Reed Vs. Polamalu 'Not Even Close'
According to Warren Sapp on the NFL Network, the argument about who's better between Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu is 'not even close.' He believes that Reed is clearly the better player because, according to him, Reed impacts the game more citing Peyton Manning who said "How does he do that?" in reference to Ed Reed.
"It's not even close. When you talk about a safety, because I've had one of the best safeties in the NFL in John Lynch, a bowling ball coming in the hole to knock you out ... When you're a safety in the NFL, there cannot be a blueprint of where I want you or how I want you on the field. You spread Troy Polamalu out, you put him on the hash back there, and I have him exactly where I want to. I've never heard that about John Lynch. I've never heard that about Ronnie Lott. I've never heard that about Ed Reed. The only thing I hear about Ed Reed from the best quarterback that I say is in the game, Peyton Manning, is, 'How does he do that?' and 'What did he see?'"
Sapp also had some criticism of Polamalu's performance in the Super Bowl...
"Troy Polamalu just got eaten alive in the Super Bowl. On the third-and-ten play when you blitz from that side, your safety has to cover that side. It's a flat-footed read, and Troy Polamalu is twenty-eight yards deep. There's a third-and-ten slant hit. Gone. Game over. You cannot have a blueprint if you're the best."
These are good points he brings up. Sapp is basically saying that the ability to play coverage, to fool quarterbacks and create interceptions is more valuable than run support. He also makes the point that Polamalu is beatable in coverage by referencing the play in the Super Bowl.
Jamie Dukes, who I don't usually agree with, had this to say about the difference in their careers and statistics...
"I think they both are great players, but this league is about who gets the ball away from the other team more. Who's giving your team the opportunity to succeed? Ed Reed has twice as many interceptions as Troy Polamalu. He has three times as many touchdowns, whether by fumble or return. These are impact plays that directly go to the bottom line of the game. I look at it as the guy who gets the ball from the other team and delivers it to my offense so my offense can do some things. When you start looking at two great players and one of them has twice as many interceptions, that's a powerful statement, and he has three times as many touchdowns."
That's another good point. Ed Reed has many more interceptions and touchdowns, and I think anyone, including Steelers' fans, would argue that Reed is much better at baiting quarterbacks, forcing interceptions and coverage in general. I believe that Polamalu is more explosive in run support, and Dick LeBeau's defense is built around him and gives him unique opportunities. However, Polamalu is not as instinctive as Reed, and Reed's personal career is clearly superior. Obviously, Polamalu has more career success with regard to championships. I suppose the question is whether you put more weight on run support, Troy's speciality, or pass coverage, Ed's specialty.
My opinion is that Reed and Polamalu are two of the best defensive players in the game today. I think their abilities are as different as they are special. In fact, I would go so far as to say that they play completely different positions even though they're both technically safeties. Reed is a free safety and Polamalu is a strong safety, and they're two of the best to ever play those positions.
As a Ravens' fan who loves Reed and has a fearful respect for Polamalu, I cannot objectively say that Polamalu 'isn't even close' to Reed. I do think that Reed is the better player right now and has had the better career overall. I think Reed would have easily been the DPOY if he had played every game last season. That being said, I would take Polamalu every time if I needed a strong safety and Reed if I needed a free safety. Reed is the best center-fielder to ever play the game and Polamalu is one of the best strong safeties ever, but if I were forced to make a choice between the two, I would have to go with Reed because I believe coverage abilities and turnovers trump run support for safeties and Reed has also enjoyed the better career.
The opinions posted here are those of the administrator of this blog and his loyal readers. They are in no way official comments from the team, and should not be misconstued as such, even though he thinks he could do just as well or even a better job!
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Gotta love Sapp for saying these things about Reed, but I don’t think it is fair to say that it isn’t even close. Yea Reed has alot more interceptions and TD’s, but keep in mind that Troy also has twice as many Superbowl rings as Reed.
I would say these two are 1a and 1 b. In my opinion, the two greatest safeties to ever play the game.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Agreed. I would say they are definitely close as they both are game changers who you need to find pre-snap to see where they are at. This is an argument nobody will win because you can make cases for both. As you said Bal_Hawk I think it’s better to think of them both as different positions and the best at them. Polamalu is the better tackler and Reed is better in coverage. I’m sure this post will strike a huge debate, but like I said it’s a debate that no side is going to win.
I dont think super bowl rings proves anything when comes to seeing whos better in this matter because
a super bowl is won by a team not a single player but I could be wrong
Of course it is won by the team, but the very best players on that team are the main reasons why they win Superbowls. Troy is the best player on the Steelers in my opinion and is a huge reason why they have the success they have had the last 6 years.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
id rather have polamalu in the state both are in today
mainly due to age
I would say Polamalu is just as banged up as Reed though. He has had some pretty serious injuries as well and IMO Reed clearly outplayed him because of it. I believe Reed has said this is as healthy as he has been in awhile and hopefully that will keep him playing even when Ray’s gone.
Indeed
And Troy only came into the league a year after Reed did.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 25, 2011 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
According to Warren Sapp
That is about all you had to read.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Warren Sapp is not a good football analyst.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 24, 2011 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you just not like Sapp, or has he said other stuff that was wildly untrue or egregious?
by MrPoopyPants on May 24, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Have you ever watched NFL Network? He always makes the most outlandish statements and is, more often than not, wrong.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 24, 2011 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I usually respect his opinions. Sapp, Deion, Rich Eisen, Mayock, Baldinger, Sharpe and Irvin are the reasons I watch.
Faulk, Mooch, Dukes, Billick, Glazer and Charles Somone are the ones that I don’t get, like, and / or respect.
by MrPoopyPants on May 24, 2011 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, I can’t help if you think Sapp, Deion, and Sharpe are good analysts.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 24, 2011 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
What other outlandish things has any of those guys said that really stuck out to you?
by MrPoopyPants on May 24, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Deion was horrified when we shut down Texas Stadium in 2008, basically was rooting against Baltimore the entire game. So I will always hate him for that. I like Sapp because he likes the Ravens, so I got no problem with him.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Remember when Sharpe and I think it was Marino (Maybe it was Young?) were on the same show? Young would just constantly shake his head every time Sharpe talked because of the ridiculous crap he would spout off.
