A Change Nobody seems to have noticed

**NorthCoast** · 12-04-2012, 10:39 PM

I recall the board screaming the last few years about the Steelers inability to close out games and prevent opponents from scoring at will late in games.
The Steelers rank #3 in the league in fewest opponent points in the 4th qtr (AZ, DEN...go figure).
I would say LeBeau has done a remarkable job with this defense in adjusting for life without Troy. And maybe it will extend Troy's life a bit by showing he doesn't need to be superman in every game.

**Chadman** · 12-04-2012, 11:31 PM

Here's a brain scratcher..... is LeBeau's defense performing more disciplined, more reliable football WITHOUT Troy?

**NorthCoast** · 12-05-2012, 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by Chadman

Here's a brain scratcher..... is LeBeau's defense performing more disciplined, more reliable football WITHOUT Troy?

Chadman, I think you are correct. Not knowing exactly where Troy was going to play on any given play had to put a lot of pressure on Clark and company. Time for Troy to settle down a little and cut down on the Tasmian devil play (unless of course the Steelers are in desperation for a splash play).

I'll add another head scratcher; how does this team defeat the likes of offenses like the Giants and Washington, and then lay eggs against Raiders and Titans and Browns?

**lloydroid** · 12-05-2012, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by NorthCoast

Chadman, I think you are correct. Not knowing exactly where Troy was going to play on any given play had to put a lot of pressure on Clark and company. Time for Troy to settle down a little and cut down on the Tasmian devil play (unless of course the Steelers are in desperation for a splash play).

I'll add another head scratcher; how does this team defeat the likes of offenses like the Giants and Washington, and then lay eggs against Raiders and Titans and Browns?

Some of it is the team not being focused enough for weaker team; they would never speak it out loud but in their subconscious you know they had to be thinking all they had to do was show up in the black and gold and collect their win. How many times have we seen them play down to their competition?

Also, some has to do with them feeling like their back is a against the wall, vs. not. Look at the Giants. They are extreme with how the do this. Both their last Super Bowl wins, they only made it into the post season in week 17. They can beat anyone when they feel they need to, and lose to anyone when they don't. I think the Steelers have some of that same thing in them, although they will tell you every opponent is super tough and can't be overlooked and every game counts a lot.

**ikestops85** · 12-05-2012, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by NorthCoast

Chadman, I think you are correct. Not knowing exactly where Troy was going to play on any given play had to put a lot of pressure on Clark and company. Time for Troy to settle down a little and cut down on the Tasmian devil play (unless of course the Steelers are in desperation for a splash play).

I'll add another head scratcher; how does this team defeat the likes of offenses like the Giants and Washington, and then lay eggs against Raiders and Titans and Browns?

As to your added head scratcher ... The defense was playing lousy early in the year (Raiders and Titans games) but then they put Will Allen in the starting lineup, some guys got healtier (Harrison, Keisel, Hampton) and they began to play great defense. Even the Browns game they played great but if you give a team 7 turnovers, most in your own territory, the other team is going to score.

I think some LeBeau doubters are eating crow big time but that is just my opinion.

**fezziwig** · 12-05-2012, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Chadman

Here's a brain scratcher..... is LeBeau's defense performing more disciplined, more reliable football WITHOUT Troy?

I thought this a well back also Chadman. I love seeing Troy jump over the line sacking the QB's and making fabulous interceptions and what Troy can do but, I often wondered how with the regular play/defense did the other players know whom or what to defend if Troy is doing his independent thing.

**hawaiiansteel** · 12-05-2012, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by Chadman

Here's a brain scratcher..... is LeBeau's defense performing more disciplined, more reliable football WITHOUT Troy?

The Return of Troy

Going into Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, the biggest headlines were about Charlie Batch and Jonathon Dwyer getting the start at quarterback and running back. Flying under the radar was the return of safety Troy Polamalu after being sidelined 7 weeks with a calf injury.

Polamalu has been the staple of the Steelers defense his whole career, and on Sunday the Ravens Joe Flacco notice he was back. It was rare to see Flacco throw in the direction Polamalu during this game, probably bringing back nightmares. When he did drop back to pass, it was mainly to the side of cornerback Cortez Allen who came into the game after pro bowl cornerback Ike Taylor fractured his ankle. Polamalu only played 78% of the defensive snaps while Will Allen took over the rest.

Though only recording two tackles, seeing the strong safety back on the field brings a feeling of solidarity to the Steelers defense. From 2009-2010 the Steelers had a record of 6-7 without Polamalu in the lineup. This season they are 4-3 without him, and everybody could tell that something was missing without the pro bowler in the secondary.

The Steelers were missing out on 29 career interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, and 467 total tackles. Obviously the statistics speak for themselves but it is more than just the numbers that make him a future hall of famer.

The first thing that comes to mind is trust. Polamalu has the trust from every one of his teammates on the field. They believe that whatever he does is right and whatever he says goes. With that he is a leader on the defense.

His overall football intelligence is what makes him a marvel to watch. Unlike many other players in the NFL (especially at the safety position) he makes quarterbacks double-take before the snap of the ball. One of his best talents on the field is being able to figure out the opponents snap count which in his career has turned into sacks and turnovers.

Ryan Clark and Polamalu are comparable to how linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley feed off each other on the field. They both have great intelligence on the field, in addition to understanding each other’s talents. Polamalu is known for his blitzing scheme and his speed while Clark is the rock in the secondary pass coverage. When they play together there isn’t a safety duo stronger in the NFL.

Polamalu’s health has been his Achilles heel over the last few years. Though the defense has played well, there is no replacing Polamalu and the Steelers are certainly a better team with him on the field. For the Steelers, they hope his return can help make way to another trip to the Super Bowl.

[URL]http://www.pittsburghsportingnews.com/the-return-of-troy/[/URL]

**SidSmythe** · 12-05-2012, 09:26 AM

I think you guys are over thinking this whole thing in my opinion.

**eniparadoxgma** · 12-06-2012, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by SidSmythe

I think you guys are over thinking this whole thing in my opinion.

Some waaaaaay more than others.

**Slapstick** · 12-05-2012, 10:15 AM

I read somewhere, I can't recall right now but I'll look for it, that LeBeau often incorporates a freelancer into his defensive schemes...10 guys will have specific assignments while one guy will kind of do his own thing...that freelancer needs to know what the other 10 guys are supposed to do...this is why you will see Polamalu dive over the top of the pile on certain plays or try to anticipate snap counts...he is just supposed to follow his instincts while not duplicating efforts...