SUPER BOWL XL PREVIEW

Seattle Seahawks (15-3) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-5)

Sunday, February 5

Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
5:30 PM CT
ABC/Global

Ajitpaul Mangat

OVERVIEW

In Super Bowl XL the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers will battle for the Vince Lombardi Trophy in a match-up no one predicted before the 2005 NFL season began. The Seahawks and Steelers reached this point by way of seasons about as different as two teams can have.

The Seahawks had an easy regular season, dominating the National Football Conference (NFC). They compiled an impressive, NFC-best record of 13-3 and finished with a league-leading 452 points scored. The Seahawks were met with good fortune in the playoffs, as they had to face the NFC’s two lowest-ranked playoff teams in the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers. They dominated those teams, outscoring them 54-24 and outgaining them 727-501; especially impressive was the fact they held each team to under 60 yards rushing. The Seahawks have unquestionably been the NFL’s most consistent team this season.

The Steelers’ season was a much rockier one, as the team started off unimpressively, compiling a 7-5 record. However, with better quarterback play and a much-improved defence, the Steelers got on a roll, reeling off four wins in a row to end the season. In the playoffs the Steelers defeated the top-three seeded teams from the American Football Conference (AFC) on the road to reach the Super Bowl in one of the most difficult trio of games any team has faced in NFL playoff history. The Steelers played very well in each game but were aided by a lot of good fortune — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback (QB) Carson Palmer’s injury, Indianapolis Colts kicker (K) Mike Vanderjat’s field goal miss, and not having to face the New England Patriots, a team that beat them in both the 2001 and 2004 AFC Championship games. These events have lead many people to proclaim this year’s Steelers squad a team of destiny.

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN

Quarterback: Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck’s experience gives him the edge over Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Edge: Seahawks

Running Back: Seahawks running back (RB) Shaun Alexander was the regular season MVP and put to rest any doubts about his health and toughness in the NFC Championship.

Edge: Seahawks

Wide Receiver: Steelers wide receiver (WR) Hines Ward and rookie tight end (TE) Heath Miller are underrated players who cause matchup problems for opposing defences.

Edge: Steelers

Offensive Line: The Seahawks have All-Stars offensive tackle (OT) Walter Jones and offensive guard (OG) Steve Hutchinson, and the NFL’s best overall offensive line.

Edge: Seahawks

Defensive Line: The Seahawks have the league’s best pass rush, 52 sacks, due in larger part to their defensive line.

Edge: Seahawks

Linebackers: Outside linebackers (OLB) Joey Porter and inside linebacker (ILB) James Farrior are two of the best at their respective positions.

Edge: Steelers

Secondary: Strong safety (SS) Troy Polamalu has been the Steelers’ MVP thus far in the playoffs. Free safety (FS) Marquand Manuel is weak in coverage and will be attacked by the Steelers.

Edge: Steelers

Special Teams: Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El is a dangerous returner, which could expose the Seahawks’ weak cover units.

Edge: Steelers

Coaching: Steelers coach Bill Cowher has never won a Super Bowl but consistently fields Super Bowl contenders. Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren won a Super Bowl in 1996 with the Green Bay Packers but has not had much success since.

Edge: Even

SCOUTING REPORT

When the Seahawks have the ball

Running: The Seahawks’ offence is built around Alexander. Alexander is a great runner who can gain tough yards on short yardage and run away from defenders for big gains. Alexander is lead by full back (FB) Mack Strong, one of the league’s best-run blockers, and an offensive line that dominates its opposition. It will be important for Strong to block Farrior and Polamalu, who are both strong run defenders. If Strong can do this, it will allow Alexander to reach the second level of the defence (secondary), where he will have an advantage over the small Steelers cornerbacks. Alexander loves to cutback on runs, which is how he gets most of his yards. Therefore, it will be important for the Steelers defensive line, especially defensive tackle (DT) Casey Hampton, to stay in their lanes and for the Steelers’ linebackers not to overpursue.

Key Matchup: Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander vs. Steelers LB James Farrior

Passing: Hasselbeck has developed into one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league and the Seahawks’ receivers have played well; the best is WR Darrel Jackson (he is averaging over seven receptions and one touchdown per game in the playoffs). However, in order for the Seahawks passing game to be effective, their running game has to be successful. A successful running game compacts defences, which allows for big pass plays, especially off of play-actions and audibles, two areas Hasselbeck has mastered. The Steelers will try to disrupt the Seahawks’ passing game via the blitz. There are few blitzers in the league more disruptive than Porter. If the Seahawks’ offensive line can handle the blitz, this will open up the passing game as it will leave the Steelers suspect cornerbacks one-on-one with the tall Seahawks receivers. It will be up to Polamalu and FS Chris Hope to help the cornerbacks and lessen the Seahawks’ advantage. Look for TE Jerramy Stevens to play well and catch a touchdown.