Just google “Deion Sanders is an idiot” and the fact that you get 350,000 hits explains enough.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 24, 2011 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Deion has said and done something really dumb stuff. He’s an entertainer to me, that’s why I find him enjoyable.
I am talking about Sterling Sharpe, not Shannon. Shannon isn’t the sharpest guy.
Steve Young was a great player, and yet something about him gets under my skin. I never liked the guy or his opinions. He’s always interupting people.
by MrPoopyPants on May 24, 2011 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess that’s where we differ. I want the people talking to me about football to be very knowledgeable and often accurate. It doesn’t bother me if they are less entertaining, as long as they know what they are talking about.
My mistake on Sharpe.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 24, 2011 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear that. I like shows for different purposes.
To learn about the game, I love NFL playbook. Baldinger and Sterling are the two best hosts on that show.
NFL matchup is decent to when Jaws is breaking it down. I can’t stand Meryl Hodge and all his “factorback” talk. I don’t even care that he’s a Pitt guy. He needs to stop repeating “a seal here and seal there, which creates an ally there.”
For entertainment purposes, the best highlight show ever was the Sunday Night NFL post game show from two years ago. Eisen was the host with Irvin and Deion as the commentators. Everyone on that team was quick witted and hilarious. No uptight white guy types. Mooch replaced Irvin, and now it isn’t nearly as hilarious.
by MrPoopyPants on May 25, 2011 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions
He gets paid to do just that
If he played it safe and went for the sure thing on every occasion, he wouldnt be entertaining or provocative. For as hard as the NFL tries to tame the outlandish opinions and personalities of its current players, the NFL network seems to be the place where they expect analysts to spout off at the mouth and create that “controversy” that sells tickets and subscriptions.
Unfortunately, you have to look at the marketing aspect of some analysts statements instead of taking them at face value at all times. Most of them are told or at least encouraged to make those crazy statements in order to boost ratings.
Faulk though is the single worst analyst and on-camera person ever. The guy an barely make complete sentences half the time.
by Mstevens_Design on May 25, 2011 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
True.
Just look at the ESPN NBA pregame show. They make all the commentators make a “bold prediction.” Just setting up the analyst for controversy.
by MrPoopyPants on May 26, 2011 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions
True
I’m not denying that fact. I was just decrediting Sapp as an intelligent analyst.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 26, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I recall a few years Peyton Manning also talked about how he hated playing Troy. It was right before the 2005 playoffs. He said he was his least favorite player to play against because you never know where he will be.
Or, we could just take Warren Sapp’s statement, believe it to be the only thing Manning ever said, and ignore that he is always bias.
To say “Reed is better” is one thing. To say it is not even close is a fucking laugh of a joke. Especially after Troy just won the DPotY award.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 24, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
It is definitely close and everyone here will tell you that. I think every Ravens fan knows just how good Troy is. Sapp is sticking up for his “U” guys, but what he said is also the same thing we would use in determining which player is better.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Definitely tough to compare the two. As a Ravens fan of course I’m always for Reed, but as much as I hate the Steelers I give respect when it’s due. Polamalu is a game changer and it’s really just best to leave it at Reed is the best FS and Polamalu is the best SS. Nobody is going to win this argument.
by AV23 on May 24, 2011 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think he went too far with the ‘not even close’ statement, and the Manning quote was secondary to his main point.
Their main points were that Reed changes/effects games more than Polamalu and that Reed has the superior career numbers. I think those are valid points and shouldn’t be thrown out simply because of who said it. I wouldn’t say that Polamalu doesn’t change games. I just think that the main discussion may be what affects the game more… a run-stuffing safety or a ball-hawk?
Yeah, he compares a run-stuffing safety to a ball-hawk with interceptions. Nice point, Warren.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 24, 2011 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Warren Sapp is a dumbass, how bout we just leave it at that?
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
It is too tough of an argument to debate. First, they play two totally different positions that ask for different things from each player. And secondly, they both are so freaking good at what they do, that it is hard to determine which is a better player.
Both Troy and Ed have stats and facts on their sides that can be used towards determining why which is the better player.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
This
That is all I am saying.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 24, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I think of this argument almost like asking which parent do you love more, your mom or your dad?
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Agreed. I think you put it best when you said
I would say these two are 1a and 1 b. In my opinion, the two greatest safeties to ever play the game
"Really, all Americans want is cold beer, warm p***y, and someplace to take a s**t with a door on it."
by StuckInUtah on May 24, 2011 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions
The hairball was exposed in the Super Bowl. Anyone who thought he should have gotten the award over Clay Matthews is an idiot…BWT, I’m looking at you.
by JoshuaStein on May 24, 2011 2:26 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Personal attacks. I am just going to start flagging all your childish comments.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 24, 2011 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Band Wagon Troll I believe.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Wait, so when Troy is playing on an injured achilles and gets exposed in one game
he is no longer the DPotY or the best safety to ever play the game? So all the dominate years of performance he has put up no longer matter because he had one bad game? That makes a lot of sense genius
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by seton hall and steelers on May 26, 2011 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup, it makes perfect sense.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Funny that Sapp states this
Then ESPN unanimously votes Troy as the best defensive player in the NFL.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/27187/power-rankings-top-10-defensive-players
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Well, all 9 players ahead of Reed are in their prime right now. While Reed is still the best FS in the league, he is definitely not in his prime right now.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
I think the thing about Reed that gets overlooked is how much he affects the other teams strategy as far as stretching the field. I think QB’s are more nervous throwing it deep against Reed than Polamalu IMO. I think a lot of the impact Reed has cannot be measured by stats and when it comes to voting I think stats get considered a lot as well. Same with this current argument I don’t know you can accurately say who’s better out of Revis and Willis, so I don’t get too upset with any rankings with who’s the best player overall as long as he is surrounded by the other top players in the league.
I see some very reasonable and respectful comments from the ravens fans here
Ed Reed is a very good safety. Warren Sapp is a very crappy commentator.
