Week 15 Observations: Where's Troy Polamalu?

[Hawaii 5-0]

Week 15 Observations: Where's Polamalu?

Tue Dec 18, 2012.
By Mike Bires

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/timesonline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/62/a62aa65e-2cab-5873-a064-689fc69bfc06/50cfc7668d822.preview-300.jpg

Troy Polamalu (43) lays down near the bench during the second half Sunday in Dallas.

STRUGGLES OF TROY

Zero. Zero. Zero.

That is what the Steelers have gotten from Troy Polamalu this season in terms of interceptions, sacks and forced fumbles.

This is not meant as a criticism of the long-haired Tasmanian devil of a safety. He’s only played four full games and one quarter of another due to injuries. While he has played in three straight games, it’s not known how much his leg is still bothering him.

Sunday in Dallas, Polamalu seemed to be more active than in any game he’s played this year. But he’s yet to make a game-changing play like he’s done so often during his remarkable career.

It certainly doesn’t help he’s hardly practiced the past few weeks. Because the Steelers don’t want him to aggravate his injured calf muscles, Polamalu hasn’t practiced on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

It’s hard to fathom that in the four full games Polamalu has played, the Steelers have only won one of them.

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/timesonline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/62/a62aa65e-2cab-5873-a064-689fc69bfc06/50cfc7668d822.preview-300.jpg

[Fire Arians]

troy has been useful in the running game but has been weak in coverage, where teams have been killing us

[SoCalFan]

In all fairness he hasnt got much support back there in the depleted secondary! Get the rest of the crew back and he can (will I believe) do what he does!!!

[SteelersCanada]

Thanks for your service, Troy and all the fun plays you've made over the years for us, but lets see what we can get for him this offseason.

[ZoneBlitzer]

I thought the tandem of Allen and Clark was doing just fine. Maybe they could convert him to linebacker. Spell Foote for a few plays.

[Ricco Suavez]

Troy is NOT the player he was 3,2 or even a year ago. Nagging injuries and age have slowed him down. To be fair though I believe its other injuries in the defensive secondary that have hurt him a lot also. The coaching staff I believe have had Troy change his game to help with other areas, he is not able to "freelance" as much as in the past. He is helping on the whole but just not showing up as an individual force. I will be sadden when he retires, he is one of those that truly leaves it all on the field.

[austinfrench76]

I agree that Troy is not the player he was but I also think he doesn't seem to be in football shape. He was hurt for so long, like Harrison, he is still trying to get in shape. He looked LOST in some of the pass coverages which I think comes form not playing much this year. If and I do mean IF we get in the playoffs, I think we will see more of the old Trot. Unfortuantely though, I think the best of him is gone.

[Cyphon]

He has missed most of the season. Not sure why his numbers would be good.

[JeromeBetties63]

I am not quite ready to give up on him yet. Even in his prime he sometimes got burned taking risks. He needs lots of opportunities for those big plays to happen. Over the course of a season he gets them. He just hasn't been on the field and he is not in playing shape. The continuity is not there with the rest of the secondary right now. They have to get used to adjusting to what he does. I think he could give us another season or two of big plays. Let's see what happens down the stretch.

[Riddle_Of_Steel]

I think he just needs some time to get back up to speed.

I think they gave up on Ward too quick, and hope they don't do the same thing here. Ward stunk his last season, granted-- but it was more mental and conditioning based, than a dminished ability. Dudes don't go from being a valued key player to "old and done" in one offseason with no major injuries to deal with.

That lockout did nobody's game any favors, and it affected some players more than others.

[cowherpower]

Troy seems about 10lbs too heavy. I am sure injuries cause that but his heritage doesn't help nor his age. He's pretty much done as far as being a force. Might see maybe one more year out of him then he rides off into the sunset.

[objectivefan]

No Troy is not what he used to be, but that is asking a lot. I think he still gets in Qb's heads and still has a significant role with this team.

[Hawaii 5-0]

Prisco: Polamalu Not Playing Well

December 22, 2012

http://cbspittsburgh.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/polamalu3.jpg?w=300

PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 THE FAN) — Bob Pompeani visited with CBSSports.com NFL columnist Pete Prisco before the Bengals game.

Prisco told Pompeani that Troy Polamalu is not playing well right now, and appears heavy and slow.

Prisco gave Dick LeBeau a lot of credit for the way that the defense is playing despite the injuries and lack of depth at cornerback.

He also warned Steelers fans to be concerned about the Bengals.

click on link below to go to audio link:

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/12/22/prisco-polamalu-not-playing-well/