Kansas City Chiefs Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: A Q&A With The Other Side
By Brett Gering
Aug 16, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) stands on the sidelines prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
If Troy Polamalu and/or Ike Taylor are sidelined, how does that affect the Steelers secondary?
Both as listed as “doubtful” as of Friday and neither practiced all week so it’s likely neither will play on Sunday. Ike Taylor has been a better contributor to the Steelers defense this season from the sidelines than he has on the field, unfortunately. He missed eight weeks with a broken forearm only to come back and get burned repeatedly in the New Orleans and Cincinnati games.
Troy Polamalu is beloved in Pittsburgh but it’s been clear this season that he’s lost a step and is no longer able to make the signature “Troy being Troy” plays he’s known for. Will Allen is likely to get the start over Polamalu but I’m interested in seeing second-year safety Shamarko Thomas get more playing time. He’s been largely contributing on special teams and I’m anxious to see him step into more of prominent role in the Steelers secondary.