After reading all of your responses, my retort is more directed towards him I guess. Since I took the time to look it up I’m still going to post it:
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Is he pointing to his orthopedist for another knee check up?
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
I know this is not nearly as degrading as that picture is, but it is the best I can do right now as far as a comeback.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81db2918/Rice-goes-14-yards-for-TD
Nice tackle by Troy!
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Works for me!
"Really, all Americans want is cold beer, warm p***y, and someplace to take a s**t with a door on it."
by StuckInUtah on May 24, 2011 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
If you look closely you can see your boy joe leaving the field in shame
Good point though, rice did really own Troy on that one play early in the Divisional game, before the game changing fumble. If we lost I would hang my head in shame at that play. I’m trying not to be snarky, that was a really embarrassing play.
Troy will be back.
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
who won that game?
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by seton hall and steelers on May 26, 2011 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure, still haven’t watched the highlights.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
you were at the game though so you know who won
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by seton hall and steelers on May 26, 2011 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
The stench of Pittsburgh boggles my memory.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Was that the 2008 AFC championship game
Where just before the half the Ravens buckled down and stopped the Steelers and forced them to punt. Even the announcers could feel the tide about to turn. But then, low and behold comes a bogus running into the kicker call just to keep the ball out of the Ravens hands. On a play like that they usually show instant replay, but none. They couldn’t even tell you who supposedly ran into the kicker who never left his feet or had contact with a Raven. Must be nice having someone upstairs looking out for you. When we want to win a game, we actually have to win the game. I dream of the day when the officials make those calls for us. I guess until we can sell more Ravens merchandise than Steelers the NFL will always help the team that makes them millions of extra dollars off the field. Remember boys, this is a business, and the NFL doesn’t care who wins or loses as long as the winner is the one who sells the most jerseys.
"Remember boys, this is a business, and the NFL doesn’t care who wins or loses as long as the winner is the one who sells the most jerseys."
Well then, lucky for the Steelers our fanbase is about 10 times bigger than yours!
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Don’t listen to TheShadow, they guy never contributes anything that makes sense.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
I would pay $1,000 cash right now to watch a video of you from the brown catch until you got in your car
that would be Must See TV. Especially since you had the taste of that win in your mouth by half-time.
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
dude
I’ve been enjoying the postings of a bunch of these ravens fans lately. Pretty good stuff. Then you come along and single-handedly drag down the collective IQ in this forum.
You’re an idiot and nobody cares what you think.
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
by showtime on May 25, 2011 6:30 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
With respect to Troy...who is a very good safety
Ed Reed is on a level that Troy could never get to. He is a better safety, period. No matter if you want to compare FS to SS or not, Ed is better either way. Troy would never be anywhere close to as good a FS as Ed, Troy’s strengths are up close in tight coverage and run support. Ed not only is the greatest all-time “center fielder”, he was a better SS than Troy when he played that position for 4 years. He made just as many plays in run support and getting to the QB as Troy and topped it off with more INTs and TDs.
There is no doubt Troy is one of the best to play his position, but Ed is hands down the best ever.
"Ed Reed is on a level that Troy could never get to. "
That’s just silly fanboy nonsense. At least Warren Sapp got paid to say garbage like that.
Big time players make big time plays in big time games which is what my picture above was trying to illustrate.
I ask you this: What big time plays has Ed Reed ever made to help beat the Steelers? I honestly can’t remember. I can’t think of any examples. I’m sure I’m forgetting something.
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
They are afraid to pass to his side.
If a team is smart, they will avoid the best player at that position.
Wow. The Shadow actually made comment I completely agree with. I think we are finally making progress. You are starting to almost sound like a Ravens fan. Well put.
Yea, nicely done Shadow. You got it right for once. Ben never throws to Reed.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Really
I need to look this up because to me he throws to Reed all the time.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 25, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Pittsburgh is like the only team Reed has never intercepted before. I know Ben is good, but chances are Reed would have an interception or two so far if Ben was throwing his way.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
um thats an assumption
but I have seen him throw in reeds direction, i’ll see if i can find the tape…
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 25, 2011 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
"i’ll see if i can find the tape…"
Seriously?
yea
I have some games recorded, is that a problem?
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 25, 2011 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
Again…seriously? Who gives a shit?? Just because one analyst calls Reed better when both players play different positions???
We were discussing if Reed was thrown at by Ben, not whether Reed was better than Troy. Relax.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
found some games
I’ll be looking through them this weekend, should I do a post about it, there isn’t anything else to talk about but I dont want it to seem like trolling.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 26, 2011 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Please do.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
beginning of AFC title game
Ben throws to Ward and Reed goes in front for pick instead of the tackle, misses and falls on his ass. Hines gets some nice YAC. I’m almost positive it’s near the start of the Conference Championship. It’s the only example I can think of but it’s a glaring one.
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
I'm plenty sure
there are plenty more…
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 27, 2011 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Do you have the written consent of both the NFL and CBS?
by Mstevens_Design on May 25, 2011 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Just CBS...
(Insert pic of TV exploding here)
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
As long
as I am not charging people to watch the games I’m fine.
Also my dad does work at the TV station who is affiliated with CBS, I might be able to pull some strings lol.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 26, 2011 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I know it is an assumption. But we are talking about arguably the greatest ball hawking safety to ever play the game. We face Ben twice a year since 2004, don’t you think Reed would have had at least one interception by now on him? I mean hell, he has like 5 on Peyton already and we barely play them.
I definitely think Ben doesn’t go in Ed’s area very often.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Not trying to nit-pick you on this...
But an interesting factoid involving Ben and the Ravens. Not including post-season games, there have actually been four seasons where Ben has missed one of the two Baltimore games (2005; 2007; 2009; 2010).
Ben has missed more games against Baltimore than any other team in the NFL. Of course, a good reason for this is the Steelers play Baltimore twice a year, giving him more oppurtunities to miss a game against them than against most teams.
It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.
– Joseph Joubert
by NYSteelersFan4 on May 25, 2011 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, Reed picking off Ben:
He also has one more off of Pittsburgh since Ben’s rookie year, but it came off of Charlie Batch in mop up duty, I think on Monday Night Football. Ben had 5 TD’s and no INT’s in the game, but Reed snagged one off Batch.
