Let's Not Forget Steelers LB Terence Garvin

Let's not forget Steelers LB Terence Garvin
By Neal Coolong
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com...terence-garvin

Steeles hybrid linebacker/defensive back Terence Garvin created what was judged to be one of the biggest plays of the Bengals' season in 2013. A tad dramatic, but his real impact last year was the use of him in a hybrid role.
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The Steelers' 2013 draft netted them four players who filled significant roles last season. They aren't the only ones to focus on, however. Several players from the past few drafts have been developing over the last few seasons, and this is look at those players.
Terence Garvin is notorious in Cincinnati.
His hit on Bengals punter Kevin Huber was so egregious, apparently, it made the list of 10 Plays that Shaped the Bengals' Year on ESPN. It was fourth on that list.
I know what you're thinking, and the answer is yes, there are, in fact, three other plays more important than a team's punter getting blocked in a Week 15 blowout. The future of the Bengals' organization was forever altered because of the loss of Huber (an otherwise fine punter, all sarcasm aside), and there is little doubt their whipping at the hands of San Diego came directly from the loss of Huber, who suffered a broken jaw on the play.
If other Steelers' rookies made more of an impact last season, Garvin made the loudest one. Penalty that wasn't called, fine that was issued, blah, blah blah. Garvin's real contribution to the 2013 season was the Steelers' utilization of him in something of a hybrid linebacker/safety role, something many figured would fit Steelers LB Sean Spence if and when he returned to the field.
He has the mobility and the size to fit into the Steelers' nickel package in such a role, something that was also handled to an extent by Steelers S Troy Polamalu.
If nothing else, outside the whole Huber Hit thing, Garvin represents an outside-the-box mentality this defense really needs. The fact is, they don't have a James Harrison-level Defensive Player of the Year, and they don't have Polamalu from 2005. As a unit, they need to harness as much of their talent as possible in ways that aren't expected or anticipated by their opponents. Garvin brings elements of that, and while his roster spot isn't guaranteed for this season, it's a strong bet he'll be there in a similar capacity.
Hopefully, for the sake of his checking account, he remembers which "football players" he's allowed to hit at which times.