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Thursday, October 19, 2006
Scheming for Polamalu
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flowery Branch – Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and coach Jim Mora spent plenty of time earlier this week talking up Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu, with good reason. The Pro Bowler can cover a ton of ground in the run game and pass game and he is a sure tackler, particularly in the open field.
Polamalu also has the uncanny ability to run full speed to a spot, gather himself and deliver a big blow.
What should concern the Falcons about facing such a unique player is that Polamalu could be used, effectively, as a spy on Vick. Carolina used a spy on Vick and had it work last season. It did not work in the season-opener because that spy, Thomas Davis, was moved from safety to linebacker.
Polamalu can make reads out of the secondary and has the speed to get to spots on the field that could reduce running lanes and angles for Vick, Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood. If Polamalu and the Steelers are able to limit runs on the perimeter, they could deal the Falcons a huge blow.
Atlanta has to – has to — make plays in the passing game to keep Polamalu from establishing himself in run support. Expect the Falcons to utilize a quick route, short passing game to try and establish some type of rhythm, and then take some shots downfield, as they have done.