It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.
– Joseph Joubert
by NYSteelersFan4 on May 25, 2011 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Alrighty then.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
My comments above would make more sense if I tied them together more.
When you’re dealing with two players who have eached missed games against eachother, you probably have one of those anomalies of stat. They’ve missed several games against eachothers’ teams, which means they could have missed games against eachother, which potentially reduced the number of potential interceptions.
Does that make sense?
It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.
– Joseph Joubert
by NYSteelersFan4 on May 25, 2011 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Yea, I got what you are saying. Reed has played against Ben in like 9 games or so.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Eached? FML. I quit, english is hard.
It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.
– Joseph Joubert
by NYSteelersFan4 on May 25, 2011 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s just silly fanboy nonsense
What big time plays has Ed Reed ever made to help beat the Steelers?
You do know they play different positions right? The strong safety is usually a blitzing safety and is more able to make those “big plays” you mentioned. A free safety is usually deeper into coverage and doesn’t have as much of a chance to make those “big plays”.
Your argument is that 1 player doesn’t make the big plays that another player makes. Thats the same as me saying that Reed vs Pouncey isn’t even close because you don’t see Pouncey making these huge plays or getting TDs.
by Mstevens_Design on May 25, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
"You do know they play different positions right?"
Just because I didn’t mention that part of the discussion doesn’t mean I’m ignorant of it.
The strong safety is usually a blitzing safety and is more able to make those "big plays" you mentioned. A free safety is usually deeper into coverage and doesn’t have as much of a chance to make those "big plays".
I can argue the exact opposite when talking about Reed’s higher interception stats. That seems to be everyone’s main argument here for why Ed is better. Reed is ballhawk because he is out there flying around and has more chances for picks.
If you straight up asked me who was the better safety, I would probably say the same thing you’re saying because they do play two different positions. But in the clutch, I’ve seen almost every game Troy has played and the Steelers have won many games because of his skills. Also, with Reed, you don’t throw it towards him. When Troy is on his game you don’t know where he’s going to show up.
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Thats the tough thing. I have seen a lot of games that Reed has won it for us.
I think if you were to look at how each player plays in given situations, I barely give it to Reed. We all can agree that Reed’s best thing is his pass coverage and his ability to make INTs while Troy’s best thing is his blitzing and ability to cause fumbles.
What really can help decide this is that I believe Reed is better at blitzing, run support, and causing fumbles than Troy is at coverage and getting INTs. Its just too small of a margin to really have anyone say 1 way or the other.
Its nice to get a little argument between the fans going on the boards though. Its been a little boring lately with all the lockout stuff.
by Mstevens_Design on May 25, 2011 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I have seen a lot of games that Reed has won it for us.
Steeler fans like showtime won’t tell you this, it will only be what Troy did. They fail to acknowledge how many times Reed has closed out games for us. I can think of about 10 in the last 3 years that Reed ended for us.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
sorry I can't watch every ravens game
but I do watch them more than any team but the Black and Gold.
I recall the playoff game in 08 in Miami ed was a machine.
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
I ask you this: What big time plays has Ed Reed ever made to help beat the Steelers? I honestly can’t remember. I can’t think of any examples. I’m sure I’m forgetting something.
As TheShadow said, the Steelers are smart and avoid Reed at all costs. And the Steelers are only one team. Are you saying because he hasn’t made many big plays against one team that he isn’t a big play guy? That is the most ridiculous argument I’ve ever heard. Ed Reed has made game changing plays against nearly every single team in the NFL, and has made the best QB of our generation Peyton Manning look like a rookie on several occasions. Ed Reed is more of a game changer than Troy. End of argument.
"Are you saying because he hasn’t made many big plays against one team that he isn’t a big play guy? That is the most ridiculous argument I’ve ever heard."
Not exactly, but don’t deny that ravens’ games against the Steelers are usually the most important games of the season, and recently they’ve been occurring in the playoffs. It’s not a ridiculous argument at all. If the ravens could have beaten the Steelers one more time in 08 and/or 10, they might have another Superbowl Trophy in their case. The Steelers are the ones crushing the ravens’ dreams when it matters most.
Ed Reed has made Peyton Manning look like a rookie on several occasions.
I really wouldn’t use the Colts as an example of how Ed Reed has made important plays. Have the ravens ever beaten the Colts? Reed can have all the meaningless interceptions in losses he wants, that is close to meaningless to me.
Ed Reed is more of a game changer than Troy. End of argument.
No it’s not the end of the argument. The only way to end the argument is to say “they play different positions”.
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
The only way to end the argument is to say "they play different positions".
Hardly. SS and FS are close enough for a debate. It’s not like we’re arguing a linebacker against a long snapper.
Also, when Ed played SS for his first 4 years, he was better than Troy will ever be at that position. Not a knock on Troy at all, he is one of the best safeties ever, but Ed is on a level all his own.
That is so short-sited
The Steelers SS is so much different than the Ravens FS. The Ravens FS is looking to ball-hawk and play center-field. The Steelers SS needs to stop the run, play some center-field, cover people, tackle, and blitz.
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on May 26, 2011 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions
"Also, when Ed played SS for his first 4 years, he was better than Troy will ever be at that position."
All that is left to say to you: whatever
Think about Troy vaulting your O-line on 4-1 in the AFC title game and stoning flacco. Or the fumble in the jungle this year.
But it’s not even close. Ok. Have fun in fantasy land.
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
I've seen Ed Reed make plenty of plays like that
hitting RBs on a handoff almost before they even got the ball, getting to QBs as fast as when Troy hit Joe. His role isn’t to do that anymore, but he made tons of those plays early in his career playing SS. I’m not trying to slight Troy, and obviously both sides will feel their guy is better. It’s simply my opinion that Ed Reed is the best safety to ever play the game, with Troy being top 3-5.
Both players are great.
And both players have some weaknesses.
“Not even close” is kind of silly to say.
It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.
