Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE
Despite allowing only an average of 190.3 passing yards per game, which is fifth best in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers have lacked big plays in the their secondary so far this season.
The Steelers? lone interception of the season has come from safety Ryan Clark. In addition, the defense has only five sacks, and has given up touchdowns of 71 yards and 64 yards in both of their losses.
Pittsburgh should get the impact that they need when safety Troy Polamalu returns to the line up in Week 5. Polamalu has missed the last two games with a calf injury that sidelined him after the Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos.
The Pro Bowl safety has practiced this week with the first-team defense, and said that his calf ?feels much better.? Polamalu went on to say that he?s sure that he?ll play on October 7th when the Steelers host the Philadelphia Eagles.
With the status of Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison still in the air, Polamalu?s potential return to the field will add a much-needed element to not only the secondary, but also the entire defense.
The ten-year veteran?s presence should improve Pittsburgh?s pass coverage, as well as their 16th-ranked run defense.
Safety Ryan Mundy has stepped in during Polamalu?s absence. Mundy, who was fined $21,000 for a hit on Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, has recorded 10 tackles in the two games he started this season.
Assuming that there won?t be any setbacks between now and the Steelers? next game, Polamalu?s return should bring Pittsburgh?s defense much closer to where most expected it to be.
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