The one Pittsburgh Steelers legend who would perfect the 2018 team
Who would be the Pittsburgh Steelers legend who could put on the uniform today and change the dynamic of this team?
The other day, scrolling through Pittsburgh Steelers articles, something caught my eye. The question of which Steelers legend would perfect this team? Honestly, the answer, before even reading the article, was easy.
Most days, my Twitter timeline is filled with random Steelers news and editorials. Pittsburgh fills almost all social media at this point, and understandably so. But yesterday, a story by Behind the Steel Curtain came floating by.
“If you could pick one Steelers great to help the current roster, who would it be?” was the title. It broke down options from Jack Lambert to Heath Miller. However, it never gave an explanation to their answer. They say Mel Blount, but mostly leave the discussion open for the fans.
We’re taking on that question. Pittsburgh could use a Hall of Famer right about now, and the only one who would truly change the impact of this team would be one.
Troy Polamalu.
Unfortunately, that means the team wouldn’t need to sign Morgan Burnett in the offseason, but replacing him with No. 43 wouldn’t be too upsetting for Steelers fans.
Rod Woodson said this team needs a playmaker, and it’s hard to think of one that had more of an impact that Polamalu. Whether it was tackling, coming up with the ball or defending the pass, this guy was involved in everything.
Yes, the team could certainly use a corner or an inside linebacker, but if they didn’t have to worry about signing Burnett, they could’ve easily add more money to their mission of replacing Ryan Shazier. Coming up with a Mychael Kendricks or Avery Williamson would’ve been simple with more cap space to work with.
Improving in the secondary would’ve happened with Polamalu in the lineup. People are giving up too early on Artie Burns after a sophomore slump. This kid is looking to be a target by many quarterbacks this season, and just needs to find his stride to prove he’s not sinking just yet.
The offensive side of the ball is filled. Even at tight end, this team needs nothing. So, why would we even consider it?
The answer needed to be on defense. Mel Blount would be a strong choice, but I’m not ready to jump ship on the Burns, Joe Haden duo this team currently has. There’s still a strong chance they turn into one of the best cornerback teams in the league. So, giving up on a half of them right now would be a waste of a third year player.
Sean Davis is a younger version of Ryan Clark. A hard-hitting safety with coverage ability, but certainly not ready to take over as the superstar in the last line of defense. Polamalu would click well with Davis, along with Haden and Burns.
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It would be a move that made this defense much better. It adds the final element they’re missing – a playmaker, and one of the best to ever do it. Without question, if I’m bringing back a Steelers legend for 2018, I’m bringing back Troy Polamalu.