– Joseph Joubert
by NYSteelersFan4 on May 25, 2011 10:17 AM EDT reply actions
Not to make excuses
but does Warren Sapp know that Troy was injured in the Super Bowl, not just the SB but the entire playoffs?
I love the Steelers.
that could be it but I saw some high lights of the super bowl and belieive it or not I dont think
Troy P injury was overall the problem because it was some plays made by the packers offense that he just got fooled . If he was 100% in the game then maybe he could have played better but the injury he had doesnt effect his eyes which most defensive players have to use to know where the ball is going
you don't understand
Troy has an amazing burst of speed, take that away and he will be a little late to the ball, so even if you know where the ball is going you can’t get there.
I can’t think of any play where troy was ‘fooled’ there was the touchdown play but that was a break down in coverage where he was left to cover two people and no matter which person he chose the other guy was gonna get passed to….
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 25, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Everybody gets injured. If a player is on the field, there should be no excuses.
by MrPoopyPants on May 26, 2011 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions
right
no one really believes that
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 26, 2011 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Reed came back from injury and had a great season
…both are excellent players but I’m withholding my opinion until Polamalu proves he can still be effective. Polamalu has had two consecutive subpar seasons and was invisible during the 2010 playoffs.
tannosteel84, Polamalu stated he was 100% throughout the playoffs.
Thank you. Troy was badly exposed during the playoffs and Super Bowl. He’s not what he once was, and should not have won Defensive Player of the Year.
lol
again look at the links below, he had been injured half the season, he aggravated the injury further after picking off Carson Palmer and leap frogging a defender into the endzone in the second bengals game.
Have an opinion, but at least let it be an informed opinion.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 25, 2011 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
really, now? link or it never existed. Let me save you the time….
http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=699217
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11070/1131141-66.stm
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=nfp-20110311_troy_polamalu_was_injured_during_the_playoffs
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Troy-Polamalu-was-injured-during-the-playoffs.html
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 25, 2011 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Also when did Troy
have two consecutive subpar seasons? Name the years so I can make you look like a fool again.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 25, 2011 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
The only way Troy
has ever had a subpar season is because he wasn’t playing per injury.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 25, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Sanders
has been injured much more than Troy has and its not even close.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Sanders
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 25, 2011 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure, but for how much longer will you be able to say that.
Strong Safety is a much more physically demanding position where guys that play with the intensity of Troy or Sanders, their career legacy will always be flirting with the injury prone label.
by Mayne_Event on May 25, 2011 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Coming from a big Bob Sanders fan as well as hatred for the Steelers I just don’t think you can take that away from Troy. Sanders definitely had a Reed/Polamalu affect, but hasn’t done enough IMO to say he is better than Troy even when healthy. It’s unfortunate he had to have those injuries because he could very well be in this discussion, but I don’t think you can say any other safety is on Troy and Reed’s level. Hate the guy, but got to give respect when it’s due and he certainly has earned it. Like I said I hate the Steelers with a passion, but while I’m a huge Ravens fan, I am an even bigger football fan in general and can respect when somebody plays the game the way it should be played.
by AV23 on May 26, 2011 5:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
“Bob Sanders is better than the hairball…”
Is that from just your eye test? Do you have any stats or points to back that up?
by MrPoopyPants on May 26, 2011 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I don’t agree with that at all. I think Troy is better than Sanders.
Here’s a cool story about Bob Sanders… He was picked right ahead of the Ravens, who were targeting him according to Eric DeCosta.
Some years it may not go exactly as you want it to. A couple years, there were guys we really wanted, but you just couldn’t get them. 2004 was a frustrating draft because there were players we really coveted and they got picked right before we picked. Bob Sanders, Nathan Vasher were both picked right before us. So it can be frustrating not having everything in your control. It happens in every draft. So there is sometimes a sense of frustration.
Could you imagine our defense with Ed Reed and Bob Sanders?
I'd prefer not to
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
this guy
has nothing of value to add ever, all his comments should just be ignored
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 26, 2011 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
That is laughable.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
You really do not know anything about football.
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 26, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
nice coping mechanism
Every Steelers fan is a bandwagon fan. Ok. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Are “U bandwagoners” people that are Hurricane fans, but never went to Miami?
Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
by John Stephens on May 27, 2011 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Watch it
Editor at Baltimore Beatdown - SB Nation Baltimore Ravens Blog
by Zachary Beard on Jun 21, 2011 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Since Bob Sanders has missed roughly half the games he could have played in...
You can safely say Bob Sanders has missed more than Troy until Troy misses about 75 more games.
It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.
– Joseph Joubert
by NYSteelersFan4 on May 26, 2011 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions
hold on, Who was the defensive player of the year this past year?
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on May 26, 2011 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions
William Gay.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
It's 'Big Play' Willie Gay to you
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
I feel that Reed, as a Free Safety, is underrated in run support.
Sure the past few years with his neck/shoulder issue he really hasn’t been laying anyone out, nor has he really been asked to. He’s a Free Safety, that and for the past few years he has been assisting an otherwise weak secondary. But Reed still manages to force fumbles and tackle his man, just not the flashy hay-maker or flipping-his-guy-because-he-puts-his-helmet-on-the-ball-carriers-knees/legs (aka Polamalu tackle) highlight type.
Please note that I am in no way knocking on the way Polamalu tackles…. okay maybe a little, but for the most part it works for him and it is legal. That said, I’m sure there are a handful of Steeler fans that wish he would wrap up his man rather than go for the all-or-nothing tackle. Just like some Raven fans wish Ed didn’t always try to lateral the ball on a turnover.
Warren Sapp is the biggest Steelers hater their is
ESPN recently rated the top defensive players in the NFL and ALL EIGHT ANALYSISTS voted Troy Polamalu #1. Not one person voted any other defensive player #1. Every single one voted Troy #1. Ed Reed finished no higher than 6th on any persons poll. Also, how can you compare a FS to a SS. Ed Reeds role on the Ravens D is to intercept passes and make big plays. Troy’s role is to stop the run, intercept passes, make big plays, tackle well, and do just about anything you would ever ask a safety to do. I think Reed is the second best safety to ever play the game but their is no doubt in my mind (or most people’s minds) that Troy is the best safety to ever play the game of football.
