Steelers Safety a Menace on Field (Polamalu Alert)

Orange County Register ^ | 1/20/06 | Michael Levy

[beyond the sea]

Reporters and cameramen surround Troy Polamalu in the visitors' locker room at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. You lean in to try to hear what the Pittsburgh Steelers safety has to say, but it's fruitless. Polamalu barely speaks above a whisper. And you think: This is the guy who terrorized Peyton Manning?

Another anecdote, from a few years back: Polamalu asks USC teammate Alex Holmes for permission to take out his sister, Theodora. Holmes wouldn't let anyone else on the team talk to Theodora, let alone date her. But he tells Polamalu, ``Of course. Nothing could make me happier.''

Holmes accedes because Polamalu ``is such an exceptional person.'' You hear this and think: This is the guy who gives offensive coordinators nightmares?

Polamalu is indeed that guy. Soft-spoken off the field, teeth-rattling hitter on it. Mild-mannered, generous person, maniacal, intimidating player.

In many ways, Polamalu embodies the defense for which he toils: The first-glance perception and the reality are separate entities. The Denver Broncos must contend with both in the AFC championship game Sunday. It's no easy task.

Polamalu's bedevilment of the Colts included seven tackles, two pass breakups and three near-interceptions. The previous week, in a victory over Cincinnati, he had six tackles, a half-sack and an interception no replay review could reverse.

``That's becoming normal for him, to be pretty much the most dominant player on the field,'' said Holmes, who not only became Polamalu's brother-in-law but also plays tight end for the Miami Dolphins. ``That's a crazy thing to say in the NFL.''

[timestax]

bttt

[RayBob]

"I've already played the game on Madden 2006 5 times, and each time, the Steelers won. A few were close, but the last one was 34-17."

And the real game final score.....

34-17 Steelers....

Just damn....

[proudpapa]

Your Steelers looked sharp, for 3 quarters.

They're still overrated, and the Bus is almost on empty.

Hawks will win 33 - 21.

[Ditto]

Polamulu does not equal Champ Bailey and John Lynch

Turns out, you were right. He had more tackles than both of them combined.

[Pukin Dog]

Never doubt Madden, baby!

[dread78645]

Since hair is part of the uniform i'd get into a fight with him on the field and yank a huge handful of it out. :D

You'll only do it once.

Then you'll need a surgeon or three.

[Petronski]

Turns out, you were right. He had more tackles than both of them combined.

LOL

[dfwgator]

So have you played the Steelers against the Seahawks yet on Madden?

[Pukin Dog]

Yes, two games last evening. First game, Steelers 31-27. Second game, Seahawks, 21-17.

[getitright]

So have you played the Steelers against the Seahawks yet on Madden?

WELL? Have you? Please please please tell us the outcome. It'll be our little secret.

[Echo Talon]

Then you'll need a surgeon or three.

Yea, because after you pull his afro and his helmet flys off he's so tough that that he can much though a helmet right?

[drungus]

give me a break. hes no Ronnie Lott.

Well, at least somebody agrees with you: "I have watched some memorable safeties over the years, with Ronnie Lott being the best. But I can't remember anyone playing like Polamalu during these playoffs. He's a freak of nature."

[Echo Talon]

How is Polamalu better than Bob Sanders much less Ronnie Lott, when Sanders has more solo and assisted tackles in 14 games compared to Troys 16 games.

[drungus]

Why don't you ask Bill Simmons, the ESPN commentator who I quoted above?