ODE TO TROY (POLAMALU)

Say what you will about the fabulous on-field
exploits of Ben, Hines, Ryan, and company, the
Pittsburgh Steelers are not the same team as
they were when they won their league-leading
6th Super Bowl. The difference, and I can hear
the pundits now, is Troy Polamalu, period.
Opponents' offenses were more relaxed and more
themselves without Troy on the other side of
the line. And obviously, more successful.
You can say what you want about your "all world"
Ron Woodson, but Troy has another "sense" about
football that elevates him above all other defenders
in the pro game.
Troy's innate ability to predict and read offensive
plays and sets is what sets him apart from his
counterparts. Whether he was "coached" from the
sideline or not, Troy, knowing the down, the yardage
needed to be gained, the talent (or lack of) on the
opposing squad, and the patterned history of the
offense he was against, somehow KNEW where he
was to be almost all the time.
Whether blitzing, staying put to stop a run, or
chasing down would-be receivers, Troy was a
"man amongst men" during game time. It was almost
as if he was from another era or time zone, or planet,
how uncanny his abilities were displayed!
To say that the 2009 version of the Steelers weren't
the same without him is a gross understatement.
His game-changing plays and inspiration to his
teammates was incalculable, unless you consider
the 7 losses and the 5-loss streak that Pittsburgh
suffered while Troy watched helplessly from the
bench.
Steeler fans are praying for Troy's return next
season, which, along with the continued develop-
ment of certain newer players and a smart move
or two in the draft, may once again strike fear
into their foes, and may even make them candi-
dates for a 7th Super Bowl victory!!