Bob Sanders is a beast...there is no doubt there. However, I think the question was who would you pick for your team. If you're looking for a couple years of production and don't mind the guy not making it to a few of the games due to injury...Sanders is your man. On the other hand, Ed and Troy are two very consistent players. While they are both safeties, they play completely different "positions." I think Ed has proven himself to be a monster in the middle. He grabs almost everything in sight. Now, I'm a Steeler fan so this may be a little bias, but I think Troy is the guy you want. If you needed him to play the centerfield like Ed, not a problem. I think he has every bit of the football smarts and athleticism to put up comparable numbers. I don't think Ed would be as productive if he was put in the positions that Troy plays every game. What LeBeau lets him do is a testament to how good this guy is. LeBeau gives his players assignments and makes them stick to them. That's why the D works so well (OK I guess they have a few capable players as well). Never has a player in Pittsburgh's D been given that much free reign. He makes the big plays in neerly every game in every way possible.

If you are going to build a team, starting with a safety and not knowing who you could get to fit in around him, Troy would be the pick.

Bob Sanders is definetly worthy of comparision too Troy and Ed.Each of these safties play the game their own way, and each seems too be in on every tackle possible.

bob sanders is the best safety in football when he is healthy without a doubt

Well said Mike. I'm just glad as a Steeler's fan that we ave Polamalu....but imagine if we had Reed too. That would be insanely awesome.

I tend to view this argument usually colored by Steeler Black n' Gold, but here's the way I think it breaks down: Reed is the better pure safety, and Polamalu is the better all-around player. Reed is a center fielder, and his nose for the ball will earn him enshrinement in the HOF. But you don't see him play all the different, crazy positions that Troy does - sometimes an extra LB, sometimes playing center field himself. It doesn't matter too much in the grand scheme because both players must be accounted for on every play, and even when they are checked, they can still make the big, game-changing play. Good discussion!