The Lions have one of, if not the best, run-stoppers in the NFL in Damon Harrison, and they have him on an extremely team-friendly deal. Harrison wants what he's worth.
That's why he sat out minicamp this week, forfeiting nearly $90,000 in the process. Harrison, who's signed through 2020, ranks 16th among defensive tackles in average annual salary ($9.25 million). He was the third best interior defender in the league last year, per Pro Football Focus.
For anyone skeptical of his value to the Lions -- and his right to a raise -- Harrison took to Twitter on Thursday to share a few lessons.
In sum: This defense needs me.
Let me learn y'all something real quick since it seems to be hard to understand...how does one get a 3rd down sack? Don't worry I'll help..a team has to be stopped short of the marker on either a run or pass attempt. Insert pass rushers then BOOM!
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) June 6, 2019What downs are high on percentage run downs? Drum roll please....1st and 2nd down *gasp* NO WAY!! Do you know what the first MUST in EVERY defensive gameplan on EVERY team? Another drum roll please.....STOP THE RUN *clutches pearls* gotta be kidding right? https://t.co/QvauyfhjTV
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) June 6, 2019Lesson 3: how can you get a sack on 3rd down if there is no 3rd down? Let me take this one...YOU CANT. Give up 7-8 yards between 1st and 2nd downs then guess who more than likely won't be getting on the field? Don't worry I'll wait...Pass rushers! Again I said "more than likely". https://t.co/pfdnueQmUi
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) June 6, 2019Lesson 4: what's the best chance to get a 3rd down sack other than taking me off the field? Getting a team into obvious passing situations. WHAT ARE THOSE?!?! -- it's 3rd and medium or 3rd and longs. How do you do that? You stop them on 1st and 2nd downs. https://t.co/jwJRLlxYdu
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) June 6, 2019Who's top 2 but not 2 the last 5-7 years in tackles on 1st and 2nd downs for a loss/no gain? Hmmmm beats me ----♂️. Did that tackles result in 2nd and long and 3rd and long? Good question... https://t.co/SZ3oTJTv4M
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) June 6, 2019Long story short (not) lol I'm usually a humble guy but don't disrespect the one thing I'm good at and try to down and play me. If I was good at two things I'd let y'all have one but I'm not --. Hashtag #iCreate3rdAndLongs so be careful what you ask for. Good morning!!!! https://t.co/3LoQc0PmBz
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) June 6, 2019Whether he deserves a new deal or not, Harrison isn't blowing smoke. He completely changed Detroit's defense when he arrived last October. In six games without him, the Lions were allowing the most yards per game in the NFL. They finished the season allowing the 10th least.
From an individual standpoint, Harrison led interior defenders in run stops for the fourth consecutive season.
