his retirement, along with that of Tedy Bruschi, coupled with the trades of Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour left in the Patriots locker room.

"To me it's a little surprising that he wouldn't go with a defensive coordinator because he has so many responsibilities," said Harrison. "But I mean that just shows you right there that he is not very satisfied in the direction that the defense had been going. He wanted to be more involved

"Nothing really surprises me with Bill. There is a method behind his madness we just have to wait and see."

Harrison told reporters that more important than the title is members of the defense knowing who is running the show.

"Well, obviously someone has to stand in front [of the defense] and the defense needs a go-to guy. If it's not the head coach, the defense needs someone to be their leader. So, I think if he doesn't officially name someone there has to be a designation, whether it's Pepper Johnson, Matt Patricia, someone that the guys can go to if they have any questions so it would relieve some of the sense of uncertainty.

"I think it can cause a little confusion, but Belichick he is going to nip it in the bud. He is going to tell the fellas exactly the way the structure is going to be set and they'll go with it."

Harrison wasn't surprised that locker room leadership was an issue for the Patriots this season.

"Obviously, it is when you lose over 50 years of experience on defense of course there is an impact. You have to understand championships aren't won because guys are just great players. It's because they know how to deal with certain situations. They know how to deal with adversity. They know how to deal with success and that comes through leadership you know what I mean.

"I would be really foolish to sit here and tell you they're not missing that type of leadership. ...You watch them ,the way they play, and they're a young team and they need leadership."