24 - 40

(Dec 21, 2003 · Week 16)

As analysts dissected Troy Polamalu’s diverse repertoire and fit in Pittsburgh during the 2003 NFL Draft, only a half-minute was required before they settled on one inevitable word: “instincts.” Giving San Diego’s star quarterback less time than that, Polamalu — defensive end-like in his alignment — charged the backfield purposefully, ultimately finding his persistence paid through a strip sack. The NFL’s ultimate “trust-your-gut” player if there ever were one, Polamalu’s turnover-forcing play became a difficult one for the Chargers to stomach, as the Steelers’ offense parlayed it into a touchdown two plays later. Merely setting his career’s tempo, Polamalu recorded three tackles, one strip sack, and one pass defended in Dec. 21, 2003’s 40-24 win.

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