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on May 26, 2011 8:33 PM EDT reply actions
I think Reed is the second best safety to ever play the game but their is no doubt in my mind (or most people’s minds) that Troy is the best safety to ever play the game of football.
Switch that around and you got the Ravens fans answer.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Too bad Ed was a better SS in 4 years
than Troy has been his whole career. I understand fans will always put their guy ahead of anyone else, but as a football fan, deep down even Steelers fans must know Ed is far and away the greatest of all time.
Really good comments right there
That is why Ed Reed won a defensive player of the year award while he was a SS. Oh wait, he did not do that. That was Troy Polamalu. Also, Ed Reed was unanimously voted the #1 defensive player in the league by ESPN’s 8 analysists. Oh wait, he wasn’t. That was Troy Polamalu. Wait, but at least Ed has won more Super Bowls than Troy. Nope. Wrong again.
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on May 26, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Troy wins for the same reason
Jonathan Ogden goes to the pro bowl when he misses half the year. Idiots are still voting.
as a FS
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on May 27, 2011 7:04 AM EDT up reply actions
So?
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Reed win DPoY as a strong safety? He won the award in 2004, and Demps left for the Giants after the 2005 season.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
An opinion can be well-founded or poorly informed. Opinion and reason are not mutually exclusive.
Calm your nipples. Don’t get too worked up about this. We all know it is a stupid argument to have.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
“ALL EIGHT ANALYSISTS voted Troy Polamalu #1”
I’m interested to see who the players voted higher. Since the ratings were done this year, I’m guessing Polamalu, because Ed missed 6 games and they’re so close in ability. It would have been nice to see the comparison from 2 years ago.
by MrPoopyPants on May 27, 2011 8:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Here is my reasoning as to why Troy is just a smidge better than Ed but also some counterpoints
Reason 1: Troy can make more plays because you don’t know where he is: Every QB knows where Ed Reed will be on the field so they can gameplan to avoid him. However, in Troy’s case, QB’s have no idea whether he will be in center field, in the box, on the outside, etc. This can cause them to make many throws in Troy’s area which gives him the ability to make a bigger impact.
Reason 2: Troy is better in coverage: This will be very controversial but IMO, Troy is a little bit better than Ed Reed as far as coverage concerns. Troy does a great job sticking with a player and not letting him catch it. Ed Reed intercepts a lot of passes thrown at him but he gives up a lot of big plays as well.
Counter Argument 1: Troy is worse than Ed in INTs. Ed’s biggest edge over Troy is in the INT category. There is no one who will debate this fact.
Reason 3: Troy has done more in the clutch (i.e. The playoffs/Super Bowl): Everybody on this site knows what Troy has done in the playoffs and the Super Bowl (insert a comment about how he was only average in this past super bowl): However, Ed Reed is not usually the one making plays in the playoffs for the Ravens. In the past couple years I have watched a lot of Ravens playoff games and the people on D usually changing the game are Suggs, Ngata, and Lewis. I rarely see Ed Reed being the one to put the finishing blow on a team.
Counter Argument 2: Ed Reed does a better job forcing a QB to throw it to the other side. Most QB’s know to just avoid Ed Reed at all costs because of the INT chance. Yes there is a possibility of him missing and the QB getting a huge play. However, with Troy, some QBs can target him with pump fakes and hitch routes. While he normally stays with them, their are times he misses these and gets beat deep.
Reason 4: Troy Polamalu is a better tackler: I really don’t think anybody with a brain would argue this. I have never heard anybody question Troy’s tackling ability (insert comment about his one missed tackle vs. Ray Rice).
Reason 5: Troy has two times the amount of Super Bowls: Just threw this in their to rub it in your guys faces (insert comments about trolling and being a typical snobby Steelers fan.)
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on May 26, 2011 8:55 PM EDT reply actions
I could provide video evidence for each point
but I don’t feel like making a fan post
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on May 26, 2011 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
also, I think it is incredibly close between the two
If I was giving ratings, I would give Troy a 10.0 and Ed a 9.9
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
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by seton hall and steelers on May 26, 2011 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont think Troy p is even a smidge better than Ed Reed or that Ed Reed gives up a lot of big plays
can you provide your reasons why Troy is worse than Ed like I just did for the counter argument?
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
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by seton hall and steelers on May 26, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I never said Troy was worst than Ed Reed but I dont think he is better than Ed Reed even by just a little bit.
I think they could be even but overall Ed Reed has the edge when it comes to overall stats. Troy P just about was in all the games the Steelers played in but Ed Reed was out for about 6 weeks for The Ravens on the pup lists and came back leading the league in interceptions thats amazing to me.
Ed has better stats because he plays center field
I don’t get why that is hard to understand. Also, Troy was injured from Week 15 or so on and you could tell in his play. He was struggling throughout the post-season to make an impact because he was playing on a bum achiilles.
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on May 27, 2011 7:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t get why you guys keep arguing over who is better. This is an argument nobody is going to win because they both are the best at their positions. There’s stats and points you can make for both of them and the end the argument nobody’s minds are going to change. It’s best to just leave it at Ed is the best FS and Troy is the best SS.
this
I know this argument is pointless. But agree with seton that Ed does play center field which leads to the majority of his picks. But you can’t blame them for playing him like that because he is insanely good at it. He’ll have another stellar year and will go down as the best Free Safety to ever play the game, at least his numbers will bear that out. But to me Troy more versatile and excels at so many other areas than Ed does.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 27, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
actrally Ed Reed can do the same as Troy P. When Rex Ryan was the defensive coodinator
ED Reed was used every where on the defense
he didn't make the type of plays
that troy makes with all due respect.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 27, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Here comes the 2008 AFCCG interception and last year’s sack fumble. Hereeee it comes.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
lol nah its not coming
you’re right, Troy doesn’t make the type of plays Reed makes. I just think if he was playing center field like Reed does, he could. JMO.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 27, 2011 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Troy is a great player
but I don’t think there is a player in the league, offensive or defensive, with Ed’s instincts and ball skills. Ed Reed is a football genius.
