There's no way that accounts for the number of momentum changing moments that Polamalu had this year, which I'm not sure I can count on one hand. Sacks per se are overrated btw.
- In week one, keep in mind this is with Dennis Dixon at the wheel mind you, Matt Ryan has the ball late in the game, and the sense in the stadium, and really anybody watching the game following its momentum, simply senses the inevitability of the Falcons driving down the field to score at the end of regulation. Polamalu comes up with an athletic interception caused by his reading of Ryan's tendencies throughout the game and jumping his go-to route. Jeff Reed ends up missing the end-of-regulation field goal and the Steelers have to win on a 50 yard TD run by Mendenhall in OT, but nevertheless, that was most definitely a momentum changer.
- Week 2, following an opening drive kickoff return touchdown by Antonio Brown, the Steelers are able to do nothing at all on offense, while the Titans show promise to put together long drives. The first sign to the contrary is when Polamalu picks Young in the end zone in front of Kenny Britt I believe. The Titans aren't able to put together another attempt at anything like a "drive" again until late in the 4th quarter with the game already out of reach, and still nevertheless Polamalu decides to time the snap and tackle Kerry Collins at the very same instant he receives the ball by jumping over the line as the ball is snapped. Didn't really change anything, but still cool as shit.
- Week 12 in Buffalo, again late in regulation, Fitzpatrick is leading the Bills on a scoring drive in a tie game until Polamalu makes a diving interception within the 5 yard line, effectively forcing the game into overtime, which the Steelers later win.
- Week 13...well fuck. Ravens lead late in the 4th quarter. Polamalu comes off the (defensive) right edge, stunting with Harrison, for a strip sack on 2nd and 5. Woodley recovers and 3 plays later Isaac Redman scores the winning touchdown.
- Week 14, Polamalu picks off Carson Palmer to score the Steelers' first points of the day after trailing by a touchdown on a day in which the offense couldn't muster anything more than fiel goals. Of course he adds a bonus pick in the end zone near the end of the game.
