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.''

[beyond the sea]

Sweet, that poor b*stard will be in jail during the Super Bowl.......... no radio or tv (or beer).

;-)

[CIDKauf]

Yea, yea, yea...I can beat New England with the Lions too

[Revolting cat!]

[Sometimes A River]

then the Broncos would be 15-1

That's right, thanks to the:

[karnage]

Wow, to rank him with 10-time Pro Bowler Mike Singletary, one of the best middle linebackers ever, is saying a lot. He must truly be great.

[Proud_USA_Republican]

Its a good thing for Polamalu he wears yellow, because if he goes against Sean Alexander & The seahawks recieving corps in the superbowl, he'll be taken to school on a bus.

[Pukin Dog]

I dont play either side, to make sure it is fair.

[karnage]

Bears fans don't pull hair. But judging from all the missed tackles vs Carolina, some of the Bears players might.

[beyond the sea]

After the call was overturned, I watched the cameras turn on Troy. He listened, grabbed his helmet and ran back out to play. No complaining or carrying on.

Yes, I saw that a few times. Very cool ......... that kind of thing is why this Steeler team will most likely win.

In my mind, only bad breaks will cause them to lose. But those crazy things do happen, I hope not.

[merry10]

In the playoffs, statistics dont' matter. Indianapolis was 14-1 when the Steelers blew them away. It doesn't matter what the Broncos record is.

[beyond the sea]

courtesy of Nagin?

[CIDKauf]

That's right ...I'm busted!!! BUT...I give the Fins that one based on the 108 degree 90 percent humidity, and the Broncs left their salt tablets and bananas in Denver!

[merry10]

In the playoffs, statistics dont' matter. Indianapolis was 14-1 when the Steelers blew them away. It doesn't matter what the Broncos record is.

[Supernatural]

If it weren't for a few ball calls by the officials, and an inadvertent fumble by the bus, the Steelers would have blown out the Colts by a score of about 34-10. Yes, blown them out but good. The so-called "best team in the NFL".

You and me, Pukin! Say it loud and say it proud, GO STEELERS! I don't think we are going to be disappointed on Sunday.

[CIDKauf]

Sometimes BAD is BAD!!! (Huey Lewis)

[Antoninus]

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.

Does Madden '06 take into account the rare air in Denver? That's the real killer. Giving Denver home-field advantage is like punching their ticket to the SB, if you ask me.

[Antoninus]

Decisions, decisions.

Do what I do in Cowboys v. Giants games--root for injuries!

/kidding!

[Echo Talon]

The you'd probably have to drop it to pick up your teeth now on the ground.

I'd like to see him brake his hand on the facemask and then get ejected from the game.

[CIDKauf]

Should the Panthers bring umbrellas Sunday?

[CIDKauf]

Indy was NOT 14-1 in the playoffs EVER