What if Troy Polamalu played for the Steelers in the 1970s?

Steelers 1976 season

Of all the seasons, this one could change dramatically with Troy Polamalu, who would be well into his fifth season, nearing the prime of his career just as the Steelers hit their prime.

There is little doubt his presence would have increased the number of interceptions and coverage sacks, and in 1976, this is where his presence benefits Pittsburgh in all those areas.

In 1976, Mel Blount and Glen Edwards both had six picks apiece. Given his pass defender abilities, it would not be hard to imagine Polamalu starting over Edward would have had as many as eight picks that year.

Pittsburgh actually had a slow start to the season, starting 1-4. Then in the last nine games, the Steelers had five shutouts, allowed only 3.111 points per game over that span, and only allowed two touchdowns in nine games.

So, of the four games lost, which ones are affected with Polumalu present?

Arguably the Steelers could have won the Oakland, New England, and Cleveland games while still losing the Vikings game, perhaps.

However, as stated with the 1974 season, here is where issues with the offense loom. Terry Bradshaw suffered a vicious injury at the hands of Turkey Jones in the Cleveland game and missed several games. So Even with Polamalu, the offense is still hampered by the lack of Bradshaw in the lineup. So it’s tough to say the Steelers improve to 13-1, more than likely 11-3 or 12-2, but even that would be a bit questionable to achieve.

Then, there is the issue of the playoffs in 1976. Polamalu’s presence does not save them from injuries to Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier. Thus, the Steelers offense is still one-dimensional in the playoffs, and they still face Oakland in the AFC Championship game, but without Harris and Bleier, the outcome still does not change.