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.''

[CIDKauf]

I am getting excited now! Indy was 14-2 in regular season, sorry

[Antoninus]

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

Actually, a couple of bone-head calls by Cowher could turn the game Denver's way, too. He's good for at least a couple of those per game.

I'm still going to root for P'burgh, though. I'd love to see Duce get some playing time. Go Stillers!

[proudpapa]

Do liberals lie?

[Sometimes A River]

We definitely have an advantage in September. I will tell you the heat/humidity is BRUTAL! (Although it rarely gets over 90-91 degrees)

But this yr, unlike the past 20+ yrs, we finished strong. 6-0!

[Echo Talon]

You would yank out his hair??? You must be really big or have a gun or something, man. That guy would decapitate your head for a trphy

He isnt that big Troy is only 5'10 212 lbs. Mike Anderson RB from the Broncos is 6'0" 230 and a Marine.

[proudpapa]

Everybody is misunderestimating the Seahawks.

We in the northwest like it that way!

Go Broncos!

Nothing would be sweeter than to watch the Seahawks horsewhip the Broncos in the big game.

[CIDKauf]

Carolina 24 Seahawks 21.....BUT after a recount from King County, Seahawks win by 8 votes ...HTGY?

[steel_resolve]

Whatever dude.

[CIDKauf]

Always felt sorry for Miami having relieved us of Brian Griese...**108 degree heat index? Dolphins will be better in '06 season... loved the San Diego game!

[Proud_USA_Republican]

I agree.

Either Seahawks/steelers or Seahawks/broncos will make for a great superbowl.

Can't wait for sundays games. Go Hawks!!!

[merry10]

I guess Troy does not need to be big. With him on the field for the Steelers, size doesn't matter.

[Proud_USA_Republican]

Too funny.

Here's my prediction.

Seahawks 28 - Carolina - 21

[Echo Talon]

well, just staying hes not that big. unless 5'10" 210# is somehow big these days...

[CIDKauf]

Darrel Jackson = 100 yds, Alexander = 100 yds...
Seattle 41 Carolina 20

[Supernatural]

Actually, nobody has said much about the Seahawks. This thread is about the Steelers and Broncos.

You Seahawk fans must be real excited at the possibility that the Seahawks MIGHT go to the first Super Bowl in their entire history. What do you have up there, one hall of famer? Steve Largent? Pickings have been slim for the Seahawks. You have my sympathy.

[rockthecasbah]

"Super Bowl MVP- Mike Anderson"

Noticed the Broncos didn't emphasize the run last week (except special situations). Do you think they can open up the run against the Steelers?

[CIDKauf]

It is the NFL...which stands for Not For Long if you're not 5'10" 200lbs

[Ditto]

But judging from all the missed tackles vs Carolina, some of the Bears players might.

Just went into hibernation early. ;~))

[CIDKauf]

NFL knows you can't play 8 in the box against Denver, SO they have to stop the run with 7 or 6...maybe...maybe NOT

[jw777]

plummer won't even see him.