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

Steelers 1978-1979 seasons

At this point, as we know, the sun has begun to set on the Pittsburgh dynasty. Veterans grew old, Joe Greene entered into 10th and 11th seasons, injuries took their toll, as with Terry Bradshaw in 1982 and Jack Lambert by 1984 because of astroturf.

However, retirements and injuries are two years off. None of that has an effect on these two seasons. The Steelers still win Super Bowl XIII against the Cowboys for the third time and Super Bowl XIV, they upend the Rams.

The victories give Pittsburgh six titles in eight seasons.

1980-1981 seasons

Despite being a seasoned veteran and perhaps changing the results of some games, it seems unlikely Troy Polamalu can single-handedly do anything to salvage the horrendous 1980 and 1981 seasons.

The Steelers finished 9-7 in 1980 and worsened to 8-8 in 1981. In both seasons, they missed the playoffs. Despite his amazing play abilities, Polamalu can’t make enough big plays to save the sputtering offense.

In 1980, Houston and Cleveland had matured into divisional threats to the Steelers, who would have to win at least 11 games, with one win being over Houston or Cleveland, or 12 to surpass Houston’s or Cleveland’s record.

That simply does not happen.

In 1981 again, the Steelers record worsened, and there is no way they salvage two or three games with Polamalu. The offense has begun to falter, as many of the offensive linemen from the 1970s, such as Gerry Mullins and Sam Davis, are gone.

Pittsburgh needs a 10-6 record to crack the playoffs and win the division. At best, it could have snuck in as a Wild Card, although even that seems unlikely.

Even if the Steelers did somehow, they still lose in the playoffs.