Steelers: Safety Position Can No Longer Revolve Around Polamalu

The Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is undoubtedly an important part of the team for the last decade. However, the Steelers need to build beyond Troy in 2015.

Scott Brown of ESPN recently took a look at where he thinks the Steelers are with safeties currently under contract and how things are stacking up.

Brown acknowledges that Polamalu’s status is the burning question.  I agree it is, but should it be?

I love Troy Polamalu and I respect what he has been and continues to be to the Steelers.  He’s a legend and he belongs in the NFL Hall of Fame one day.

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However, the Steelers cannot live on what someone used to do.  We ALL get older and can no longer do what we used to be able to do and, to some degree, it tarnishes someone’s legacy when they try to do it at a lesser level.  Steeler Nation you can debate until the cows come home when someone should stop attempting something because they no longer do it as well as they used.

The point is, perhaps the focus on Polamalu is wrong.  Troy is important to the Steelers and has contributed in so many intangible ways:  his charitable efforts, his leadership with other players, and his attitude toward doing his best at all time.

However, football is hard on people and they cannot do it forever.  Developing the generation after Polamalu is critical and I think Polamalu would agree with that.  Just look at the time he gives to helping his fellow teammates.

So, the burning questions should NOT be what is Polamalu going to do.  The burning question should be what do the Steelers need to do with the safety positions in 2015 to SUPPORT the defensive strategy.  If Polamalu stays and can contribute, great!

No one is irreplaceable and if you start thinking anyone is, you are doomed to fail.  I believe that strongly and I think the emphasis on the quarterback without a strong back-up plan is a mistake on most of the NFL team’s parts.  It doesn’t always hurt the team, but when it does, the season is over.

I treasure every single veteran who contributed to the team, but I also am eager to see new talent.  I think as a fan I can do both and it does not disrespect those who came before.

What do you think Steeler Nation?

Next: Steelers: 2015 Unsigned Free Agents: Darrius Heyward-Bey