Quarterback
If Ben Roethlisberger throws one more lob up for grabs, look for him to be yanked for Tommy Maddox. OK, so Big Ben doesn’t have the arm of Peyton Manning yet, but he’s only in his second year. And besides, his poise and leadership more than make up for his Chad Pennington-like throws.
Linebackers
How did Lofa Tatupu fall to the second round of the 2005 draft? If Tatupu stayed at USC, Vince Young wouldn’t have been the Rose Bowl MVP and Seattle wouldn’t be playing in the Super Bowl. The Seahawks’ linebacker can make plays all over the field and Roethlisberger must know where he is at all times.
Quarterback
Does Matt or Tim Hasselbeck lead this team? Matt was the league’s top-rated passer on the league’s most efficient West Coast offense, and he still goes unrecognized. If he reads the blitz better than the quarterbacks who have fallen before him, that will all change Sunday.
Linebackers
The key to this game will be whether Joey Porter and Clark Haggans are forced to stay in coverage or are able to blitz from every angle. If Larry Foote and James Farrior can get to the ball, Porter and Haggans will have the opportunity to put Seattle in third and long situations.
Running Game
Ryan Seacrest could probably run behind Dan Kreider, Jeff Hartings and Alan Faneca. Throw 275-pound Jerome Bettis into the backfield and the Steelers’ running game becomes very difficult to stop. Pittsburgh’s biggest concern is that Willie Parker has yet to top 60 yards in the playoffs.
Defensive Line
Everyone has talked about how Seattle’s front seven are undersized, but free agent Rocky Bernard has quietly recorded 8.5 sacks and 52 tackles this season. The Seahawks’ top tackle must control the right side with defensive end Grant Wistrom if the defense has any chance in this battle.
Running Game
Let’s just say Shaun Alexander has recovered from his concussion. The NFL’s MVP had a season-high 34 rushing attempts against Carolina for 132 yards and two scores. And while Alexander gets most of the credit, all-pro blockers Mack Strong, Walter Jones, Steve Hutchinson and Robbie Tobeck are to thank.
Defensive Line
The Steelers have given up just one 100-yard rusher this season and of course, lost the game. Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton and Kimo von Oelhoffen will have their hands full on Sunday, but they should be confident after dominating Tom Nalen’s underappreciated line in Denver.
Wide Receivers
No matter how hard Hines Ward gets hit, he usually gets up faster than the tackler… and with a smile. Ward rarely drops passes, is the best blocker at his position and demands double coverage. Tight end Heath Miller is a big target with soft hands and Antwaan Randle El always has trick play capability.
Defensive Backs
Michael Boulware, Marquand Manuel, Marcus Trufant and Andre Dyson may have combined for the league’s 25th-ranked pass defense but Seattle’s secondary put Steve Smith on lockdown in the NFC Championship (four of his five catches came with the Panthers down by at least 17).
Wide Receivers
Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram are the most underrated one-two punch in the league (Jackson would have recorded his third straight 1,000-yard season if it wasn’t for a knee injury). Don’t forget, Jerramy Stevens was a first-round pick four years ago and Joe Jurevicius caught 10 TDs this season.
Defensive Backs
Safety Troy Polamalu is as dangerous a play maker as they come, but the Steelers often pay for his aggressiveness. If he overcommits on defense, the corners will have no chance of keeping up with D.J. Hackett or Peter Warrick in man-to-man coverage downfield.
Prediction: Pittsburgh has peaked at the right time and has won the last three on the road in the underdog position. Seattle isn’t content with just being here but the Steelers’ 26-year title drought ends at Super Bowl XL. The Pick: Pittsburgh over Seattle 30-28 — Jeff Reed comes through once again.