PITTSBURGH — Many things went the Steelers’ way in their 17-6 win Sunday over the New York Jets that they shouldn’t rely on happening in the future.

n They shouldn’t expect their opponents to commit 12 penalties in the first half, as the Jets did Sunday.

n They can’t count on a Chris Gardocki punt to roll down the sideline like a bunt along the third-base line, then watch it die at the opponent’s 4-yard line, a feat he accomplished in the third quarter.

n And they’d better not bet the farm on running back Jerome Bettis throwing for too many touchdown passes, as he did in the fourth quarter.

But it’s becoming more clear with each passing game that safety Troy Polamalu is a lock to make a big play and many tackles for the Steelers’ defense each week.

The former Southern Cal star made another prime-time play in the first quarter Sunday when a short Gardocki punt allowed the Jets to set up shop at their own 47-yard line.

Polamalu closed that shop abruptly a play later when he picked off a Chad Pennington pass and carried it 22 yards to the New York 38, setting up a field goal and a 3-0 lead for Pittsburgh.

Polamalu retained the team lead with five interceptions and added nine tackles to his second-place ranking Sunday, giving him 85 for the season, including 58 solos.

The hard-hitting but soft-spoken Polamalu downplayed his effort, saying preparation the week before gave him an edge.

“I was just in the right place at the right time,” he said. “I think that’s the best thing about the team and the concept that coach (Bill) Cowher has been teaching and (defensive coordinator Dick) LeBeau and the position coaches.”

Cowher, however, is highly impressed with Polamalu’s contribution and was quite generous with his praise of the safety in his second season in the NFL.

“Troy Polamalu, in my mind, is the best safety in the game today,” he said. “I’ll go on record as saying that.

“The things you ask him to do and the production he has and what he does week in and week out, I wouldn’t want any other guy,’ he added.

When told of Cowher’s assessment of him, the 5-foot-10, 212-pound tough guy seemed to be a bit embarrassed, but pleased nonetheless.

“I highly doubt that. I have a lot of work to do,” he said. “It’s definitely a blessing to hear that statement from him, considering the things I’ve been through in my past.”

Polamalu had the bar raised high for him before he ever stepped on the field for the Steelers. The organization traded up in the first round of the 2003 draft for the first time in its history when it shipped three draft picks to Kansas City for the right to select him.

There was some skepticism about paying such a price for a safety, and Polamalu’s play during his rookie season fed such doubts. He often tempered good plays with mistakes, such as the Nov. 23, 2003, game at Cleveland, when he made four tackles, but committed three penalties.

Despite his struggles, it was apparent Polamalu had the potential to live up to his status as a No. 1 pick. He just needed someone to unlock that potential.

Enter LeBeau, whose return brought about a rebirth of the tough, smart defense Pittsburgh played during his earlier tenure with the team. It also has allowed Polamalu to thrive and to develop into a top-flight safety.

The play that highlighted his improvement came in Week 4 at home against Cincinnati. The Steelers held only a 21-14 lead late in the fourth quarter, but Polamalu ended all doubt when he intercepted former USC teammate Carson Palmer, then zigged and zagged his way to the goal line before bowling over Palmer for a 26-yard touchdown to secure the 28-12 victory.

It’s been one improvement after another for Polamalu since then. But he takes the same outlook about his personal progress as the team has about its 11-game winning streak.

When asked if he’ll get even better as the weeks go by, he said, “We’ll find out (Saturday) against the New York Giants.”