Steelers’ Troy Polamalu Hints That Patrick Mahomes Would Struggle Against His Defense: “Somebody Is Going To Get Hit”
The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ legendary safety, Troy Polamalu, helped lead one of the best defenses in football for several years. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, the team implemented a zone blitz strategy that was crucial during an era when the West Coast offense was becoming prevalent across the league. During LeBeau’s second stint with the Steelers, the team reached three Super Bowls, winning two of them, with their formidable defense playing a key role in their success.
![Steelers Troy Polamalu Dick LeBeau Steelers Troy Polamalu Dick LeBeau](https://www.steelernation.com/img/random/Troy%20Polamalu%20Dick%20LeBeau-1600x900.webp)
Former Steelers safety, Troy Polamalu hugs former DC Dick LeBeau during a home game.
LeBeau served as the defensive coordinator for nearly all of Polamalu’s career, resigning the same year Polamalu retired from football. The Steelers’ 2008 defense is remembered as one of the most dominant in recent history, so much so that the NFL began changing rules due to the physical punishment they delivered. In today’s game, that Steelers defense would likely face numerous fines and suspensions. However, during that era, it was simply how football was played.
Polamalu recently joined the Not Just Football podcast with Cam Heyward to share his favorite stories from his career. During the podcast, Polamalu also discussed his relationship with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, with whom he shares a Head & Shoulders shampoo brand deal. The two have developed a close friendship.
Heyward asked Polamalu how his Steelers defense would fare against the potent Chiefs offense led by Andy Reid and Mahomes, which employs many elements of the West Coast offense. Polamalu confidently expressed that the Steelers defense could effectively slow down and stop the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.
“Here is what I think is funny: Our zone blitz scheme worked really well against West Coast offenses. We always played really well against Philadelphia and anybody that was releasing a lot of guys. Eventually, somebody is going to get hit… Nobody wants that. It is more about scheme than anything.”
Polamalu, as always, was incredibly humble and kind in his response. He emphasized his great friendship with Mahomes, making it clear he wasn’t taking anything away from him. Mahomes has dominated the NFL recently, including the Steelers in their matchups.
![Steelers' Patrick Mahomes Steelers' Patrick Mahomes](https://www.steelernation.com/img/random/mahomes63728212240099-1600x900.webp)
Patrick Mahomes throws the ball while the Steelers defense rushes him.
Pittsburgh faces significant challenges in the 2024 season, one of the biggest being their Christmas Day game against the Chiefs and Mahomes. If the Steelers manage to secure a home victory during the holidays, it would be a massive win for Pittsburgh.
Steelers’ Dick LeBeau Is One Of The Greatest Defensive Coordinators Ever
Many pundits regard LeBeau as the greatest defensive coordinator of all time. He is highly respected, and Polamalu is not exaggerating when he says the Steelers excelled against West Coast offenses. LeBeau is credited with inventing the zone blitz concept that Polamalu referenced. LeBeau’s unpredictable blitzes, featuring hard-to-predict pass rushes from various players, made it a formidable defense. The playmakers on that defensive unit only added to the challenge of facing them.
![Steelers Dick LeBeau Troy Polamalu Steelers Dick LeBeau Troy Polamalu](https://www.steelernation.com/img/random/1209514029.0-1600x900.webp)
Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu talks with former DC Dick LeBeau during a home game.
LeBeau was also beloved among his players, who wanted to play harder for him because of the relationships he formed with them. While we will never know if the Steelers defense led by LeBeau and Polamalu could have slowed down Mahomes and the Chiefs, it’s likely they would have presented significant trouble. The way that Steelers defense could inflict pressure on the quarterback and force errors with its confusing style was one of a kind. It’s something Steelers fans miss greatly. Although the current defense has been good, it hasn’t matched the level of the LeBeau-led era.
Seeing Polamalu go up against Mahomes in a LeBeau-coached defense would have been incredible. Sadly it is something that never happened. However, the Steelers will have a chance to attempt to shut down Mahomes on Christmas Day in 2024. The Steelers defense got better this offseason with the addition of Patrick Queen. They have playmakers in every level of the defense. Steelers fans are so excited to see that new look defense and how they perform in the upcoming season.