Key Matchup: Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck vs. Steelers SS Troy Polamalu

When the Steelers have the ball

Running: The history of the Steelers franchise has been to run first and pass second; this year, and especially in the playoffs, that philosophy has changed. The Steelers have been passing first to set-up the run. This will likely continue in the Super Bowl as the Seahawks have been playing outstanding run defence. The Steelers use two running backs, RB Willie Parker as a long yardage runner and RB Jerome Bettis as a short yardage and goal line runner. Parker does most of his damage off outside runs and screen-plays. These are difficult to run against the Seahawks because their defensive ends are very technically sound in terms of gap responsibility and their linebackers are very fast. Middle linebacker (MLB) Lofa Tatupu, although a rookie, has played beyond his years and will be key against both running backs; against Bettis he will have to clog the running lanes and against Parker he will have to recognize screens and make tackles.

Key Matchup: Steelers RBs Willie Parker/Jerome Bettis vs. Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu

Passing: Roethlisberger has elevated himself from a quarterback who does not lose games to a player who can be a difference-maker. A player for the Steelers who has really aided Roethlisberger’s development this year is Miller. Miller is a sure-handed and athletic tight end who causes matchup problems for opposing linebackers and safeties. The Seahawks have at their disposal the league’s best pass rush. The Steelers counter with an offensive line that has been protecting well as of late but had its share of troubles throughout the season. It will be important for the Steelers’ offensive line to give their quarterback time, because the Seahawks secondary is banged up; starting FS Ken Hamlin will not play. Look for the Steelers to attack the Seahawks with three and four wide receiver packages to take advantage of this situation.

Key Matchup: Steelers WR Cedrick Wilson vs. Seahawks CB Andre Dyson

BOTTOM LINE

This should be a competitive game as the two teams are evenly matched. Look for the Seahawks to first establish the run and then attack the Steelers cornerbacks, who often get beat on play-actions and double moves. The Steelers will first establish their passing game with passes down the middle of the field and screens, and complement this with draws and inside runs. The two keys to this game will be pass protection and special teams. Look for the Seahawks to do a better job of pass protection as they have the stronger offensive line. Since this game will be close, winning the field position battle via kick and punt returns will be vital. The Steelers should have the advantage here as the Seahawks’ cover units have been suspect throughout the year. In the end, look for the Seahawks to make more big plays, which will allow them to pull away in the fourth quarter.

Prediction

Seahawks 27, Steelers 20





Volume 93 • Issue 20	The Official University of Manitoba Students' Newspaper Website	February 1, 2006

