Throughout history, the Steelers have had several legendary interceptions, in credit to their historic defenses over the years. James Harrison's 100-yard pick-six against the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII is the first one that comes to mind for many. The play came as time expired in the first half, putting the Steelers up 17-7. It presented a massive swing in momentum heading into halftime, as the Cardinals were at the Steelers' one-yard line before the play.
Good Morning Football's Will Selva, a regular morning show on NFL Network, recognized Harrison's play in his personal list of the five best interceptions in NFL history. In fact, that moment was rated as the best interception ever by Selva. There was one other Steelers moment that made the top-five, taking place in the same season.
.@WillSelvaTV made a list of his top 5 INTs of all-time. pic.twitter.com/pep7AbQtj3
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) June 29, 2022
Which interception from Steelers legend Troy Polamalu should make the list?
Seeing the name Troy Polamalu instantly makes you think of his pick-six against the Ravens in the 2008 AFC Championship. That play is what in fact got the Steelers to SB XLIII, where Harrison made his respective play. Beggars can't be choosers though, and it's impressive to have two of the top-three interceptions ever (at least in the mind of a well-respected Selva).
You may now be wondering just what that Troy Polamalu play was in Week 11 of the 2008 season that earned him the No. 3 spot on this list. Well, it was his one-handed interception in the snow that took place within the first few minutes against the Chargers. One could argue this is the best one just based off how impressive it was. With that being said, you have to consider the timeliness of these interceptions and how crucial they were to the game.
Troy Polamalu makes the one handed interception / Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Harrison's pick-six was a game-changer heading into halftime of the most prestigious game, the Super Bowl. Likewise, Malcolm Butler's shocking INT in SB XLIX against the Seahawks clinched the game for the Patriots. This is why Polamalu's play against the Ravens is a better candidate, as it put the Steelers up two possessions with just over four minutes left in the game.
Selva rounded out the list with Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie's one-handed interception, similar yet different to Polamalu's, in Week 10 of the 2007 season at No. 4. Now this one wasn't in the postseason or anything, but it was on Sunday Night Football against Peyton Manning and the Colts. His interception was Odell-like, as he made a full extension with one hand while falling backward. Eric Allen's pick-six in the 1993 regular season rounded out the top-five.
Do you guys think there are any missing INTs from this list? Did Selva do a good job in making this list? Would you put Polamalu's other INT over his one against the Chargers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and what you think are the five best interceptions ever!
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