Thomas is one of the most physically gifted players in the NFL, and he compliments those gifts with an outstanding work ethic, intellect and competitive drive. It was a solid, if not spectacular, rookie campaign. He never dominated a game, but he rarely got beat. Thomas went through a rookie lull before finishing strong with a sparkling performance against the Rams and then Drew Brees and the Saints, where coaches started to utilize him as a slot corner as well as a safety. Four of his five picks came in the first six weeks of the season. He led the Seahawks in interceptions, with five, collected 76 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 7 passes defensed, and 1 tackle for loss.
#TROY POLAMALU JUMPING LINE FLACCO PRO#
Thomas was a Pro Bowl alternate in his rookie season. He made the Pro Bowl six times, the All-Pro team four times, and was awarded the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2010. Over his first eight seasons, Polamalu has averaged 64.5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 3.4 interceptions, 10.25 passes defensed, and 3.6 tackles for loss each year. Polamalu checks in at 5’10” and 207 lbs, and played in 88 of his first 96 games. Only time will reveal the truth there, but he would not be the first safety to make it at that size. At only 5’10” and 202 lbs, there were some that questioned whether Thomas could withstand the pounding at the NFL level. Thomas, given the nickname “Lightning” by the Seahawks PR staff, had a unique blend of speed and toughness that allowed him to project as both the top cover corner and top safety on many scouts boards.
That is why it came as no surprise when Carroll used one of his first two 1st-round draft picks in 2010 to select a safety, Earl Thomas. Having played safety himself in college, Carroll has a special affinity for that position, and has crafted his defenses to feature great safeties. He is the gold standard by which Carroll judges all safeties and team leaders. No player gets referenced more than Troy Polamalu. He mentions a number situations and players that helped shape his experience and his teams. Despite his penalties and fines, Harrison has a had another big year statistically.Pete Carroll talks about his time coaching at USC quite a bit. You may have an argument that James Harrison, who has played every game this year, also deserved consideration. Troy was certainly the logical choice to by named the team MVP. I would like to think the outcome is different if Troy is able to play. Playing against a young QB that's prone to make mistakes, the Steelers defense forced zero turnovers. Look at the game against the New York Jets. The Steelers just aren't the same team when Troy doesn't play. It's frustrating because who knows how Troy's stats look if he's healthy every year. This year marks three out of the last four seasons in which Troy has failed to play in every game. Last year, Troy missed 11 games and the Steelers defense, especially the secondary, suffered without him. The only negative on the season for Troy is that he once again fell to an injury.
Nobody makes that play at that time besides Troy. That play set up a game-winning touchdown pass by Big Ben to Isaac Redman. The Ravens had the lead with 2:51 left in the game and Troy blitzed Joe Flacco, causing a fumble which the Steelers recovered. Perhaps no bigger play was made by a Steeler all year than the play Troy made against the Baltimore Ravens at Baltimore. That pick-six by Troy set the tone for that game. The Steelers might have trouble winning that game if Troy doesn't play. He intercepted two of Carson Palmer's passes and returned one for a touchdown. Polamalu practically defeated the Cincinnati Bengals single-handily in the teams' second meeting.
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