Paisos Polamalu not stopping Troy from playing

By Neal Coolong  |   Sunday, November 02, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

Pittsburgh Steelers
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

Neither concussion nor newborn son will keep Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu out of the lineup.

For the second consecutive week, Polamalu had every reason not to play in the upcoming game. After suffering a concussion in the Steelers' 38-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7, he played the entire Week 8 loss to the New York Giants. On Oct. 31, Polamalu's wife, Theodora, gave birth to the couple's first child, a son named Paisos.

There was some talk early in the week that, depending on the delivery, he may miss Monday night's showdown at the Washington Redskins. However, he will make the trip to Landover, Md., to take on the 6-2 Redskins.

Commentary: The Steelers will need Polamalu's best game if they are to notch their first win against an NFC East team in three tries. The Redskins pose a significant challenge in terms of matchups, especially in the running game. But with free safety Ryan Clark out with a separated shoulder, Polamalu isn't going to be able to entrench himself at the line of scrimmage for the sake of run defense. If Polamalu leaves the free safety, likely Tyrone Carter with a dash of Anthony Smith mixed in, alone on an island, there's little doubt the Redskins will exploit it.

As outstanding a year as running back Clinton Portis is having, wide receiver Santana Moss and quarterback Jason Campbell are only slightly less impressive through eight games. Campbell is the only starting QB to not yet have thrown an interception, and Moss has five receiving touchdowns and one punt return for a score. Washington is going to look to see where Polamalu is lining up and attack the Steelers accordingly.

Fan Pulse: A few Steelers fans were debating on Pittsburgh Live whether Polamalu should be at Monday's game.

Fantasy Football Impact: Portis has rushed for 120 yards or more in the Redskins' past five games. He has four touchdowns in that streak as well. The Steelers haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher this season, and are the league's top defense. Obviously, Portis is a must-start, but 120 yards rushing is a tall task this week.

Injury Watch: Steelers RB Willie Parker is expected back for the first time since Week 3. Left tackle Marvel Smith will not play (back) for the third consecutive week. Max Starks will again get the start.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (1)

About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report