Will Troy Polamalu’s Injury Affect the Steelers Defense?

As you all know, Troy Polamalu sustained an MCL injury during the Steelers season opener against the Tennessee Titans. While Polamalu was trying to recover the ball from a blocked field goal, big ole' Alge Crumbpler (TE) landed awkwardly on Polamalu's leg, crushing it and causing the MCL tear. The good news is, Polamalu will not need surgery and is hoping to be back in about 3 to 6 weeks. With Polamalu's absence, what fate does this hold for the infamous Pittsburgh defense AKA Blitzburgh?

Well... there's a reason why they're called Blitzburgh. No, it's not because they like to place everyone back in coverage, it's because they like to blitz. A lot. In Pittsburgh's 2008 campaign, their defense was responsible for 51 sacks, the second most sacks pummeled upon opposing quarterbacks that year. So on average, an opposing quarterback would be swarmed upon and mauled to the ground a bit more than three times per game by the infamous Pittsburgh defense. 

So why is it that the Steelers defense is so dominate you ask? It's because of their front seven. The front seven of any defense is primarily responsible for stopping the run and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Pittsburgh's front seven is rock solid to say the least. In fact, I would go as far as saying it is the best front seven in the NFL, featuring 4 pro-bowlers including last year's defensive MVP James Harrison. Their front seven is the reason why the Steelers can blitz, and therefore, because there are no critical injuries to their front seven, they will still be able to bring the heat upon opposing quarterbacks as well as they always have been able to. Blitzburgh will still be Blitzburgh.

Now, I'm not bashing Troy Polamalu. He is, in fact, one of the NFL's best playmakers. When Troy hits the field he makes big hits, he makes crazy interceptions, and he just flies all over the place. But in the end, he only compliments the best feature of Blitzburgh; the proven fact that the front seven can both put serious pressure on quarterbacks and completely shutdown the running game. And because Polamalu is not part of the Steelers front seven, his absence will not affect the play of the front seven.


Written By: Ben