Also, Troy was injured from Week 15 or so on and you could tell in his play. He was struggling throughout the post-season to make an impact because he was playing on a bum achiilles.
Well if it helps you, Reed has been playing with a pinched nerve in his neck for the last 3 years which MULTIPLE doctors have said he could basically drop dead if he hits the wrong way.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
scary
why would he still play, its not worth ya life man. I really hopes that never happens.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 27, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
He still loves the game.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Thank you. Ed missed the first SIX games last season, and still had a great year. He’s one of the best ever.
can't disagree with any of this
wow thats a first lol
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 27, 2011 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Great highlight video I just saw on youtube that addresses this. Some people say Reed doesn’t hit like Polamalu when people forget how big of a hitter Reed was before the injury. Great highlight film if you haven’t seen it and I haven’t verified the stats at the end, but they are pretty convincing if they hold up in favor of Reed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htfHf6vbUng&feature=related
its not about how hard he hits
I’m talking about the type of plays troy makes that NO ONE else makes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeFQGMzeLUk
If you go to 1:02, I’ve never seen anyone make Chris Johnson look like he running slow mo
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 27, 2011 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Ed makes those types of plays as well. I have never seen any defensive player who can run after the INT or fumble recovery the way Ed does. There isn’t a play Ed can’t make. He can give you the big hits, Int’s, FF, block field goals, Sack the QB, make tackles in the backfield, return punts, it doesn’t matter what it is Ed has done it so how can you say he doesn’t make the same type of plays? I’m once again not arguing who is better out of the two, but I don’t think you can say that one is better than the other because there’s evidence that proves both.
You also say Troy could make the same plays ed does from the FS spot and while I’m not doubting he could play it that’s just speculation. Ed has played both positions and has been as good as you can be at both, so I just don’t say how you can definitively say that Troy is better and Ed can’t do what Troy does when he has.
Its just my opinion
I watched your highlight tape and still haven’t seen anything to change my mind.
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 27, 2011 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
That highlight tape was just focused on his hitting. It’s definitely your opinion Troy is better, but you can’t say Ed can’t do the things Troy does when he clearly makes the same type of game changing plays. I know Ed hasn’t jumped over the line to sack the QB, but that doesn’t mean he can’t. Just like Polamalu has never intercepted a pass and ran it back for 108 yards. They both are two of the best game changers to ever play the game and Ed has proved he can do anything that Polamalu can.
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
:P
Reed can’t jump over the line to sack a QB. lol lets face it the only reason why i’m here is because my trip got postponed due to storms :(
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 27, 2011 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Troy can make more plays because you don’t know where he is: Every QB knows where Ed Reed will be on the field so they can gameplan to avoid him.
That isn’t true when he is healthy. We use him at pretty much every level of the defense. He plays run and blitz support as well, but he was hurt and we played conservative last year. So that point isn’t really valid.
Troy is better in coverage:
Ummm, no! Reed has the ability to play man to man as well as zone coverage as a safety should. That’s like saying because Troy misses tackles occasionally, Reed is better than him in run support. (btw, Troy has missed more than 1 tackle over the years against just us)
Troy has done more in the clutch
I don’t know how true that really is. No offense, but you don’t watch every Ravens game, so you really have no idea what Reed does in the clutch. Over his career, Ed has closed more games than any player I can think of. Between Special teams, and Defense…. no way in hell can you claim that Troy has done more in the clutch.
Troy has two times the amount of Super Bowls:
Touche! Thats just solid factual info right there. Hopefully Ed will be able to pull in closer this year when we win another trophy.
by Mstevens_Design on May 27, 2011 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I can do the same to you
Lets look at actual stats….
1) Total games played in – Reed (128) Troy (107)… even with the year difference, Reed sees the field more.
2) Total TDs – Reed (9) Troy (2)…. No where close right here. That’s what a closer does!
3) Forced Fumbles – Reed (10) Troy (8)….. This discounts your gamechanger argument.
4) Solo Tackles – Reed (411) Troy (393)…. This stat should be overwhelmingly in Troys favor as a player that plays the line much more.
5) Safeties – Reed (1) Troy (0)…. Again, since Reed doesn’t play the line that often, he shouldn’t have this stat won either. Just proving how versatile he is.
You see what I mean here. Its truly impossible to compare 2 different positions like this, but if you look at stats… Reed is the better player when it comes to making big plays consistently while still being phenomenal at shutting down plays. Troy doesnt have the flash that Ed does and thats just fact right there.
by Mstevens_Design on May 27, 2011 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Lol, you didn’t show the interception totals. That is the deciding factor in this argument.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
We all know Reed has more INTS
However, just for laughs….
6) INTS – Reed (52) Troy (27)…. Open and now shut case right there! :)
Troy has Ed on the hair though. That stuff is bouncy!
by Mstevens_Design on May 28, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
For some reason
Troys assisted tackles are in the 500s
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 27, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
HAHAHAHA…500s? I bet you have film of all those assisted tackles. Wow, someone puts up statistics that show Ed is the dominant player and you come back to assisted tackles??? Amazing…
well if you count each assisted tackle as .5 (which a lot of people do)
then those 500 assited are equal to 250 tackles which makes him almost 40% above Ed REed
My Seton Hall blog: http://thesetonhallblog.blogspot.com/
My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on May 27, 2011 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
hmmmm nope just accept the fact Ed Reed is better lol but overall you guys
are going to have your opinion on the matter and we going to have our opinion. no body going to win this debate but I personally feel that Ed Reed is way better than Troy P thats just how I feel i could be wrong but I doubt it.
I've watch both
and I know Ed has better stats because stats prove everything, but troy is a better player. Tony Romo has better ‘stats’ than Ben, but who would you rather have at QB?
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on May 27, 2011 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Romo : )
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
No, actually according to NFL.com…. Ed Reed has more tackles overall, but by a slim margin
by Mstevens_Design on May 28, 2011 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Made Up Minds
It’s a waste of time to argue with most Pitt fans… their minds are made up before the debate starts.
Nice. I always love the psychology aspect of debates.
by MrPoopyPants on May 29, 2011 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Why don't you all just drop your pants and compare penises and get it done with.
