What to Expect From the Steelers Secondary After This Year

(Photo by Thomas E. Witte/Getty Images)

I remember a time when the Steelers secondary was the weakest unit on the team. 

Chad Scott, Dwayne Washington, Lee Flowers.  I am so glad that those days are long gone.

The Steelers secondary has developed into one of the best in football.  Last year, Pittsburgh ranked No. 1 against the pass.

But, Steelers corners and safeties are not simply asked to cover the pass.  They also help in the run department, which by the way, ranked second in the league last year.

So, what is the state of the Steelers secondary after this year?  Things are looking bright!

Troy Polamalu, Strong Safety

Polamalu is a monster in every aspect of his game and is changing the way the safety position is played.  Defending against the run or pass makes no difference to him.  Wherever the play is at is normally where you will find him.

Known around the league as Taz, because of the reckless abandon he plays with, you can be certain that if there is a play that needs to be made, Polamlu will make it.

I know it is hard to say at the age of 28, but he is destined for the Hall of Fame. 

Ryan Clark, Free Safety

Clark came to the Steelers as an unrestricetd free agent from the Washington Redskins in 2006.  Few people thought that Clark was going to be more than a back up.  I, for one, thought he would be more of a dime player.

Over the last two seasons, Clark has been changed into a head hunter.  Against the Patriots last year, he knocked Wes Welker out of the game with a devistating hit.  Then in the AFC Championship game against the Ravens he did the same to Willis McGahee.

The rumor mill currently says that the Steelers are in negotiations with Clark about an extension.  Hopefully he can get it and stay healthy enough to play into the future.

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