I am an NFL junkie. 54 years old and have followed the NFL since age 10. Never, Never, Never, have I seen a player that is all over the field and provides defensive fear into every quarterbacks like Polamalu.
OK ... maybe I am exaggerating a bit .. he may not be the only one that has ever played the way he does. I seriously doubt anyone can name me 4 players from the last 50 years that share his talent, smarts and sheer athleticism.
I am a big fan of Kurt Warner. But ... he is going to have to be very careful Sunday. Polamalu is live and well.
Go Stillurs!!!
#3 all-time in INTs (#1 in the modern era), NFL Record 1,483 career interception yards, NFL Record 12 interceptions returned for touchdowns, NFL Record for a defensive back Pro Bowl nominations (11), NFL Record 3 fumble recoveries in a game (tied with 11 others).
He is very impressive to watch in person. What Polamalu can do, which is most impressive, is drop back in a zone coverage and from 20 yards downfield get to any receiver on the field while the ball is in the air. All the DB's have to worry about is the go route. Polamalu can cover anyone coming out of the backfield or any post routes. Bob Sanders, when he plays, is the only other down field safety (I have seen in person) which has near the same "read, react, close" speed.