You all sound like a bunch of four year olds playing in the sand box. And you say I don’t have anything to contribute to this site.
yep you got us. Your football knowledge is far superior to ours and maybe one day we can get onto your level. Personally I think you should run the team with your genius ideas. Bulger= league MVP, undefeated season and Super Bowl.
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
This post has 200+ comments of great arguments made by both sides on why Troy or Ed are the better player. Comments like these that you write are the ones that don’t contribute anything.
You say this.
And you say I don’t have anything to contribute to this site.
Right after you said this.
Why don’t you all just drop your pants and compare penises and get it done with.
What does that contribute?
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
Now we are getting to namecalling!?
Dude, your an asshat. Shut up and go root for the Browns.
by Mstevens_Design on Jun 1, 2011 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
it appears he is taunting himself there
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
haha
I just hadn’t said “asshat” all day and needed to fit it in somewhere :)
by Mstevens_Design on Jun 1, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
"This post has 200+ comments of great arguments made by both sides on why Troy or Ed are the better player"
Yeah I thought this was a pretty good discussion. Most interesting thread in SBN in weeks in my opinion. The headline really pulls you in because it’s so idiotic (sapp’s words, not anyone here).
There really isn’t much to talk about these days so I don’t know why some people’s panties are in a bunch. Most likely due to the maturity level of a few posters. But I thought this was fun. Thanks for the hospitality malor.
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
agreed. This has been the roughest off-season because of the lockout and it’s great to engage in some real football talk that’s not related to the lockout.
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
Yeah
I have been very happy with the discussion here. Its nice to get some football related discussion and have a polite debate on a great subject.
I want to personally apologize for Shadow. I think we all view him as the little brother that likes to spout off at the mouth about stuff he doesnt understand just so he looks important. Just like in those instances, someone usually shoves him aside and he cries home to mom about it. So, I am really sorry for our little brother.
by Mstevens_Design on May 29, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
that's alright I like when ravens fans look dumb
but most of you didn’t
nothing worse than when I see a stupid comment from a Steelers fan. I don’t see too many though.
"I don't want to injure anybody," James Harrison said. "But I'm not opposed to hurting anybody."
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Yeah
I feel ya there. For the most part, both set of fans are pretty solid and well informed in general football knowledge. I don’t think any of us expect fans to know the differences between a Cover2 and a Tampa2 (though I think we both have more fans that know the more intimate stuff than most of the other teams out there), but just not to make any idiotic statements.
That all said…. The Steelers suck big, sweaty ones! :)
by Mstevens_Design on Jun 1, 2011 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm guessing you think that Bulger
is hung like a horse right? You seem to be in love with the guy, and thats all you ever want to talk about, so I guess lets bring him up in the conversation for you.
If you don’t like the thread, go somewhere else. Why must you get on these boards, post some stupid ass comment that has nothing to do with what we are talking about, then proceed to act all pissy when people bash you. Just shut the F up and stay away if you don’t like it.
by Mstevens_Design on May 29, 2011 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
The common arguement here is..
both Ravens and Steelers fans are going to rep their guy no matter what. Yes they both play different positions, but they are both the best at their respective positions in the game. Hands down. They both have different skill sets to make them the best. Reeds Int statistics are staggering and double that of Polamalu’s but its the type of Int’s that Polamalu makes that are insane. The one handed pick that was an inch off the ground, crazy. Polamalu is a force in the run game and blitzing the quarterback. Every ravens fan knows that from that fumble he caused on Flacco last season. He’s a great player and the position that he plays allows him to roam the field and “hide” from quarterbacks. But centerfield is where Reed plays, every quarterback knows it and he still puts up numbers, and makes game changing plays. He was on the PUP list and still finished the season leading the NFL in Int’s. His first game back he had 2 Ints, and a forced fumble against the bills. And if a steeler fan wants to say well it was the bills, well thank Steve Johnson for dropping a game winning TD. My point is their different types of players, ed is a smooth ball hawking FS, and Polamalu is a aggressive run stopping force. I despise the steelers, and polamalu but i have to give credit where credit it due. I still believe that Ed is a better Safety because he does what a FS is supposed to do. I also believe that Polamalu is a better SS.
You're right, he's the best EVER
Reed is great. I guess us Steeler fan base will just have to settle with a safety that not only gets mind blowing INTs and scores on them in critical games to get them into the playoffs (see Troy picking off Joe Cool) and jumps over the defensive line to get to the ‘star’ QB of the opposing team (see Troy leaping over the D-line to get his hands on Joe Cool) or laying down the tomahawk, causing a fumble and thus preventing a divsion rival from getting into the playoffs (see Troy schooling Joe Cool) then you are definitely much better off with the much better, ‘not even close’ (snicker) safety on your team.
Go Steelers!!!
"When he gained control of the ball, the ball was breaking the plane and he fell into the field of play."--referee Walt Coleman
Quit squakin' my little bitter black birds.
You are the worst type of commentator. You bring nothing productive to the discussion.
by MrPoopyPants on Jun 14, 2011 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions
That was the longest sentence I have ever read.
"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith
You really think he knows about punctuation or showers?
by Mstevens_Design on Jun 15, 2011 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont think Troy is better than Reed just about everything Troy has done has been already done by Reed
If you think Troy is better than Reed thats fine but overall its going to be people who are going to disagree with that statement and no body going to come out as the winner
Dudes, I can respect the whole Polumalu v. Reed debate but
to say that “it’s not even close”. B-me. That’s such bs I can’t even begin to listen to you even to be open to the concept. I mean c’mon…“not even close”!!?? You’re out of your head!
Go Steelers!!!
"When he gained control of the ball, the ball was breaking the plane and he fell into the field of play."--referee Walt Coleman
Quit squakin' my little bitter black birds.
If you would even read the first line of the story you would see it was Warren Sapp who made the statement not the author of the post. Before you come trolling you probably should read the whole story before making yourself look stupid.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
Are you going to add to the debate, or did you just come here to troll and promote your team?
by MrPoopyPants on Jun 14, 2011 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions

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