Troy Polamalu

Despite Defensive Player of the Year Honors, Troy Polamalu had an off year in my estimation. He was out for a few games with injury, had a few bad games down the stretch (in the playoffs, no less), but can still be the deciding factor on Sunday. He has tremendous instincts for the ball when it’s in the air and plays the run as well as any safety in the NFL. His blitzes can cause a problem for any offense and he becomes an extra run-stuffer near the goal line. His skill set is second to none.

Continue reading "Joe's Super Bowl XLV Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers"

When the Jets won in Pittsburgh during the regular season, the Steelers were without Troy Polamalu and tight end Heath Miller. This time around, Pittsburgh has those cogs back and functional as the less talkative than usual Jets come in after knocking Peyton Manning and Tom Brady out of the playoffs. Pittsburgh's offense has been erratic this season, so today they'll need to keep it steady with regular doses of Rashard Mendenhall and Heath Miller. With the Jet corners playing so well lately, it's hard to imagine Hines Ward or Mike Wallace finding too many openings. Wallace is fast enough that he could separate from Cromartie on occasion, but Ben's going to need to recognize that as it happens. The big plays could be there, but they'll be hard to find. They should try to push around the Jet front seven in order to get a win today. Try to avoid letting Ben take too many unnecessary hits (though he will anyway, despite their efforts).

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Opening Drive: Conference ..."

hitting and stout against the run, though their pass defense numbers suffered last year with safety Troy Polamalu missing so much time. Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel are a great front three, and linebackers LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison are vicious. After Ike Taylor, their corners are superb, but safeties Ryan Clark and Polamalu are as good as they get.

Continue reading "Joe's NFL 2010 Season Preview: AFC North"

Even on the road without Troy Polamalu, I like Pittsburgh to win. Though any Steeler (lookin' at you LaMarr Woodley) or Steeler fan who thinks the Colts or Patriots are resting players because they don't want to see the Steelers in the playoffs is delirious. Maybe you shouldn't have lost five straight?

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 17"

Without Troy Polamalu, the Steelers must rely on another big game from Big Ben Roethlisberger. With their week twelve meeting ending with an overtime field goal, this rematch is up for grabs. On Heinz Field, I'll give a slight edge to Pittsburgh.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 16"

Unfortunately for them, Troy Polamalu will be back on the field for the Steelers defense. I have a hard time believing Mike Tomlin’s squad will drop this home game.

(3-5) Seattle Seahawks at (5-3) Arizona Cardinals 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 10"

ampionship swagger after some early troubles, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Troy Polamalu and the Steeler running game returned as well. Rashard Mendenhall has taken over for Willie Parker and is running away (pun SO intended) with the opportunity. Now Big Ben Roethlisberger isn't as pressured in the pocket.Denver’s defense will be hoping to rebound after being embarrassed by Baltimore last week, but the offense will have to put up points if they have any hope of stymieing the Steelers.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 9"

sota Vikings at (4-2) Pittsburgh Steelers 

So in spite of their early problems while without Troy Polamalu, the Steelers have emerged 4-2, trailing a half game behind the Bengals for the division lead. They welcome in the still streaking Vikings, who are making the rounds on the Brett Favre victory tour. Polamalu practiced this week and is expected to play, which should healthily improve the Steelers’ run and pass defense. Against Favre and Adrian Peterson, they’ll need Troy at his best. With Ben Roethlisberger coming off a 400-yard passing game of his own and Vikings Pro Bowl corner Antoine Winfield doubtful with a foot injury, this has potential to turn into a shoot-out. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 7"

ound or offensive coordinator Todd Haley gives up on the run, Arizona will be in a load of trouble. Troy Polamalu will be stalking in the secondary, ready to snap up an interception of any forced or pressured Warner throws. If Arizona falls behind early, it will be an almost insurmountable climb out of the hole.

Continue reading "Joey A's Super Bowl Opening Drive: Game Preview"

tor Dick LeBeau, a legendary defensive mind, has his unit playing at the highest level in football. Troy Polamalu is a ball-hawk in the secondary with unparalleled range. Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend are vastly underrated at the cornerback position and have a knack for bringing down big interceptions. Nose tackle Casey Hampton and defensive end Aaron Smith lead a defensive front seven that shuts down the run like no other team (except maybe the Ravens) can claim. Defensive MVP James Harrison has been a monster at linebacker, but he has a wealth of support with LaMarr Woodley, Larry Foote, and James Farrior all on the field in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 scheme. Intimidated yet? You will be, you will be.

Continue reading "Joey A's Super Bowl Opening Drive: ..."

don Jacobs in check.  Look for Eli to be confused by the blitz packages of the Steelers.  Troy Polamalu will put a hurting on Peyton’s little bro (hopefully Goodell will be lenient on him)!  Pittsburgh 27, New York Giants 13.  

Continue reading "Predictions Week 8"