Self-critical Troy Polamalu knows he can play better

PITTSBURGH — Steelers five-time Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu rarely seems to have a bad game.

Sunday night's 20-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints was one of them.

Polamalu is blaming himself for the defeat, saying he didn't trust his own instincts to make plays he knows could have affected the outcome. He has done considerable critiquing of himself since then to avoid having a repeat performance Monday night against Cincinnati.

Polamalu doesn't believe he's having a poor season, saying the Steelers wouldn't be 5-2 if he were. But he realizes his statistics imply there's been a drop-off in his play since he twice injured his left knee last season, limiting him to three full games.