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BOth are world class but the "value" or "impact" of Polamalu is higher in my opinion. When Troy is on the field it is a different defense, similar to when Lewis is playing for the Ravens. Ed Reed does not dictate the play of the Ravens Defense--Lewis does. If you could fantasy league a Safety I would take Polamalu.

BG is it allowed to start a thought provoking football thread here in the summer-no player agreement-doldrums?

Ed Reed is the better pass defender and is one hell of a ball hawk.

Troy is more like a linebacker / safety. He can stop the run and protect the pass.

50/50 IMO

I think Polamalu is better for two key reasons. First, I think Troy is a better all around athlete and football player then Ed Reed. Polamalu can do anything, he gets sacks, he stops the runner in the back field for a loss, he picks off passes ... You usually only see Ed Reed out there picking off passes and causing incompleteions ... which is great, don't get me wrong! But I think Polamalu has a better skill set, even if Reed is a better pass defender.
The second thing is the one that really sells me, I guess they call it the Polamalu effect. When Troy's on the field, the Steelers win. When he's not on the field they lose. In fact, all the stats for the defense fall dramatically when Troy's not on the field. Without Troy, I don't know how good the Steelers defense would be, but without Ed Reed, I think the Ravens defense would be okay. For those two reasons I give Troy the edge, but it's a very small edge.

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Originally posted by

These chaps are good players but David Beckham is the greatest athlete in the world.

This thread is about two of the best safeties in the NFL and you talk about a soccer player. Did you drink too much ale at your local pub?

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Originally posted by

These chaps are good players but David Beckham is the greatest athlete in the world.

You mean David Beckham is the second greatest athlete in the world after Charles Woodson.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 12:08 PM ET  07.06 by +45 yr Cowboy Fan

BOth are world class but the "value" or "impact" of Polamalu is higher in my opinion. When Troy is on the field it is a different defense, similar to when Lewis is playing for the Ravens. Ed Reed does not dictate the play of the Ravens Defense--Lewis does. If you could fantasy league a Safety I would take Polamalu.BG is it allowed to start a thought provoking football thread here in the summer-no player agreement-doldrums?

I think it is close to being over, so we will try the football teaser...

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 12:18 PM ET  07.06 by Unknown Comic

Zup DueceWe disagree on this one. I'm not saying Reed is bad at all - he's still pretty good and was amazing when he was healthy and younger - but those are two things he isn't anymore.When the Steelers and Ravens have gone head to head lately, I think Troy has had the upper hand but we're also talking about an unfair comparison vs an older Ed Reed in the twilight of his career.Troy having to play all the time regardless of injury or severity (because everybody else in our secondary is mediocre at best) will likely mean that he won't have as long of a career as Reed will have when it's all said and done. I'm not a doctor and I don't play one on TV but I'd say his injuries and having no choice but to play through them has already taken 2 to 3 years off Polamalu's career.Although I'll have to take Troy right NOW, it's damn close between the two of them. And for those who pick Reed, I'm fine with it. I really don't have a problem with Troy finishing behind a guy as good as that and who will have a career as distinguished as that.As a side note, Ed Reed also gets props for being an all-around classy guy. He doesn't take cheap shots on the field and doesn't shoot his mouth off before, during and after games like some of the other players he's been surrounded by on that team over the years - he just plays football and goes home.

I understand your point of view, but the stats are very lopsided...but Polamula is a big play maker and a chance taker...

Per Dion Sanders words, "He was eaten alive in the Super Bowl"...I thought that was kind of harsh...but these two safeties are so close, you could not be disappointed with either, if you were lucky enough to have a safety that good in your secondary.

Both players are great, but keep in mind, football is the ultimate team sport. Neither player would be as effective without the pressure both teams front 7 put on the QB.
They both found themselves in a great situation be ing drafted where they ended up.

My top two NFL all time safeties are Ronnie Lott & Willie Wood

My top two NFL all time corners are Mel Blount & Herb Adderly

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Originally posted by

Old#4 is right in picking Herb Adderly along with Mel blount. Rod Woodson was a very good CB but not in the same echelon has those two. I think you're too much of a homer.

Rod Woodson, all day long...