Home About Us Advertise Contact Staff Current Issue PDF Employment Letters to the Editor Meet the Staff Online Archives Personals Volunteer	Font Size Respond Email Print-Friendly SUPER BOWL XL PREVIEW Seattle Seahawks (15-3) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-5) Sunday, February 5 Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan 5:30 PM CT ABC/Global Ajitpaul Mangat OVERVIEW In Super Bowl XL the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers will battle for the Vince Lombardi Trophy in a match-up no one predicted before the 2005 NFL season began. The Seahawks and Steelers reached this point by way of seasons about as different as two teams can have. The Seahawks had an easy regular season, dominating the National Football Conference (NFC). They compiled an impressive, NFC-best record of 13-3 and finished with a league-leading 452 points scored. The Seahawks were met with good fortune in the playoffs, as they had to face the NFC’s two lowest-ranked playoff teams in the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers. They dominated those teams, outscoring them 54-24 and outgaining them 727-501; especially impressive was the fact they held each team to under 60 yards rushing. The Seahawks have unquestionably been the NFL’s most consistent team this season. The Steelers’ season was a much rockier one, as the team started off unimpressively, compiling a 7-5 record. However, with better quarterback play and a much-improved defence, the Steelers got on a roll, reeling off four wins in a row to end the season. In the playoffs the Steelers defeated the top-three seeded teams from the American Football Conference (AFC) on the road to reach the Super Bowl in one of the most difficult trio of games any team has faced in NFL playoff history. The Steelers played very well in each game but were aided by a lot of good fortune — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback (QB) Carson Palmer’s injury, Indianapolis Colts kicker (K) Mike Vanderjat’s field goal miss, and not having to face the New England Patriots, a team that beat them in both the 2001 and 2004 AFC Championship games. These events have lead many people to proclaim this year’s Steelers squad a team of destiny. POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN Quarterback: Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck’s experience gives him the edge over Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Edge: Seahawks Running Back: Seahawks running back (RB) Shaun Alexander was the regular season MVP and put to rest any doubts about his health and toughness in the NFC Championship. Edge: Seahawks Wide Receiver: Steelers wide receiver (WR) Hines Ward and rookie tight end (TE) Heath Miller are underrated players who cause matchup problems for opposing defences. Edge: Steelers Offensive Line: The Seahawks have All-Stars offensive tackle (OT) Walter Jones and offensive guard (OG) Steve Hutchinson, and the NFL’s best overall offensive line. Edge: Seahawks Defensive Line: The Seahawks have the league’s best pass rush, 52 sacks, due in larger part to their defensive line. Edge: Seahawks Linebackers: Outside linebackers (OLB) Joey Porter and inside linebacker (ILB) James Farrior are two of the best at their respective positions. Edge: Steelers Secondary: Strong safety (SS) Troy Polamalu has been the Steelers’ MVP thus far in the playoffs. Free safety (FS) Marquand Manuel is weak in coverage and will be attacked by the Steelers. Edge: Steelers Special Teams: Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El is a dangerous returner, which could expose the Seahawks’ weak cover units. Edge: Steelers Coaching: Steelers coach Bill Cowher has never won a Super Bowl but consistently fields Super Bowl contenders. Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren won a Super Bowl in 1996 with the Green Bay Packers but has not had much success since. Edge: Even SCOUTING REPORT When the Seahawks have the ball Running: The Seahawks’ offence is built around Alexander. Alexander is a great runner who can gain tough yards on short yardage and run away from defenders for big gains. Alexander is lead by full back (FB) Mack Strong, one of the league’s best-run blockers, and an offensive line that dominates its opposition. It will be important for Strong to block Farrior and Polamalu, who are both strong run defenders. If Strong can do this, it will allow Alexander to reach the second level of the defence (secondary), where he will have an advantage over the small Steelers cornerbacks. Alexander loves to cutback on runs, which is how he gets most of his yards. Therefore, it will be important for the Steelers defensive line, especially defensive tackle (DT) Casey Hampton, to stay in their lanes and for the Steelers’ linebackers not to overpursue. Key Matchup: Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander vs. Steelers LB James Farrior Passing: Hasselbeck has developed into one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league and the Seahawks’ receivers have played well; the best is WR Darrel Jackson (he is averaging over seven receptions and one touchdown per game in the playoffs). However, in order for the Seahawks passing game to be effective, their running game has to be successful. A successful running game compacts defences, which allows for big pass plays, especially off of play-actions and audibles, two areas Hasselbeck has mastered. The Steelers will try to disrupt the Seahawks’ passing game via the blitz. There are few blitzers in the league more disruptive than Porter. If the Seahawks’ offensive line can handle the blitz, this will open up the passing game as it will leave the Steelers suspect cornerbacks one-on-one with the tall Seahawks receivers. It will be up to Polamalu and FS Chris Hope to help the cornerbacks and lessen the Seahawks’ advantage. Look for TE Jerramy Stevens to play well and catch a touchdown. Key Matchup: Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck vs. Steelers SS Troy Polamalu When the Steelers have the ball Running: The history of the Steelers franchise has been to run first and pass second; this year, and especially in the playoffs, that philosophy has changed. The Steelers have been passing first to set-up the run. This will likely continue in the Super Bowl as the Seahawks have been playing outstanding run defence. The Steelers use two running backs, RB Willie Parker as a long yardage runner and RB Jerome Bettis as a short yardage and goal line runner. Parker does most of his damage off outside runs and screen-plays. These are difficult to run against the Seahawks because their defensive ends are very technically sound in terms of gap responsibility and their linebackers are very fast. Middle linebacker (MLB) Lofa Tatupu, although a rookie, has played beyond his years and will be key against both running backs; against Bettis he will have to clog the running lanes and against Parker he will have to recognize screens and make tackles. Key Matchup: Steelers RBs Willie Parker/Jerome Bettis vs. Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu Passing: Roethlisberger has elevated himself from a quarterback who does not lose games to a player who can be a difference-maker. A player for the Steelers who has really aided Roethlisberger’s development this year is Miller. Miller is a sure-handed and athletic tight end who causes matchup problems for opposing linebackers and safeties. The Seahawks have at their disposal the league’s best pass rush. The Steelers counter with an offensive line that has been protecting well as of late but had its share of troubles throughout the season. It will be important for the Steelers’ offensive line to give their quarterback time, because the Seahawks secondary is banged up; starting FS Ken Hamlin will not play. Look for the Steelers to attack the Seahawks with three and four wide receiver packages to take advantage of this situation. Key Matchup: Steelers WR Cedrick Wilson vs. Seahawks CB Andre Dyson BOTTOM LINE This should be a competitive game as the two teams are evenly matched. Look for the Seahawks to first establish the run and then attack the Steelers cornerbacks, who often get beat on play-actions and double moves. The Steelers will first establish their passing game with passes down the middle of the field and screens, and complement this with draws and inside runs. The two keys to this game will be pass protection and special teams. Look for the Seahawks to do a better job of pass protection as they have the stronger offensive line. Since this game will be close, winning the field position battle via kick and punt returns will be vital. The Steelers should have the advantage here as the Seahawks’ cover units have been suspect throughout the year. In the end, look for the Seahawks to make more big plays, which will allow them to pull away in the fourth quarter. Prediction Seahawks 27, Steelers 20


Terms of Use \| Member of the CUP \| RSS Newsfeeds © Copyright 2006 The Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation